Spotmatic Motor Drive - S 1a (Honeywell Pentax H 1 A

SV (Honeywell Penta x H V) -

a full
report
by

Gerard BOUHOT
 The ASAHI PENTAX SPOTMA- nevertheless minimize the sky in- The battery compartment is lo-
TIC, which is sold in the U.S.A. fluence by aiming -low during the cated on the bottom of the camera.
and Mexico under the name HON- metering (this is easy since the The cover can be unscrewed with
EYWELL PENTAX SPOTMATIC, camera is semi-automatic and all a coin in the direction indicated by
is a sing'le-lens, instant-return mir- settings remain unchanged when an arrow marked " OPEN. " Clean
ror, semi-automatic, refl-ex camera, you aim at the actual subject). both sides of the battery in order
with interchangeable lenses enab- You should also avoid having light to insure good contact and avoid
ling TTL metering of the exposure sources in the metering field, like oxydation. The polarity is not in-
at stopped-down aperture. the sun, street lights, bright reflec- dicated in the compartment, but
tions, etc. Subjects with high light the battery has a shoulder; there-
contrast, such as backlights, are fore, if it is inserted the wrong way,
handled with variable success, de- you cannot screw the cover back
Metering system : in place. The indication "+ ter-
pending on the proportion of clear
and dark surfaces. In these cases, minal up," found in the instruction
1952: The Asahiflex I was the it is often useful either to take a manual, means that the positive
first single-lens-reflex camera reading at a closer distance, or to terminal must be oriented toward
built in Japan. 1954: The Asahi- take a selective reading from the the pentaprism.
flex II was the first single-lens-re- shooting point with a tele lens of The battery test requires special
flex camera in the world to feature much longer focal length than the operations which are not indicated
an instant-return mirror. 1957 : In- lens to be used for the actual pic- on the camera body. The ASA
troduction of the Asahi Pentax. ture. sensitivity setting of the exposure
1960: Presentation at Photokina of In the Spotmatic, the metering meter must be set at 100, and the
the prototype of the Asahi Pentax is done at stopped-down aperture. speed selector control knob at B
Spotmatic was the first public ap- During the metering itself, the exposure. When the meter switch
pearance of a TTL metering camera diaphragm is operated manually is on, the needle should move
(the metering was selective, hence and the aperture varies the amount down rapidly-otherwise the bat-
the name Spotmatic). 1964: After of light received by the CdS ce-lls. tery must be changed . Avoid leav-
a great deal of testing, the Asahi This system requires simple linka- ing the old battery within reach of
Pentax Spotmatic went into series ges (no cam is necessary to trans- children or throwing it into a fire.
production, with a metering method fer to the exposure meter the value Mercury batteries are toxic and will
by total integration over the entire of the nominal aperture of the lens exp'lode if exposed to heat.
viewed field, but retained the name in use) . The metering is done by a
Spotmatic. zero method, which corresponds
The two CdS cells are located to the most widely used system on
on each side of the -eyepiece and loading, cocking, releasing
this type of camera (the CdS cells
face the rear surface of the penta- are part of the sides of an electric
prism. It is the most typical cell bridge, and the correct setting is The Spotmatic uses standard
configuration in TTL reflex cam- reached when no current flows in 35 mm cartridges. Avoid loading
eras with fixed focusing screens. the reference galvanometer, the in full sunlight.
Watching the reflections at the ex- needle being then centered on the The back is opened by lifting
treme bottom of the focusing mark: this is the so-called zero the rewind knob located on the top
screen, you may notice a vague re- method). left of the camera body. During
flection of the eyepiece itself, fram- This type of metering at stopped- rewind, this knob is not lifted , so
ed by vague but clearer reflec- down aperture causes the viewing there is no danger of accidental
tions corresponding to the CdS to be quite dark for the extreme opening. The opening is effected
cell elements. stopped-down diaphragm values only at the extreme end of this
This system provides total inte- between fi8 and fi22, particularly lifting motion . A spring releases
gration of the viewed field . This in the corners when using wide- the back and the latter can then
integration is done very evenly angle lenses. The stray light inputs be opened 180 degrees to the
when using a 50 mm lens (maxi- may be significant relative to the right.
mum deviation ± 1/4 f/stop over light beam measured ; but the depth The film pressure plate is very
the whole area of the focusing of field of the viewed image is di- wide, and the film plane ways are
screen) except for a zone cover- rectly visible; and all lenses, in- of the 4 rails machined type. The
ing roughly 1/5 of the field, par- oluding those with manual dia- pressure plate bears on the two
allel to the longer side of the phragm only, may be used . thicker outside ways, and the film
picture and at its top (factory is transported in the remaining
correction to attenuate the sky in- corridor, while bearing on the two
fluence in landscape pictures, and inner ways.
the vignetting mirror influence un- Battery installation and test Drop the cartridge into its recess
der certain conditions). It is the on the left and push the rewind
easiest system to use, and the The CdS cells are powered by a knob fully in , by turning it slightly
best suited for amateur work. In very tiny mercury battery, Mallory if necessary to mesh its fork with
landscape pictures, you should PX 400 or RM 400 R type. the cartridge shaft. The cartridge

