Pentax SV on the way.

KerrKid · Jan 27, 2023

I just got my 35mm f3.5 lens in. What a lovely lens. Looks brand new. On the SV it should be one sweet setup.

It really is small. Almost identical in size to the Rokkor 45mm f2 pancake lens I have on my X-570. Just slightly smaller in overall diameter. It would go well on something even smaller than the SV but I don't know which model camera that would be. I heard the MX is smaller but it's a K-mount.

titrisol · Jan 27, 2023

Autonerd said:
That's one of the nice bits about old Spotmatics -- the meter somehow detects voltage, so a LR44 or S76 cell will work. I think the popular fix is a little rubber washer/gasket to keep the battery centered.

Aaron

The SP-F can use the SR44/357 but the older versions need a battery that is a bit shorter such as SR45/394

KerrKid · Jan 27, 2023

titrisol said:
The SP-F can use the SR44/357 but the older versions need a battery that is a bit shorter such as SR45/394

If the internet is any guide, I heard that the 387S is the 394 with a collar around it. Do the SP series need that collar?

titrisol · Jan 28, 2023

KerrKid said:
If the internet is any guide, I heard that the 387S is the 394 with a collar around it. Do the SP series need that collar?

The collar helps, but a o-ring does the trick as well.

KerrKid · Jan 30, 2023

Eric just wrote and said my SV is kaput. Such is life. Have to expect these kinds of outcomes when buying untested cameras for a song on ebay.

The good news? Eric's going to get another for me and fix it up. So all is well.

Sirius Glass · Jan 30, 2023

KerrKid said:
Eric just wrote and said my SV is kaput. Such is life. Have to expect these kinds of outcomes when buying untested cameras for a song on ebay.

The good news? Eric's going to get another for me and fix it up. So all is well.

Now look at KEH to supply your cameras that will come with a 180 day warranty.

KerrKid · Jan 30, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Now look at KEH to supply your cameras that will come with a 180 day warranty.

That's too much like buying retail and my blood won't let me do that.))

Sirius Glass · Jan 30, 2023

KerrKid said:
That's too much like buying retail and my blood won't let me do that.))

Yes, heartache and disappointment are so much more satisfying than spending money for a problem free camera or lens.

KerrKid · Jan 30, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Yes, heartache and disappointment are so much more satisfying than spending money for a problem free camera or lens.

No heartache and little disappointment. $23 camera that doesn't work, but I'll be getting a much better one from Eric and I'll bet it'll be better and for less money than one from KEH. It's a win for me.

EDIT: I checked KEH. They have an SV AS IS which means a POS for $19.51. I paid $23 for mine and it included a Super Takumar 55mm f1.8 lens in perfect condition. Guess which one of these was the better value?

skylight1b · Jan 30, 2023

KerrKid said:
Eric just wrote and said my SV is kaput. Such is life. Have to expect these kinds of outcomes when buying untested cameras for a song on ebay.

The good news? Eric's going to get another for me and fix it up. So all is well.

I'm curious as to what was so wrong with it that it couldn't be repaired. It looked to be in (deceptively) good condition.

Kodachromeguy · Jan 30, 2023

titrisol said:
The SP-F can use the SR44/357 but the older versions need a battery that is a bit shorter such as SR45/394

Mr Hendrickson just finished overhauling a Spotmatic F for me. It's still in his shop. He wrote that I should use a 625A (alkaline) battery. The F's meter will measure correctly with voltage between 1.5 and 1.3. There is no need to seek a 625S or buy a Wein cell or adapter. With this camera, it is not complicated.

Before this F, I had bought another one on the 'Bay for $25. But that body was hopelessly damaged internally and I did not bother sending it to Mr. Hendrickson. However, the 55mm ƒ/1.8 SMC was really clean, and he is re-lubricating it now. I will be interested to compare this with a 1970 55mm Super-Takumar that has thorium glass. I wish I had some Panatomic-X .

KerrKid · Jan 30, 2023

skylight1b said:
I'm curious as to what was so wrong with it that it couldn't be repaired. It looked to be in (deceptively) good condition.

I don't know, but Eric said it looked like someone had been inside the camera before me. I'm guessing a botched DIY repair job. There was a lens shim loose in the camera that may have damaged the curtain and I think he determined that it would be throwing good money after bad to fix it when a better one could be purchased and repaired for less money overall. If this was my Dad's camera or had some sentimental value to me I would throw stupid money at it, but that's not the case with this one.

FWIW, I've bought a number of camera's in deceptively good condition that had issues. (I'm looking at you, Konica Rangefinders). That's why I don't spend much on them and figure a CLA/repair into the purchase price.

KerrKid · Jan 30, 2023

Kodachromeguy said:
Mr Hendrickson just finished overhauling a Spotmatic F for me. It's still in his shop. He wrote that I should use a 625A (alkaline) battery. The F's meter will measure correctly with voltage between 1.5 and 1.3. There is no need to seek a 625S or buy a Wein cell or adapter. With this camera, it is not complicated.

Lucky guy. An F would be nice to have. I heard it has that bridge circuit for the meter to allow a higher voltage battery and maybe the SP's do, too?

titrisol · Jan 31, 2023

KerrKid said:
Lucky guy. An F would be nice to have. I heard it has that bridge circuit for the meter to allow a higher voltage battery and maybe the SP's do, too?

That is my understanding, yes.

titrisol · Jan 31, 2023

Kodachromeguy said:
Mr Hendrickson just finished overhauling a Spotmatic F for me. It's still in his shop. He wrote that I should use a 625A (alkaline) battery. The F's meter will measure correctly with voltage between 1.5 and 1.3. There is no need to seek a 625S or buy a Wein cell or adapter. With this camera, it is not complicated.

