M42 SLR

[dynachrome]

Malinku, can you post a photo of the 2000DTL? I'd love to see it. If I don't need auto diaphragm operation I prefer to use M42 lenses on a Minolta X-700 or a Canon F-1 with an L D screen Their finders are brighter than those of any M42 mount cameras. This is only practical with M42 lenses which have an A/M switch. I just got another Mamiya P adapter for the Auto XTL/Auto X1000 cameras. These provide stop-down metering and auto diaphragm operation even with M42 lenses which have no A/M switch. Now I have to remember where I put the Auto XTL. There are very inexpensive Vivitar SLRs with combination split image/microprism screens in K mount. One of these with an adapter to M42 is an inexpensive way to get split image focusing with M42 lenses. This, again, is only practical with lenses which have the A/M switch.

 

[Les Sarile]

Last week I cleaned and lubed the shutter spindles of one of several examples of the Praktica FX I have on hand. The fabric curtains are still in excellent condition. After a clean and lube the shutter speeds were bang on without any adjustment to curtain tensions. How many Pentax SVs or S3s can you say that about?

How about the earliest Pentax models in perfect factory working condition - the original 1957 Asahi Pentax and K.

Also an SP and SP F in perfectly good working order.

For those who have a Pentax that requires expert attention or plain CLA, Eric is considered by many as the Pentax guy -> http://pentaxs.com/

 

[Brett Rogers]

How about the earliest Pentax models in perfect factory working condition - the original 1957 Asahi Pentax and K.

Also an SP and SP F in perfectly good working order.

For those who have a Pentax that requires expert attention or plain CLA, Eric is considered by many as the Pentax guy -> http://pentaxs.com/

Umm, very nice, but, so what? I have an SP1000 in good repair here, too. Neither that, nor your cameras, changes the fact that the Pentaxes often have issues related to their age. I suppose if I could be bothered taking the ones I have completely to pieces and replacing the offending parts and re-assembling, I could probably get them to work well. Frankly I couldn't be bothered, when there are other interesting classic SLRs that are able to be acquired in basically working condition for similar money. Or truly great cameras such as a Rollei that are worth the time and effort needed to make them sing again. On a return for effort basis, as laudable as the Pentax SLRs are, for me at least, they don't cut it if a full strip down is on the cards to make them go.
Cheers
Brett

 

[Dali]

Due to their age, the best M42 body is the working one!

I own a Praktica (metal curtains shutter) for the last 9 years and never had a single issue: everything works as it should: shutter, film advance mechanism, film counter, light meter, no light leak. OK the camera is a bit crude and a Japanese one is certainly smoother but so far, this one is as reliable as other cameras I use

 

[Les Sarile]

Umm, very nice, but, so what?

I simply provided examples - even older, of what you asked for, "How many Pentax SVs or S3s can you say that about?"

Same as I wrote to momus above, there are many factors that cannot be accounted for on older anything. I just wanted to balance your misfortune with my good fortune when it comes to Pentax.

 

[Sewin]

I have to say in my experience with Prakticas and Pentaxes the metal shutter Prakticas have been more reliable.

 

[Malinku]

Malinku, can you post a photo of the 2000DTL? I'd love to see it.

For the most part the DTL 2000 looks the sames as the other DTLs. Only came in Black though. The Main difference is the shutter and curtains. To allow for the faster speed and faster flash sync (Somewhere in between 60 and 125). Now I want to look through the manual but I can't find one.

Here ya go:

 

[dynachrome]

Thanks for the photos of the 2000 DTL. My DTL is a 500 and I have a bunch of Mamiya SX mount cameras with their modified M42 system.

 

[Malinku]

Thanks for the photos of the 2000 DTL. My DTL is a 500 and I have a bunch of Mamiya SX mount cameras with their modified M42 system.

Np

The sx lenses are such inconvenient to switch out. Got to undo the aperture system then unscrew the lenses. The only upside is that it has one of the most accurate metering systems in a m42 camera.

I kinda wish a msx or dsx with the shutter in the DTL 2000. for the better meter.

 

[klop]

Thank You everyone for the comments, still trying to decide...... I guess I got lucky with the Zenit B that I have because I have had no issues with it.... The lack of prismatic focusing aids and the auto stop down make it hard for me to focus (ground glass, eyes are getting tired).......

 

[Les Sarile]

The Fujica ST801 has Microprism and Split-image Focusing on Ground Glass -> http://www.butkus.org/chinon/fujica/fujica_801/fujica_801.htm

Review - Dead Link Removed

 

[klop]

Does the ST 801 meter with all m42 lenses?

 

[Dali]

Thank You everyone for the comments, still trying to decide...... I guess I got lucky with the Zenit B that I have because I have had no issues with it.... The lack of prismatic focusing aids and the auto stop down make it hard for me to focus (ground glass, eyes are getting tired).......

What lens do you use with it?

 

[klop]

What lens do you use with it?