2
 Linear enlargments about X 10.

Center Super-Takumar f=55 mm fft-.8 No. 3040780 Edge

1,8 1,8

Z,8

Center Super-Takumar 1=35 mm f/2 No. 3111341 Edge

2
2

2,8
1,8

8
8
settles in easily, its shaft fitting cocking stroke is 160 degrees. vance lever is blocked somewhere
into a corresponding recess in the This necessitates moving your during its stroke. Do not force the
case bottom. It is therefore well hand to perform the entire stroke, film advance lever or you will tear
seated when you pU'JI the film but the same result can be achiev- the perforations.
leader. Take the leader over the ed in several shorter strokes, which Push the rewind release button
rai'ls and thread its end into one is quite convenient. The friction is ·Iocated on the right of the camera
of the slots of the take-up spool. strong enough so that the lever bottom. Extend and turn the re-
This is achieved easily, and two remains sufficiently open even if wind crank. During rewind , the red
perforations is the amount of en- you let it go inadvertently. This dot located at the edge of the
gagement. Whether the film is cocking motion is relatively smooth rewind release button shows by its
held vertically or horizontally, it and quiet. rotation that the film is being trans-
cannot be further engaged. In this The stroke of the release button ported.
way, the film cannot protrude back is short, 2 mm , and smooth , without If you wish to rewind the film
through another slot and thereby any hard point. The camera itself before all frames are exposed , the
create an unwanted bulge. Anyone is rather quiet. The return of the fact that this red dot stops turning
of the four slots can be positioned , mirror is the only noisy factor. (together with the noise of the film
one way or the other, by turning Set the film sensitivity by lifting disengaging from the take-up
the lower flange of the take-up the outer ring of the speed selector spool) is an indication that you
spool with your thumb . Start the control knob, in order to bring the should stop rewinding while the
cocking motion. The film winds red line located close to the 1 sec- leader is sWI accessible outside
under the spooL Be sure that the ond mark in front of the ASA film the cartridge .
sprocket teeth mesh with the film sensitivity, from 20 to 1600. The When the back is opened, the
perforations (the manual recom- figures appear in a window on the counter resets automatically to the
mends winding the fi(m until the knob. This setting can be perform- starting mark. The rewind release
perforations on both sides mesh). ed without having to rotate the button springs Q.ack at the first
Close the back. Complete the speed selector control knob . The cocking .
cocking motion. The counter ad- values are only given in ASA - no
vances from the large white dot to ASA/DIN conversion table is given
the small white dot. The cocking on the camera body or in the man- How to hold the camera
signal, a small disc located on top ual. Do not forget to set the sen-
of the camera close to the release sitivity as this in an essential pre- The left hand, 'Under the camera,
button, goes from black to red , requisite for the setting of the ex- can control the exposure meter
showing that the camera is cocked . posure meter. switch , the focusing ring, the dia-
This signal wi"ll operate even when phragm ring and, if necessary, the
there is no film in the camera ; it " automatic/ manual " contrO'l of the
does not indicate film transport, Film reminder disc diaphragm .
but only cocking . When you re- The right hand holds the right
lease, the signal returns to black. One of the symbols of the disc
side of the body and performs the
Extend the rewind crank. It fea- concentric with the rewind knob
cocking and releasing actions.
tures a rotating metal handle. can be turned to the black trian-
In the vertical position, it is
Wind it slowly in the direction of gle mark on the body. The follow-
more convenient to cock with the
the white arrow (its function is ing words are visible, engraved
film advance lever down. The re-
indicated by a letter R engraved in white: " empty," "panchro" (mean-
lease is then done by the thumb .
green, for "Rewind") in order to ing Band Wi, and " color" meaning
The manual warns that the cam-
remove the slack from the film. color film, without distinction be-
era must be held firmly. An in-
Fdld the crank back. Cock. The tween positive or negative film
secure grip can produce vibrations
counter moves to the zero mark (therefore serving as symbol for
upon release which might cause a
indicated in red (the back rotation universal negative films). For pos-
loss of sharpness in the picture,
of the rewind knob is the only itive films , a " lamp" engraved
even when one does not notice an
sign of correct film transport) . Re- green and a " sun " engraved red
obvious blurring.
lease. Cock for frame No.1 . permit the selective dialing of arti-
ficial or daylight-type films. The
The counter has white markings, manual accurately states that you
and figures are placed every 5 can verify whether the camera is Viewing, focusing
frames. The figure 20 is marked in loaded by rotating the rewind knob .
red, and the line for the 36th frame If it turns freely, the camera is Before taking an exposure read-
is scribed in red. Beyond 36, the ing, you should view and focus.
empty.
counter will slip on the 37 mark. The lens diaphragm is then fully
The sleek film advance lever is open (we shaH see that it reopens
easy to grasp even when flush Film unloading automatically after e·ach release).
with the camera case. It has a The clear viewing and the limited
starting position at a 10 degree At the end of the film , if you depth of field speed up the op-
angIe from rest, after which the wind beyond 20 or 36, the fil~ ad- eration.

