M42 camera body suggestion?

Spotmatics use bridge circuits for the meters, any battery that fits work just fine.

Paul Howell said:

Spotmatics use bridge circuits for the meters, any battery that fits work just fine.

Click to expand...

i prefer to use an incident or spotmeter..... the SL body is a charm

Paul Howell said:

Spotmatics use bridge circuits for the meters, any battery that fits work just fine.

Click to expand...

I know. What I said previously is earlier models of Spotmatic uses different battery, RM400 .

kl122002 said:

Yea, this model is one on my list. It is a more uncommon model and I have no idea where to begin to find.

I have noted the older Spotmatic has a different battery that is not PX625. If I have to pick up a spotmatic it would be SP ?

Click to expand...

Lots of pre Spotmatic Pentax on Ebay including black models.....

A bit update here,

Have seen a lot of M42 cameras since the last post. And accidentally I started collecting Takumar lens.

Speaking of Pentax, I got 3 Spotmatics and 2 of them were claimed non working but eventually everything is fine and just there is no batteries made for them. I put a LR 41 in and they are all now working.

The way I use of Spotmatics makes me know why I decided not to buy at that day. Coupled metering with open aperture has there like Canon FD, Minolta SRT, Nikon AI but this Spotmatic still need some to close in every shots ( from the lever on the body).

And then, I got Spotmatic SL, and even some older S series bodies with the light meter attachment. (They are cheap)

Actually I like how the older SV looks. It is smaller and smoother in appearance, less angular that gives a "hard" feeling from any Spotmatics.

However in practical, the attached light meter only offer a general light metering from the scene. It is ok with wide angle lens, standard lens or maybe a 85-105mm lens but less accurate when it comes to longer telephoto lens. I believe the older models seems would be good for everyday simpler photography rather than put into field of work.

Too many older S cameras are having worn shutter curtains. I spent lots of time in repairing and adjustment which is quite unpleasant.

Moving on, a Chinon CM-1 . A really nice looking mechanical camera with more convenient in metering (half pressed the shutter release) . I like this design over Spotmatics. Why the Spotmatic had never thought of it ?

Accidentally I got a Icarex TM with a Ultron 50/1.8 comes in not so good condition, (still quite pricey). I don't like this camera. The lens has coupled metering with this body with by the pressure plate, but I never found it accurate. Overall, it is heavy , noise and just something I don't want to carry out . I sold the lens after some cleaning and gain back the cost of this camera.

And other accidental found is Fuji ST801. I found 3 bundled and each has bundled with a standard lens. They come cheaply since there are some light molds on the shutter curtain. Generally speaking it is a nice Mechanical M42 with LED and bright display for sure. However what I don't like is the lens mount. They seems they are modified and designed for Fujinon for sure. I can't mount the Zebra version CZJ Tessar on it. Sometimes it would jammed , or the aperture pin does not close at the smallest ( f/16). I sold them all.

I got the m42 adapter ring for Rolleiflex SL35. I can't it works on with this model. The aperture closing is coupled with the camera! Yea!
Still the overall feeling is just like another Spotmatic, except having another option of using QBM lenses.

I still haven't found any good condition Richo. Perhaps I need some more luck?

I also want a smaller and lighter M42 body when I am using telephoto lens, like 200-500mm . I have seen people suggesting a Petri MF-1 . Any one with experience on this model?

And is there any M42 camera that has LED display, like my Chinonvor previous ST801, , and with numbers show up? I found it's quite hard to see the meter needle when doing low night or night photography .

kl122002 said:

A bit update here,

Have seen a lot of M42 cameras since the last post. And accidentally I started collecting Takumar lens.

Speaking of Pentax, I got 3 Spotmatics and 2 of them were claimed non working but eventually everything is fine and just there is no batteries made for them. I put a LR 41 in and they are all now working.

The way I use of Spotmatics makes me know why I decided not to buy at that day. Coupled metering with open aperture has there like Canon FD, Minolta SRT, Nikon AI but this Spotmatic still need some to close in every shots ( from the lever on the body).

And then, I got Spotmatic SL, and even some older S series bodies with the light meter attachment. (They are cheap)

Actually I like how the older SV looks. It is smaller and smoother in appearance, less angular that gives a "hard" feeling from any Spotmatics.

However in practical, the attached light meter only offer a general light metering from the scene. It is ok with wide angle lens, standard lens or maybe a 85-105mm lens but less accurate when it comes to longer telephoto lens. I believe the older models seems would be good for everyday simpler photography rather than put into field of work.

Too many older S cameras are having worn shutter curtains. I spent lots of time in repairing and adjustment which is quite unpleasant.

