The camera looks and feels as good as the Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F that I purchased in 1969 when I un-boxed that one. Haven't had a roll developed yet but I expect the negatives to come out fine, providing I haven't forgotten how to use the fully mechanical relic. ;-)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
In 1985 I got my first SLR camera, a Canon AE1. Since then I have had several cameras, Canon F1 New, Nikons, Minoltas, etc. Always the best Equipment. My pictures did not qualify better than medium, perhaps. After 25 years I became interested i cameras again, and these days auction sites like ebay is the Place to get some gear. The internet is also a great place to learn from others. It is not the camera quality Pictures depend on, bt the photographer. The Pentax Spotmatic is one of the greatest photography Learning tool one can get. It is very dependable, easy to adjust settngs, and the shutter is most silent and comfortable. Film photography is easy to learn, you can use the sunny 16 rule as a starting point. The lightmeter in the Pentax Sptmatic will also help you to adjust settings. A note about battery, the old Mercury btteries are not in sale. In my Spotmatic I use hearing aid battery of Zink air type Panasonic PR312 (PR41), as this battery will fit nicely. Other hearing batteries are to large and the battery cover will not fit. The Super Takumar is a very Sharp lens, even if it is an oldtimer. A good camera like the Pentax Spotmatic and a high quality Takumar glass, some Learning, and you will take Professional photographs. Photography is all about composition and light, this is the key to create stunning images,not the gear. Images are not good because the are snapped With $1000 glass. Of course in the hands of the skilled photographer, any camera will do. Today I take a lot of better photographs than25 years ago, it is all about Learning and not gear. I am not a review man, but I had to Write some notes about this purchase from ebay.Read full review
Pentax spotmatic ......where to begin? I used these cameras in the 60s, I had at least two of them most of the time. One with a wideangle lens one with a longer lens. In the day I had optics ranging from 20mm on up to 200mm. I rarely used zooms, and made prints as large as 16X20 from these cameras. When I went professional in the 70s I went medium format and let my spotmatics go. Gave a few to family members in photography classes and stuff like that. Most of my lenses were sol or traded. That 20mm was kinda rare, it brought the most money by far. Well not that I have stopped shooting professionally I saw this spotmatic on E-bay cheap. Picked it up, looks new, works great, These are perfect cameras, they were small in the day. Meters are pretty close even for slide film. The optics are great, easy to change. I can think of no drawbacks, they have stopdown metering. Which means the lens stops down to the fstop when you meter, that allows you to see real depth of field of the photo. So say this is a drawback, it never was for me. Over all most of these cameras were produced in the 60s, so expect minor age related problems.......but the one I got has no problems at all I can find except a stickey self timer. Great camera, great optics, if you use the pentax optics on it, but there are tons of other screw mount optics out there.Read full review
If you're a fan of old-fashioned film photography where you're in total control, a fine camera - durable, fast shutter action and good quality. One of the few cameras to use screw-mount lenses, which can be good or bad -- if you have several already (as I did), it's a real find, and the rarity of screw-mount cameras makes these lenses often less expensive. But, if looking to use lenses from other companies, can be harder. Still, a great camera for folks looking to learn photography, or who simply want a camera that lets you do the thinking rather than the machine!
I'm very pleased with the product. I managed to find a battery and was please to see that the meter reacted properly and gave me a usable shutter speed. I can't wait to drive a roll of film through it and see the results. I'm a collector more than a user but at some point, I've used almost all my old cameras just to put them through their paces and I fully expect this one will behave most satisfactorily.
Verified purchase: Yes
This camera is built like a tank, and is insanely sturdy. If you can get one in good shape, and give it a CLA (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment) it will work for many years to come. The Super Takumar lenses are legendary, and for very good reason, they deliver exceptional image quality, are made of all metal, and should withstand a nuclear blast. There are a few downsides though. For example, the light meter requires a battery that is no longer made, which can be problematic; alternatives exist, but without the specified batter the light meter will never work 100% the way that it was intended. Overall, I would recommend the Spotmatic to anyone looking for an honest all mechanical camera that will last for many years. I love my Spottie, and will for as long it will live, which is probably longer than me. Attached are some samples from the Spotmatic with a 55mm f1.8 Super Takumar.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Spotmatic is one of the true classics, it just feels so great in your hand's, and so easy to use. The Takumar lenses are superb so you are assured of first class results, the rest is up to you the photographer. I've been using Spotmatics since the late 1960's. This one in Black is a great addition to my collection as well as being a great user.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
so excited about this camera and kit. the lenses, camera, and cases are in amazing condition and every aspect of the camera works pristinely, including the light meter, which i have been told is very rare for cameras this old. i’m learning night photography (see attached) so this is really crucial for me. so thank you Pat for taking such good care of this pentax and i promise i will do the same! really a beautiful machine this camera is.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought m'y first one in Tokyo summer 1974 not very fare from ropingi corner akiabara.. Wth a takumar 200 added.. I still have it with the original 55 asahi lens..it works realy nice with just little problems on curtain .. But it works 42 years after... !!! It is a panzer in the argentic camera story...!!!Alphilge Frenchy in Canada "la grotte" les rendez vous de la baie NS
Verified purchase: No
A little bit of love and care with repair and this piece will outdo other SLR's in its field. When this little camera was made it was made right no ifs. A new battery cover and bottom w/screws with a seal kit and she will be off and running leaving others in the dust. The interior of this piece is immaculate after very little cleaning both prism and reflector plate, shutter snaps quickly. I have outfitted lens with a Vivitar 50mm, which fit well for now. I do thank you very much for this most cherished piece in my collection to build up on.
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