4
 Center Super-Takum ar 1= 135 mm 1/3.5 No. 2970090 Edge

5 3,5

5 4,5

The picture is viewed in actual tions, even in the corners . A few positioning at the time of release)
size with the standard 55 mm lens ref>iections are visible on the edges rubs against a stud attached to the
(magnification 0.88 with the of the viewed image, principally forward end of the mirror. The
50 mm) . The center of the focus- the bottom edge. rest of the momentum is absorbed
ing screen is taken by a 3 mm The entire field , the exposure by a foam plastic strip located at
diameter disc of 4-sided micro- mark and the meter needle, located the front of the viewing frame (the
prisms which break horizontal and on the right of the frame , are not usual layout) . A cloth tape cover-
vertical lines, and usable with the entire,ly visible for people wearing ing the mirror hinge prevents the
standard lens up to roughly f/6.3. glasses. A round rubber eyecup, leaking of any stray light from the
An 11 mm diameter ring , very fine- also serving as correcting lens viewing system to the film during
ly frosted , not backed by a Fresnel holder, is available (the correcting shooting.
lens, surrounds the microprisms lenses are not supplied by ASAHI) .
(with the standard lens, this ring This cup fits closely over the edge
gets dark from f/6.3 up) . of the eyepiece. It may be left in Shutter
The rest of the screen is very place when closing the eveready
finely ground and backed by a case, but must be partially remov- Since this camera is semi-auto-
Fresnel lens. The pitch of this lens ed to allow opening the back for matic, the shutter speed is usually
is so slight that it is almost unno- loading . selected first. The speed is dialed
ticeable at full aperture, as well as With very long tele lenses and-In in front of the black triangle on the
with the diaphragm completely photomacrography the instant-re- body by rotation of the speed se-
closed (it is then the ground turn mirror, which is long , introdu- lector control knob either way. The
structure which becomes visible). ces little vignetting at the top of motion is continuous (there is no
For outside shots, focusing can be the viewed picture. A finger, retain - stop between B exposure and
done up to f/6.3 or f/8, particularly ing the mirror, then projects in t he 1/ 1000) which is practical. Never-
on the edges of the focusing middle of the bottom of the focus- the1less, this knob is very low and
screen. This viewing system is ing screen . During its upswing , not very easy to gr asp, being lo-
very efficient. the mirror is s'lowed down at th e cated between the film advance
At fuH apertu re, the viewing is end of its stroke. An articu lated lever and the release button. The
very bright and free from aberra- lever (spr·ing loaded fo r proper • speed selector control knob does