Moving on, a Chinon CM-1 . A really nice looking mechanical camera with more convenient in metering (half pressed the shutter release) . I like this design over Spotmatics. Why the Spotmatic had never thought of it ?

Accidentally I got a Icarex TM with a Ultron 50/1.8 comes in not so good condition, (still quite pricey). I don't like this camera. The lens has coupled metering with this body with by the pressure plate, but I never found it accurate. Overall, it is heavy , noise and just something I don't want to carry out . I sold the lens after some cleaning and gain back the cost of this camera.

And other accidental found is Fuji ST801. I found 3 bundled and each has bundled with a standard lens. They come cheaply since there are some light molds on the shutter curtain. Generally speaking it is a nice Mechanical M42 with LED and bright display for sure. However what I don't like is the lens mount. They seems they are modified and designed for Fujinon for sure. I can't mount the Zebra version CZJ Tessar on it. Sometimes it would jammed , or the aperture pin does not close at the smallest ( f/16). I sold them all.

I got the m42 adapter ring for Rolleiflex SL35. I can't it works on with this model. The aperture closing is coupled with the camera! Yea!
Still the overall feeling is just like another Spotmatic, except having another option of using QBM lenses.

I still haven't found any good condition Richo. Perhaps I need some more luck?

I also want a smaller and lighter M42 body when I am using telephoto lens, like 200-500mm . I have seen people suggesting a Petri MF-1 . Any one with experience on this model?

And is there any M42 camera that has LED display, like my Chinonvor previous ST801, , and with numbers show up? I found it's quite hard to see the meter needle when doing low night or night photography .

Click to expand...

Try a Canon A-1 with the Canon Pentax adapter.

You'll still need to use stop down metering but the A-1 is very easy to read, with bright red readouts and it's small lightweight body will be a joy in your hands.

IMO.

eli griggs said:

Try a Canon A-1 with the Canon Pentax adapter.

You'll still need to use stop down metering but the A-1 is very easy to read, with bright red readouts and it's small lightweight body will be a joy in your hands.

IMO.

Click to expand...

Tried before, but my A-1 seems getting old ( it has been with me since the initial release date) The LED has getting dimmer in these days . I don't want to risk myself to get another A-1 body, as I have seen many posts saying their A-1 is having issues.

Right now I am also studying with the Cosina CSR . I am surprised to see it have offered 2 metering options. Is it a good camera? And is it rare? I hardly see any from web selling.

I like the Spotmatic for it's small size, light weight, and uncomplicatedness. It is also attractive looking.

When I need quick and accurate TTL metering on an M42 lens, such as shooting slide film in fast-paced conditions, I'll use an M42->FD adapter ring and a Canon T90. Loud, heavy, big camera, but feature-rich and accurate exposures.

I found an old discussion here about looking for M42 body with spot metering, it's quite an interesting post:


And I have make a list of cameras that have spot metering function:
Richo TLS 401
Cosina CSR
Cosina Hi-Lite 405
Mamiya DTL series
Vivitar XC-2
Vivitar 450/SLD
PORST compact reflex SP
PORST Reflex C-TL Super

The options seems much fewer than I expected

Another round of update here

It has been nearly a month after my last post here. Some cameras I want have come, and accidentally I found some more.

This M42 journey is amazing .


-PORST compact reflex SP
It is just another name of Cosina CSR.
Yes I found this accidentally on ebay and ordered. I won't say it is my dream, but it is fun to own one, especially having a M42 system .
Light weight (less mechanical) is for sure. Much clear screen is true. I can see the sensors under the mirror .
It is more like a shutter priority operation.
It has 2 metering systems : Average and Spot. Spotmeter located separately with a " + " mark under the normal mircoprism/split-image finder , I need to spend some times to adapt to the setting .
My camera body does dome with some flaws at first : The advancer level won't stop, or jammed at the very last end. I have checked, it looks like the last user was pushing the level to far and cause slight misalignment there. Given it a small back ward push and now its fine .
I later applied some contact cleaner to the bottom PCB board and it been much better.
The shutter / light meter is very sensitive to voltage supply. If the battery is old, it won't lights up "+/ . / - " and shutter won't open even if it sound clicks. Inexperienced user might believe it is a failure from shutter clipping since the shutter speed dial clicks at each stop like the common one. If there is not enough battery, one has to switch to M (about 1/50) for proper checking .

Looking for a working AEC coupler. It seems getting rare these days .


