Honeywell Pentax H1a

Joined
Nov 20, 2019
Messages
247
Location
Oxford, MI
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Analog
Well, I admit to being a bit skeptical, so I pulled the 1974 Modern Photography review of the Spotmatic F. Their figures on viewfinder coverage contradict your assertion, quoting 92% vertical and 93% horizontal coverage versus 85%. They also make no mention of any offset. Their overall conclusions at the end also seem less disparaging.





Also, the January 1981 Modern photography test of the SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.4. Again, I would argue, a lot less disparaging.



We are, however, drifting a bit far afield from the original subject at hand.
 

F4U

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Jan 15, 2025
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526
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Florida
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8x10 Format
Amazing to see this old review, And it does seem to contradict my statements. But as I recall at the time Popular Photography wasn't doing lab reviews. Perhaps it was one of those annual review publications. But one thing I CAN attest to by my own tests, is that the off-center viewfinder view does indeed exist, just as the claim I read, way back then. Back then I read everything photographic I could get my hands on. I remember as a teenager practically selling my soul for a new Spotmatic F. And once I got it, what a letdown. But then I have unwittingly hijacked the thread. My apologies to the OP.
 
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
170
Location
Florida
Format
35mm

Interesting post. It sounds like your experience with Pentax M42 cameras far exceeds my own, as I only bought my first about 7–8 years ago. I have had a few issues with the mirrors locking up on my SL (meterless version of the Spotmatic made from 1968–71 or so) as well as my K1000, but I have noticed that the more I use them the less this occurs. I find exercising the shutters at all speeds every few months if the camera hasn't been used also helps. I do not recall this ever happening with my Spotmatic, which is older than either the SL or K1000. I am in Florida also so if this problem is affected by cooler temperatures, I'm unlikely to have experienced it. I have had this occur one time on my SL after it was serviced by Eric, so I do not doubt that it is an issue with these cameras. However, I've shot about 6 rolls with the camera since having it serviced, and it's jammed up only once.

I have not noticed any issues with the viewfinder coverage or centering. I certainly wouldn't argue that the viewfinders on the Pentax cameras are the equal of the Nikon F/F2 (nothing is). But the Pentaxs have not given me any problems.

I do take exception to your comments regarding the 50mm f/1.4 Takumar lenses. I have two of them (a Super Takumar and a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar). I have never done any scientific testing, but I think these lenses perform at least as well as my 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor AI-S. To my eyes, the Takumars seem to have a little better contrast and more micro-contrast/"3D pop," but the later is subjective and perhaps I'm imagining that. I just find the images from the Takumars more pleasing to my eyes than what I get from my Nikkors.

I also have a 55mm f/1.8 Super-Multi-Coated Takumar and find that lens exceptionally good as well but not conspicuously better than the 50mm f/1.4 Takumars.
 

F4U

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Joined
Jan 15, 2025
Messages
526
Location
Florida
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8x10 Format

If you will note, my 50 year old believe that the 1.4 lens has been discredited. I have no explanation for this.
 
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