5
 Push up, in the arrow direction ,
the switch marked "SW" located
on the top left of the lens mount-
ing plate. This switch locks in
the up position. The small indica-
tor located under the arrow (visi-
ble when you look at the camera
from the side) goes from black to
red. The exposure meter is now
working and the lens diaphragm
goes from automatic to manual
operation. Turning the diaphragm
ring brings the meter needle to the
center of the mark located on the
right side of the picture frame.
This operation can also be per-
formed by rotating the speed se-
lector control knob after choosing
a given f/ stop, as both settings are
interconnected. If centering of the
needle cannot be achieved for the
speed or diaphragm value selected
first, change the initial setting . In-
termediate positions between the
indexed ones can be used for the
diaphragm , but n·ot for the speeds,
which is good reason for preselec-
ting a speed initially.
During the metering, the depth
of field of the composed image is
directly visible, as the diaphragm
is used manually and therefore
closed at the correct exposure val-
ue. When you release, the dia-
phragm reopens completely after
the exposure and the switch moves
back to rest, shutting off the meter
ASAHI PENTA X SPOTMATIC J08-2 circuit.
Product No. 231
You may, after the metering and
DISTRIBUTING WIRES before shooting , move the switch
~ back by hand. The meter is then
SW BATTERY
off and the indicator goes black ;
but, at the time of release, the dia-
Circuit diagram of the exposure meter (the various elements have the same references
on both drawings). J01. Galvanometer .• J02. CdS cells .• J08·2. Speed and sensitivity
phragm will close to the preselec-
setting potentiometer .• J10. Adjustable setting resistor .• SW. Exposure meter control ted value and will reopen imme-
switch (B 26) .• Battery. Power element. diately after exposure.
You may also use the lens man-
ually. Swing the lever located at
the rear of the lens mount to the
not turn upon release. The speed The shutter curtains are very left, from AUTO to MAN. The view-
range is the normal series of 11 finely woven and are made of rub- ing is then done at closed dia-
values : 1 - 1/2 - 1/4 - 1/ 8 - 1/ 15 - berized silk. When the camera is phragm, and the depth of field can
1/30 - 1/60 - 1/125 . 1/250 - 1/500 - to be stored for a long period of be permanently assessed. Opera-
1/1000, engraved white. B expo- time, it is advisable to leave the ting the switch turns the meter ON.
sure is also available and engraved shutter uncocked and to remove It is automatically shut off after the
green . T exposures can be made the battery. exposure; the switch returns to
with a locking cable release screw- rest, but in this case the diaphragm
ed into the release button remains closed.
Exposure metering
threads. A small pitch threaded If you do not release the shutter
hole, located under the bottom and When the speed has been se- after the metering , the meter cir-
close to the center of gravity, pro- lected and focusing completed , cuit should be turned off by moving
vides for attachment to a tripod . measure the exposure. the switch back to rest manually

6
 in order to avoid early deterioration
of the battery.
Whatever metering method is
used, the operator should be care-
ful about the possible input of
stray light through the eyepiece.
The Spotmatic system seems well
protected, however, particularly
when the eyecup is used.
At rest, the needle stands half
way between the center mark and
the minus sign. Upon switching on,
it usua'ily moves toward + or -
and must be centered by turning
the diaphragm ring (or the speed
selector control knob). The + and
- signs indicate which direction
to move the needle in order to
achieve voluntary over or under-
exposure. The limits for ± 1 f/stop
cannot be given. The reason is
that for a given sensitivity setting,
say 100 ASA:
A. in bright light, the needle dis-
placement for a given varia- Focusing screen: 1. Microprism disc, 3 mm diameter. - 2. Frosted ring without Fresnel
tion of thB opening is slightly lens, outside diameter 11 mm. - 3. Remainder of the focusing screen backed by a
Fresnel lens. - 4. Exposure metering slot. - 5. Galvanometer needle at 'rest (exposure
meter switched off). - 6. Voluntary over and under exposure marks.