-Praktica MTL 5B
It was an accidental found from junk sale. The body is clean and the prism is clear. So I get it for few dollars.
I like this model more than the old L, and even more than Pentax Spotmatic. . After digging into history, I discovered it is one of very last M42 models they made before the fall of the Berlin Wall
Inside, it is almost identical to the old L.
Fixed the shutter and gladly the meter response, so there is nothing need me to service.
It has a bright screen, modernized microprism/split-image finder. (Old L only has microprism, dimmer.)
The meter needle is on the right side of the display. It rest below the correct exposure mark and only active when I press the light meter lever. Since the lever next to shutter release, I can switch my finger's position to do the job at instant. It is a merit.

Now I am looking for the last model MTL50 with LED.



- Petri MF-1
Oh dear! It is really the smallest M42 camera ! It looks just like a toy!
Not uncommon but rare to get one in right working condition.
The Petri CC Auto lens is nice. However, one of its lenses (45/2.8) is too plastic and the previous user has broke the internal nylon holders .
This camera is small, simple. The slow speed gears are located at the button-center. Mine is a easy fix by few drops of lighter fluid and go with the run. It does sound loudly from this little toy.

The metering button is at the Front (right side) and it can be kept pressing "on" with a small turn of the button . But the meter needle reading is another story: the needle rest at the center of the circle , and with flip / swing when changing shutter speed between each clicks. It is a bit scary when stopped in-between the speed and seeing the needle flipped up high.

I believe I would keep one , probably for display and collection, and sell the another one.


-Rolleiflex SL35E with adapter
Unlike previous mechanical SL35, the SL35E is an electronic camera with "A' mode , which is the auto shutter speed function .
Once with its M42 adapter with this SL35E, things will go smooth and easy. Focus, stop down and pick the aperture , and the camera adjust the shutter speed and complete the shooting.
It just like the Chinon CE series or the Consina CSR with AEC coupler, but much better. This SL35E has fast acting LED light, which is so useful , especially during low light or night time .

Perhaps it is the best way of the use M42 lens with film body?

Check these out -- very interesting:

https://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=255&t=5440638

xkaes said:

Check these out -- very interesting:

https://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=255&t=5440638

Click to expand...

Petri MF-1 has been rebranded multiple times with different names. I have seen MF-1 (original), MF-10, Micro MF-1, Hanimex CR1000, Carena Micro RSD, Promatic Compact-R .
Models I am having now are MF-1 (original) and the Hanimex CR1000.

I have begun to scratch the M42 itch lately as well. It started with a Spotmatic II that was in the broken camera bin at my local camera shop for $10. It just needed a CLA and works fine except for the meter. Then, I picked up a Spotmatic IIa last month in the working camera section for $20. I added a $75 50mm f1.4 Super Takumar that shoots really well. Again, meter issues. Most recently, I picked up a beautiful SV with an equally beautiful 55mm f1.8 Takumar and I'm falling in love with that camera. There's no silly meter to worry about batteries or accuracy. It looks and works like a brand new camera and only needed new light seals before it was put into rotation. Now, I'm starting to collect M42 lenses. I added an M42 adapter to my Canon EOS digital and really like how they are working in that system too.

88E30M50 said:

I have begun to scratch the M42 itch lately as well. It started with a Spotmatic II that was in the broken camera bin at my local camera shop for $10. It just needed a CLA and works fine except for the meter. Then, I picked up a Spotmatic IIa last month in the working camera section for $20. I added a $75 50mm f1.4 Super Takumar that shoots really well. Again, meter issues. Most recently, I picked up a beautiful SV with an equally beautiful 55mm f1.8 Takumar and I'm falling in love with that camera. There's no silly meter to worry about batteries or accuracy. It looks and works like a brand new camera and only needed new light seals before it was put into rotation. Now, I'm starting to collect M42 lenses. I added an M42 adapter to my Canon EOS digital and really like how they are working in that system too.

Click to expand...

You can try the Pentax Meter (without "SL" rectangular one) for the SV. It gives a very average metering for the scence and usable from 35-50

I also have encountered few Spotmatics that need to invert the batteries ("+" to the body, "-" to the cover, or opposite way) for proper metering. I don't know why, but it seems some people or sometime have modified Spotmatic for fitting the discontinued battery

For metering, I've been getting good results with a Polaris flash meter and an old Minolta Spotmeter. I need to open the Spotmatics up to sort the meter issues eventually. For now though, I'm focused on building a collection of M42 lenses to run them with.

