Matching 42mm screw lenses to SLR

Marcelo Paniagua · Dec 3, 2024

Bobby Brewster said:
Yes I understand that it won't focus to infinity and can only be used for closer subjects. I do have a Canon EOS30 ( Elan II ) but I've been reluctant/scared to put my 50mm to the test on it so I'm looking for another film SLR. I've saw a Spotmatic F on a site which is in pretty good condition. They say I can return it if I'm unhappy so I'm going for that one. I honestly can't be bothered quibbling, waiting, and haggling over £10 or £15 when It amounts to barely the cost of a film and I could be out using the camera if I just bought the thing.

Spotmatic are pretty simple and reliable machines. Don't think you will be disappointed.

Paul Howell · Dec 3, 2024

Fs are great cameras, on the plus side it gives you option of using 2 pin lens. My first SLR was a Pentax spot, bought it at a pawn shop in 1966. I still have it, my list to pull out and load it up with film. And advantage of the Spots that they will work with any battery that will fit, it will adjust the voltage as needed.

Romanko · Dec 3, 2024

Bobby Brewster said:
I believe the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 8 element lens I have would be hit by the mirror in many (if not all) of the film EOS bodies

Good to know. I somehow expected film and digital EOS cameras to share a lot of design but apparently I was wrong. I have quite a lot of M42 lenses and I never had a problem using them with an adapter on my Canon EOS 450D. The biggest problem I had was that some lenses would not align perfectly and would be rotated around 10 degrees (I don't remember which way CW or CCW). I head the problem is with some M42 lenses and bodies compatibility.

grain elevator · Dec 3, 2024

Spotmatics are also very good looking and feel great in the hand. They are, however, old enough to all develop some issues, so budget for having it serviced.

Marcelo Paniagua · Dec 3, 2024

The only time I had that mirror hit issue was with the Tomioka's 55mm f/1.2. Even though it has a cutoff back element, it didn't fully focused to infinity.

It was great on film but not so good on digital. Ended up selling it and keep the Fuji's 50 1.4 that suited me better.

Bobby Brewster · Dec 3, 2024

Thank you for your good words for the Spotmatic and advice. I do also like the look of them and they're an iconic model. I am assuming they are probably popular enough to be serviceable by a fair number of repair centres and shops.

I believe the lens issue with Canons only applies to the 8 element version of the 50mm not the 7. Unfortunately, this is one of my favourite lenses so I wanted a camera that would work with it.

GregY · Dec 3, 2024

Bobby Brewster said:
Thank you for your good words for the Spotmatic and advice. I do also like the look of them and they're an iconic model. I am assuming they are probably popular enough to be serviceable by a fair number of repair centres and shops.

I believe the lens issue with Canons only applies to the 8 element version of the 50mm not the 7. Unfortunately, this is one of my favourite lenses so I wanted a camera that would work with it.

The 50mm 1.4 Super Takumar are beautiful lenses no matter which # element model you have.
My son & I each have one. I bought my S2 because i just work in analog. My son uses digital Canon and his lens won't focus to infinity on DSLR or mirrorless.

Paul Howell · Dec 3, 2024

Thank you for your good words for the Spotmatic and advice. I do also like the look of them and they're an iconic model. I am assuming they are probably popular enough to be serviceable by a fair number of repair centres and shops.

At least here in the U.S there are a few shops that will work on Spots, my local shop will replace seals. adjust the shutter and meter. I think bad meter cells, deslived mirrors and pentaprism are going to common issues. You can do a search to see who in the U.K work on Spots.

Matching 42mm screw lenses to SLR

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