smaller at 1/1000 second (the The range is maximum at 100

open slot in the window cor- ASA on all eleven speeds from 1
responds to 1.25 f/stop) than second to 1/1000 second (with the
at 1/3,0 second (open slot cor- 50 mm f/1.4 lens: exposure index
responding to 1 f/stop) . of 1 to 18) and at 50 ASA from B
B. in dim light, around 1 second to 1/500 second (exposure index 0
at f/3.5, the needle displace- to 17). The range becomes B to
ment is again reduced (open 1/125 second at 20 ASA, and 1/15
slot corresponding to 2 f/stops) second to 1/1000 second at 1600
Super-Takumar 17 mm Fish-Eye f/4, enabl- and does not occur until after ASA. A table gives the metering
ing, the viewing and exposure metering in 3 to 6 seconds. ranges from 20 to 1600 ASA. When
reflex operation.
C. these factors remain generally the metering is possible also on
constant from 20 to 1600 ASA; the B position (from 20 to 50 ASA),
at 1600 ASA, the needle dis- you must then expose for 2 sec-
placements are noticeably onds (this feature is not indicated
slower, particularly around f/1.8 in the French instruction manual).
at 1/15 second. In general, it is not necessary to
Since the metering is done by a use the range table because the
zero method, centering is some- limits of the metering range are
times attained with a slight diffe- indicated on the camera itself. For a
ence in the readings, depending given sensitivity, one can use a par-
on whether you start from a strong ticular speed only when the speed
overexposure or from a strong indicator mark is black. If, when
underexposure, but this difference rotating the speed selector control
is not significant, as it does not knob, this mark becomes red, the
exceed 1/8 to 1/4 f/stop. corresponding speed can still be
used, but the exposure meter is
automatically cut off, and the nee-
Metering limits dle goes back to its rest position.
The system does not perform any
As with all TTL cameras, the me- metering thereafter. The camera
Super Macro-Takumar 50 mm f/4 lens,
focusing directly from infinity to the ratio tering limits vary with the sensiti- may then be used as a camera
X1/2. vity of the film in use. without an exposure meter.

7
 ~ , 1. Speed selector disc.
2. Sensitivity ASA disc.

-0 ® 3. Frame counter disc .

•
2 4. Speed selector control knob.

~
5. Film advance lever.
3'3
6. Release button.
~ 40 7. Cable release contact pin.
3 _ _ _ __ _ 8. Exposure meter potentiometer.
9. Stop plate for the film advance lever.
10. Cocking and drive assembly.
11 . Film advance lever return spring.
5 _ _ _~
12. Cocking gear.
13. Speed selector base plate.
14. High-speed cam.
6_ _ 15. Drive and counter bearing shaft.
16. Release bar.
17. Cocking indicator.
18. Back.
19. Retard control rod.
20. Pallet control rod.
21 . X-synchronization contacts.
22. Release shaft.
23. Slow-speed retard.
24. Lower base plate.
25. Sprocket.
26. Take-up spool.
41 27. Take-up spool friction spring .
28. Rewind release button.
29. Mirror cocking system.
42 30. Tripod socket.
31. Battery compartment.
42 b •• 32. PX 400 battery.
1lI~ r :,\: ·\iK~;i.1.~ ~ i // 33. Mirror operating mechanism.
8 34. Self-timer.
9 35. Front plate.

----
-, 36. Self-timer cocking lever assembly
37. Viewing eyelens.
38. CdS cells.
~ 43 39. Rewind knob.
10 40. Film reminder disc.
41 . Prism cover.
11
42. Pentaprism.
12- 42 bis. Focusing screen.
---./ ~ m. atmW.' Fl. ~ ,~fr J~3E~
--A / J fHl1I.4I' 111
43. Rewind shaft bearing.
------ 4-4
44. Printed circuit with adjustable setting resistor.
45 45. Galvanometer.
46. Rewind shaft.
~ 41;
~- ---
~ ~/
""='
13
14- fJ ~ 1"'1 :!?
Q
g
. 0°
47
47. Back locking spring.
48. First curtain .
49. Second curtain .
15 50. Lower tension rollers bearing plate.
51. Mirror cage assembly.
52. Instant-return mirror.
53. Sync contact and exposure meter switch
assembly.
16 --:::::::;..---
~ ~ 54. Diaphragm closing bar.
55. Exposure meter switch.
56. FP flash terminal.
57. Electronic flash terminal
58. Auto/Man diaphragm control.
59. Super-Takumar lens.
17 _ __ ,---~

18 _ __
IL- -..::,
50 Dessi n LE HEDAN
REPRODUCT ION RI GOUREUSEM ENT
INTERD ITE - TOUS DRO ITS RESERVES -
PROPRIETE EXCLUSIVE DE PHOT'ARGUS
21 _ _ _ __ ~

22 ------~w
~~JlI~~~~IE~I~1
~ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ ____ 51
./~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 52
23 III I
.,-_ __ _ _ _ _ 53

24 _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _

54

~: I ~ . 1m I'fli ._____ 55

33 _ _ _ _ _ --1

56
57

27 ~
34 _ _ __ _ _ _
35 _ _ _ __ _~

" 58
9

2 B ____________________~~~

29 ~~
 time r after the exposure by push-
ing the self-timer release button .
The mechanism is rather noisy.
A full cocking over 180 degrees
effects a delay of 12 seconds, and
a partial cocking of 90 degrees ef-
fects a delay of 6 seconds. Under
90 deg rees , the lever does not
catch at the beginning of its stroke ;
further along it catches but the
self-timer is still not usable. Be-
tween 90 and 180 degrees, all in-
termediate values can be used.