I was in the same boat recently, trying to find a decent M42 body for everyday use. In the end I settled down on two:

- GAF L-ES (re-badged Chinon CE Memotron): Aperture Priority auto exposure, compatible with most M42 lenses, albeit a bit heavy and chunky.
- Spotmatic IIa: for its all mechanical shutter and smaller body. The meter seems not working but I will try the reverse polarity thing @kl122002 mentioned.

88E30M50 said:

Now, I'm starting to collect M42 lenses.

Click to expand...

Here's a website dedicated to the 1,600+ lenses you can choose from -- get one of each!!!

https://m42lens.com

blee1996 said:

I was in the same boat recently, trying to find a decent M42 body for everyday use. In the end I settled down on two:

- GAF L-ES (re-badged Chinon CE Memotron): Aperture Priority auto exposure, compatible with most M42 lenses, albeit a bit heavy and chunky.
- Spotmatic IIa: for its all mechanical shutter and smaller body. The meter seems not working but I will try the reverse polarity thing @kl122002 mentioned.

Click to expand...

Speaking of M42 with Aperture Priority , I also have a malfunctioning Praktica EE2 on hand.
It works , exposure is right, but just can't display the shutter speed correctly.

Perhaps you might want to find out the Cosina CSR or rebranded models. It just need an extra AEC coupler to adjust the shutter speed automatically.
Or , a working Rolleiflex SL35E with a M42 adapter.

xkaes said:

Here's a website dedicated to the 1,600+ lenses you can choose from -- get one of each!!!

https://m42lens.com

Click to expand...

Thanks! I have bookmarked it already.

The fact is M42 lenses, particularly from Japan, are mostly seems rebranded from Tomioka ( like Chinon, Rekinon, Yashinon(later aquired)).

I am currently interested in Russian or old East Germany lenses.

xkaes said:

Here's a website dedicated to the 1,600+ lenses you can choose from -- get one of each!!!

https://m42lens.com

Click to expand...

That's a really interesting site. I had no idea that there were that many made

Another update here:

I got myself a Praktica MTL5B and I hopped into Pratica L series M42 world . I managed to repair a few and so I could put down some notes here.
Since Praktica L has been mentioned, I would start from MTL 5B

• Praktica MTL 5B

The best part is the change of battery. From obsoleted 625 to modern LR44! I don't have to worry to much on it.
It is the first metered Praktica and I instantly like this camera. The best part is the metering switch is just above the shutter release . And so The metering & shooting can be done at instant.

• Praktica MTL 50

A LED version of MTL 5B, powered by 4LR44. I bought this as I just want to see a LED version of MTL 5B.
The LED is bright with "up & down" arrows (each side has 1 unit in display) . Excellent choice when the environment is dim .
Once in correct exposure, both up and down arrows will lights up . However I found it hard to estimate the stops overed/undered since the arrow grows up / down but changing light intensity ( = dimming / brightening)

• MTL 3 /5

Just like 5B but using older 625 battery. +/- sign on screen . Nothing particular special .
They came in bundle with MTL 50.

• Praktica EE2

It is a auto Aperture Priority -exposure of Prakticas . The system inside (analogue) way to determinate the correct exposure from electric contact on the lens, or using stop down mode.
This camera does it job. The only problem is it failed to display the speed in Auto mode. I wished to fix but there is no way to reach .

• Praktica VLC 3

I can't believe I have it on my hand ! Open (electric) / Stopped -down metering modes are there. I can half press the shutter release button for metering ! It gives me a very modern feeling of that day.
The very only problem is looking for the "electric" lens . They are there but the fact is I have 3x 50/1.8 and only 1 is working . I- believe many of them are dead because of the carbon film inside are heavily damaged . It motivates me to dig into Pentacon /CZJ lenses.



Chinon SE and Vivitar 450/SLD are also here. But they are all dead .
I don't think I would get another one again at this moment. I found its function duplicated with my Rollei SL35E + adapter combination .

Another Update here .

• Richo TLS 401

Eventually it has came to my hand with a standard Richo f/1.7 lens. I am not disappointed, but it turns out it is not something I expected
It is heavy.
I won't say the screen is as bright as Praktica or Pentax, but still it is fine .
The shutter speed selector design is like as if the user would only use the same speed in most of the time. That is not very coinvent in "quick changing" like other do .
Although the meter switch could be set "ON" in most of the time, The meter circuit would be switched off after each shoot until advancing film to re-power on it. I am not very sure of what this purpose for (to remind user advancing film?) , but it is a bit annoying like Pentax Spotmatic.
The upper finder is small, comparing to Praktica VLC series. with a exchangeable finder.
Only thing good is the spot meter really at the center of the screen, which my PORST compact reflex SP would ask user to reposition at the "+" mark on the screen.