Before this F, I had bought another one on the 'Bay for $25. But that body was hopelessly damaged internally and I did not bother sending it to Mr. Hendrickson. However, the 55mm ƒ/1.8 SMC was really clean, and he is re-lubricating it now. I will be interested to compare this with a 1970 55mm Super-Takumar that has thorium glass. I wish I had some Panatomic-X .

Awesome, yes he sent my SPs back with 394 batteries (+side down)
I havent sent the SPF his way yet though, but the LR44 fits well (+side up). 625 seems to be wider so it should fit even better. Thanks

KerrKid · Jan 31, 2023

I really wanted a Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens since everything I read seems to say that it is somehow magic. The sellers seem to be very well aware of this, too, with prices hovering upwards of $85 and beyond.

Today, I noticed a listing on fleabay for a Pentax SPII with a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens on it plus another SPII body for parts. I don't really need an SPII but I wanted that lens so I offered $79 and the seller accepted my offer.

The camera looks in great condition, but we all know how that can go. Not sure what is right or wrong with the spare body.

Now, the wait and hopes that the lens is good. Will it live up to the hype? Is it really better than the SMC-Pentax M 50mm f1.4 hanging off the front of my Pentax KM?

Disappointed_Horse · Feb 1, 2023

I have two 50mm f/1.4 Takumars (a Super and a Super Multi Coated) and I do not think you will be disappointed.

KerrKid · Feb 1, 2023

AAlfano said:
I have two 50mm f/1.4 Takumars (a Super and a Super Multi Coated) and I do not think you will be disappointed.

Consider yourself lucky. Those lens are getting very expensive.

Up until 3 years ago, I lived south of Sarasota in Englewood. Lived in that area for nearly 30 years. I know Sarasota very well. I used to like going to Burn's Court cinema. Wish I'd gotten into photography again while living there. It's a photo-rich environment.

titrisol · Feb 2, 2023

KerrKid said:
I really wanted a Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens since everything I read seems to say that it is somehow magic. The sellers seem to be very well aware of this, too, with prices hovering upwards of $85 and beyond.

Today, I noticed a listing on fleabay for a Pentax SPII with a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens on it plus another SPII body for parts. I don't really need an SPII but I wanted that lens so I offered $79 and the seller accepted my offer.

The camera looks in great condition, but we all know how that can go. Not sure what is right or wrong with the spare body.

Now, the wait and hopes that the lens is good. Will it live up to the hype? Is it really better than the SMC-Pentax M 50mm f1.4 hanging off the front of my Pentax KM?

The SPII is a great camera, if you dont want it send it my way!

I've had several versions of the 50/1.4 and I'm partial to the Super-Tak radioactive.
The S-M-C is also good (more blades in the iris) but the quality I get form the Super-Tak works better with my old-eyes, feels more whimsical and organic. The 8 element version is about the same, I like the 7 better.

After the M series they became cold and clinical, but still a kick-ass lens.
And while the 50/1.4 is a good lens, it has become overpriced. (in 2010 I paid $50 for a Pentax P30t with the FA-50/1.4)

KerrKid · Feb 2, 2023

titrisol said:
The SPII is a great camera, if you dont want it send it my way!

I've had several versions of the 50/1.4 and I'm partial to the Super-Tak radioactive.
The S-M-C is also good (more blades in the iris) but the quality I get form the Super-Tak works better with my old-eyes, feels more whimsical and organic. The 8 element version is about the same, I like the 7 better.

After the M series they became cold and clinical, but still a kick-ass lens.
And while the 50/1.4 is a good lens, it has become overpriced. (in 2010 I paid $50 for a Pentax P30t with the FA-50/1.4)

I believe the version of the lens I'm getting is the 7-blade version. Yes, overpriced but not too badly for how good it is.

Just got an invoice from Eric. $115 for a new used SV. He bought a used one on ebay for me and fixed it up. I'm sure it will put a grin on my face.

I should get the SPII on Monday. It's an Asahi Pentax, which is what I wanted. The spare is a Honeywell Pentax.

Austintatious · Feb 2, 2023

KerrKid said:
I really wanted a Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens since everything I read seems to say that it is somehow magic.

I don't think you will be disappointed. I have two of them and the 55mm f1.8 as well. Here is another video from Simon on the 50mm f1.4 Super Taks. Enjoy!

KerrKid · Feb 2, 2023

Austintatious said:
I don't think you will be disappointed. I have two of them and the 55mm f1.8 as well. Here is another video from Simon on the 50mm f1.4 Super Taks. Enjoy!

Jaw-dropping shots. Oh my. He really liked the version that I'm getting. I pray the lens is good. Does he have a video on the 55mm f1.8 and the 35mm f3.5?

Austintatious · Feb 2, 2023

KerrKid said:
Does he have a video on the 55mm f1.8 and the 35mm f3.5?

He has lots more : www.youtube.com/channel/UC7R1RMn59iq5_f_IT_oDMrA

His Flickr : https://www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/

titrisol · Feb 3, 2023

KerrKid said:
I believe the version of the lens I'm getting is the 7-blade version. Yes, overpriced but not too badly for how good it is.

Just got an invoice from Eric. $115 for a new used SV. He bought a used one on ebay for me and fixed it up. I'm sure it will put a grin on my face.

I should get the SPII on Monday. It's an Asahi Pentax, which is what I wanted. The spare is a Honeywell Pentax.

Make sure he upgrades the camera to take the 50/1.4
The push-plate of the early SVs was squared and collided with the rear element. It was replaced by a crescent shaped plate later, and the rewind crank was changed from green to orange to mark the change.

Pentax SV on the way.

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