Intentional double exposure

This faculty is not noted in the
French instruction manual.
Take the first exposure by releas-
ing normally, then remove the
Picture taken with the Super-Takumar Fish-Eye. - Plus X film , f/4, TTL exposure metering slack from the film with the rewind
and viewing. knob . Hold this knob between 2
fingers and at the same time push
This featu re works well. However, two synchronization sockets, 3 mm on the rewind release button while
(1) on B at 400-500-640 ASA; (2) standard diameter, with X and FP cocking through a fu'il stroke of
on Band 1 second at 800-1000 and marks, located left of the lens the film advance lever (the rewind
1250 ASA ; and (3) on B, 1 and 1/ 2 mount. release button must be pushed in
second at 1600 ASA, the speed ref- The shutter is synchronized as and the rewind knob held still dur-
erence mark remains black and folflows : ing the entire cocking stroke).
the need Ie is not at rest, but the Then take the second exposure.
- for electronic flash , on X from
metering system is inoperative. The next cocking will be normal-
1 second to 1/60 second (this
One should not then rely on the the rewind release button springs
higher speed is indicated by a
meter ; the exposure time indicated back out and the film is again
red X close to the 60 figure on
will be wrong . From 400 to 1600 transported . However, as this hap-
the speed selector) ;
ASA , consult the range table , or pens only sometime after the new
- for F class magnesium bulbs, cocking stroke is started , one
operate in a systematic manner (a
on X from 1 second to 1/ 15 se- should shoot that frame with the
trick which is not given in the man-
cond; lens covered by its cap or with the
ual). At these high sensitivities
(400 to 1600 ASA) dial 1/ 15 second - for FP class magnesium bulbs, palm of the hand in order to avoid
in front of the black mark (if you on FP - screw socket from 1/ 60 frame overlap. Then cock once
do not remember this value , just second to 1/ 1000 second and more as usual. You may, if de-
start from a faster speed-say bayonet socket from 1/ 125 sec- sired , make another intentional dou-
maximum 1/ 1000 second). While ond to 1/ 1000 second . ble exposure on this frame. Some-
setting slower and slower speeds , - refer to the instruction tab'le in times , during cocking for the
if you exceed the limit (for instance order to avoid making errors second exposure, the film may
at 1600 ASA between 1/ 15 second when shooting. move slightly ; the second exposure
and 1/ 8 second) the mark turns is then slightly offset from the first.
red; this is the true end of the By the same procedure, you may
range and you should not go Self·timer take multiple exposures on the
beyond it. You should then realize same frame simply by repetition.
that, if at slower spe~ds the mark A self-timer, located on the front This capacity for mu ltiple expo-
turns back to black (for instance at of the camera body can be cocked sures , not usually provided on SLR
1600 ASA, it goes half red/ half before or after cocking the shutter. cameras , permits artistic or scien-
black on 1/2 second, and black on After cocking the self-timer, the tific effects wh ich may be very
1 second and B) , this indication is self-timer release button is reveal- useful.
wrong and the metering system is ed. This self-time r is of sophisti -
operating but is not to be trusted. cated design ; after cocking , it can
be used (release by the self-timer Interchangeable lenses
Synchronization release button) or not (release
by the normal button- i n th is Th e Spotmatic camera will ac-
The front side of the camera has case you can release the se'if- cept all standard 42 mm diameter

10
 screw-mount len ses. Hund reds of
lenses are available in this cate-
gory, but only the "Takumar" are
specially designed by Asahi for
the Spotmatic.
To remove the lens, be sure the
meter switch is off-then unscrew
the lens to the left and remove it.
This operation can be done with
only one hand, a practical feature.
If the meter switch is on , the dia-
phragm plunger on the lens may
strike the linkage during the un-
screwing movement.
All Super-Takumar lenses are
automatic and have a uniform con-
figuration from front to rear, with
the following characteristics :
A 'lens hood and accessory thread
(49 mm diameter for most of the
lenses from 28 mm to 135 mm).
A wide, smooth-motion focusing Picture taken with the Super-Takumar 50 mm f/ 1.4 (on the closest focusing setting) with
ring, rotating to the left from in- the No.1 auxiliary lens. - Plus X film, f/ 11 , TTL measurement.