• Praktica LLC / PLC2

Actually they are similar cameras, with some interior upgrade and name changes .
And I would say it is a step down version of VLC series , without prism removal like VLC does.
Half press the shutter release button to get the light measured. With "electric" version of the Pentacon lenses it just worked like ordinary bayonet mounted one .
It is measuring in Average mode, I believe, which also does in other Prakticas , except VLC.

• Praktica VLC and VLC 2

They come in cheap, from a bargain sale asking for GBP 30 something.
VLC has the older winding lever like the original L ; while VLC2 is having a revised one .
VLC is a bit noiser since I can hear a weighted wheel should be on the mirror box that used for controlling the speed of mirror movement.
VLC2 has this wheel removed.
Else are just like VLC 3.
Incidentally I have collected them all .

• Praktica L2

Claim to be the upgrade of the original L . The advancing lever changed .
Has no meter , full mechanical. I can't tell the difference without checking inside.

• Praktica Nova and Super TL

Somehow it was popular once because of youtube. I got mine from the bargain sale as well .
It has a more earlier 1960s feeling than that of the L series. It used cloth instead of metal blades on L series.
Super TL has a TTL meter installed. but no working properly. All the prism has lost its silver . So I just toyed it a few clicks.
I have to keep holding the press when doing with slow speed. There is no mechanics in holding it like the L series did .
All of them , the slow speed is down to 1/2 sec.
Speed setting in Nova is the "lifting up the dial" old design, while the Super TL is just the modern design plus a metering press button under the shutter release.
What interested me is in the Nova, under the mirror there is a switch that allow user to switch off the pushing bar for older full manual M42 lens. This design perhaps was great back there , but it is still necessary?
Perhaps , if I could ever have a chance, maybe a Nova Mat to add into my collection ?

• Praktica BMS, BC1, BX20

So they are B mount cameras from Praktica.
BMS is fully manual, BC1 and BX20 have the Aperture pirority as "Program" or "Auto" mode.
They have a M42/PB mount adapter. Using it would makes the lens stopped down once installed and camera will begin to meter accordingly.
I prefer BMS and BC1, since the body is more solid metal body feeling .
The BX20 plastic outer shell gives me a very plastic feeling.
LED dots indicated each shutter speed. They would come handy when you are shooting in the dark .
The brightest focusing screen (next to Canon new F-1 with M42 adapter) I very met.
The metering is central weighted , just like VLC series.
Practically it is just like Rolleiflex SL35E? , but much smaller?

===============

Perhaps it is time for me to almost all the end of my M42 camera journey here?

If I ever have to draw a summary,
M42 is a great system next to Exakta.

The original of M42, Praktica , have spent lost of effort in making everything possible as much as it can. The introduction of "electric" contact is mind blowing thing. If you could have a working PLC, LLC, VLC , EE2 with a working "electric" lens, you just screw on the lens and go like other bayonet mounted on does.
The late model , MTL 5B, MTL50 are the best I would suggest. For something classic , A Nova Super TL perhaps?

The Japanese M42 has blown up the market (thank you Pentax) for the M42. They didn't introduce "electric" but mechanical linkage . But after that these mechanical add-ons limited the free of using non-same brand6 gears. Most JP M42 cameras, like Spotmatic, Petri MF-1 are fun to begin with for sure, but whether you want to keep on and shoot like a pro from those days, you will soon find it has limits.
Special JP M42 cameras , like Cosina CSR with 2 metering system design or Chinon CE series with "Programed" aperture priority metering , are also fun to experiencing the "advanced" features on M42.

Quick lens switching is never happen on M42 system. But plenty good and collectable lenses are there in M42 for sure.

Using M42 on adapeters is another thing
Rollei did the best, with the coupled adapter that you can turn SL35 into a M42 camera without much effort.
Praktica B series comes the second, since the mount would automatically stop down the lens once installed. Brightest screen ever.
Other brands, like Canon, or K-mounted , would require user to stop down on the lens first.

Having a bunch of M42 cameras the Chinon are the best most modern cameras. Take silver oxide batteries and have true open aperture metering but unfortunately requires Chinon lenses. However the metering works with Takamur lenses the same as the Pentax bodies.

beemermark said:

Having a bunch of M42 cameras the Chinon are the best most modern cameras. Take silver oxide batteries and have true open aperture metering but unfortunately requires Chinon lenses. However the metering works with Takamur lenses the same as the Pentax bodies.

Click to expand...

Chinon's design is nice for sure. They wait the whole M42 camera war over and pick up the most useful and morden part into their bodies, ignored those unnecessary stuff.