Please understand I am at work so I can give only basic information...... 50mm Takumar, Vivitar and Petri...... Wide angle Petri and Pro lenses...... and Hanimex mirror lens.......

 

[Dali]

The plain ground glass is not that great, OK outdoor but a pain inside. Only preset lenses would add a little convenience but it can't compete with the suggested cameras (Spotmatic, Mamiya, Praktica, Fujica, ...)...

 

[RalphLambrecht]

My first adjustable "real" camera was a Ricoh Singlex TLS. I long since sold it off but in a moment of nostalgia went looking for one on eBay so have acquired another. It is a nearly indestructible (in normal use and in my experience) brick of a camera, but the viewfinder is pretty dim, even by M42 standards. I'm also not aware of one with a split image which the OP wanted. Both mine have had central microsprism spots. I actually like that with a decently bright viewfinder but especially now with 51 year old eyes it doesn't work too well for me anymore on the Singlex.

It does work though, and keeps on working. And, in a pinch, you could beat a mugger, or possibly a charging rhino, to death with it and probably still use it to take more photos of the aftermath.

I have to add another No for Practika;I had nothing but reliability issues with mine bought brand new;shutter quit within a week!

 

[klop]

I have to add another No for Practika;I had nothing but reliability issues with mine bought brand new;shutter quit within a week!

What model was it that gave you issues?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

If you were to find a good condition Pentax Spotmatic, SP1000, or SP500, don't dismiss it because it has microprism focusing rather than a split image focusing screen. Try it for yourself.

Of all my cameras and their different focusing methods, the fastest I can focus with is the microprism on my SP500 and its 50/2 Takumar lens. It is just so bright and sharp - the image just snaps into place.

 

[klop]

If you were to find a good condition Pentax Spotmatic, SP1000, or SP500, don't dismiss it because it has microprism focusing rather than a split image focusing screen. Try it for yourself.

Of all my cameras and their different focusing methods, the fastest I can focus with is the microprism on my SP500 and its 50/2 Takumar lens. It is just so bright and sharp - the image just snaps into place.

Well, I admit I did find what I hope is a deal on a Spotmatic (curiosity got me)..... It's been shipped...... I still want a camera with the split image.... presently considering a Praktica MTL 5 or 50, Fujica ST 801...... Talked out of the Nova... Still looking, researching.....

 

[Roger Cole]

I have to add another No for Practika;I had nothing but reliability issues with mine bought brand new;shutter quit within a week!

Interesting but I never owned a Praktika. My Ricoh, OTOH, seems to just keep going.

 

[Paul Howell]

Not mentioned are the Chinon's CM 3 and CE 3, I have both, very solid camera, the CE is aperture preferred exposure with any M 42 lens, as the shutter is pressed the camera locks in the shutter speed. Both will take a winder, 1 to 1 1/2 frames PS, and odd sounding but usable, has a split image focusing screen, takes 1.5 button batteries.

 

[klop]

Not mentioned are the Chinon's CM 3 and CE 3, I have both, very solid camera, the CE is aperture preferred exposure with any M 42 lens, as the shutter is pressed the camera locks in the shutter speed. Both will take a winder, 1 to 1 1/2 frames PS, and odd sounding but usable, has a split image focusing screen, takes 1.5 button batteries.

Thank You for your post, The CE-3, I won't consider because it is battery dependent. The CM-3, I will consider.....

 

[klop]

The Fujica ST801 has Microprism and Split-image Focusing on Ground Glass -> http://www.butkus.org/chinon/fujica/fujica_801/fujica_801.htm

Review - Dead Link Removed

Is there an issue with the Takumars with the pin on the lens mount surface, getting locked in the screw holes like the Zenit has? I had made a little write up on this a couple years ago..........

http://www.lomography.com/homes/wv_cactus/notes/72816-zenit-b-and-the-lens-of-death-maybe

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Is there an issue with the Takumars with the pin on the lens mount surface, getting locked in the screw holes like the Zenit has? I had made a little write up on this a couple years ago..........

http://www.lomography.com/homes/wv_cactus/notes/72816-zenit-b-and-the-lens-of-death-maybe

Wow - internet to the rescue on that one!

On the Spotmatic, the mount surface has no screws, but the Fujica 801 does.

 

[Les Sarile]

Is there an issue with the Takumars with the pin on the lens mount surface, getting locked in the screw holes like the Zenit has? I had made a little write up on this a couple years ago..........

http://www.lomography.com/homes/wv_cactus/notes/72816-zenit-b-and-the-lens-of-death-maybe

I don't yet have an ST801 and defer to this website about it's lens compatibility which states there should be no lens lockup issues -> http://www.camera.portraits.srv2.com/lore.htm#fujinon

Picture of the lens mount shows it has the four screws in the front of the lens mount like your Zenit but looks flush.

The initial Pentax M42 bodies did not have screw holes in the front of the mount but later models like the ES II and the Spotmatic F did.