finity to the closed distance over

a stroke of 60 to 360 degrees
depending on the lens.
A focusing range window, with
pale blue figures in feet and
yellow figures in meters.
An orange focusing range reading
mark, surrounded by a white
depth-of-field scale.
This scale also has an orange line ,
sometimes labelled R, indicating
the focusing correction for infrar-
ed film .
A diaphragm ring which rotates to
the right from full aperture to
olosed, over about 45 degrees,
each fl stop and 1/2 fl stop lightly
indexed.
A swinging lever for the Auto-Man
diaphragm operation method .
The Auto position is used for all
general purposes, since the dia-
phragm operates manually dur- Picture taken with th e Macro-Super-Takumar at a ratio of x 1/2 on the negative. - Plus X
ing the metering ; the Man po- film, f/ 11 , TTL measurement.
sition serves in special instances
such as for photomacrography.
One opening value and one focus- rying strap, and the lens hood. in 5 groups; or 50 mm f/1.4 to 16,
ing value are marked in orange The lens hood may be either the foousing down to 45 cm, 7 e'le-
on the 17 to 50 mm lenses for slip-on type , which comes posi- ments in 6 groups. These should
rapid settings. At these values tioned inve rted over the lens, not be set down on the rear ele-
the depth of field ranges from covered by the front lens cap; ment, which protudes and could be
infinity to a close distance. or of the screw-on type , deliver- damaged . There is also a 55 mm
The diaphragm preselection p'lun- ed in a separate case . f/2 to 16 lens.
ger, on the rear face of the len -
ses, is very vulnerable, and must Wide-angle lenses
be protected by the rear sc rew- . Standard lenses
on cap delivered with each lens. Super-Takumar f/3,5 of 24 mm
Also del ivered are the fron t lens Super-Takumar 55 mm f/1.8 to 16, and 28 mm focal length , 35 mm f/2
cap , the leather bag with car- fo cusing down to 45 cm, 6 ele ments and f/3.5.
•
11
 Tele-Ienses
Super-Takumar 85 mm tl1.9; 105
mm tl2.8; 135 mm f/ 2.5 and f/3.5.

Very long tele-Ienses

Super-Takumar 150 mm, 200 mm
and 300 mm f/4; Tele-Takumar with
diaphragm preselection 300 mm
f/6.3 and Tele-Takumar with manual
diaphragm 400 mm tl5.6, 500 mm
fl4.5, 1000 mm f/8 (delivered with
case and tripod).

Special lenses
Super-Takumar Fish Eye usable
in reflex viewing! 17 mm tl4 to 22,
Copy 01 a slide, done
focusing from infinity down to 20
with bellOWS No. II
equipped with slide- cm, 11 elements in 7 groups with a
copying attachment diagonal field of 180 degrees; UV,
and with the 50 mm yelilow Y2 and orange 02 built-in
1/1.4 lens. - Original
filters.
Kodachrome II, copy
on Plus X, reproduc- Super-Macro-Takumar 50 mm f/4
tion ratio on the to 22, focusing from infinity to a
negative x 1, TTL magnification ratio of 1/ 2, 4 ele-
exposure metering,
ments in 3 groups, permitting all
lighting by flood
lamp DXC 500 W with shots from landscape to very near
built-In reflector. close-up ; the high clarity of the
viewed image allows fast and ac-
curate focusing .
Macro-Takumar 50 mm f/ 4 to 22,
focusing from infinity to a magnifi-
cation ratio of 1, 4 elements in 3
groups (same configuration as the
Super) , manual diaphragm .
'B ellows-Takumar 100 mm f/4 to
22 with short mount to be used on
a bellows with preselected dia-
phragm.
Super-Takumar-Zoom 70 to 150
mm f/4.5 to 22.

Accessories
With many available accessories
the SPOTMATIC may be converted
into a complete photo system.
- Set of three extension tubes
9.5, 19 and 28.5 mm with or
without diaphragm control link-
age (ratio X 0.17 to X 1.17
with the 55 mm lens) in their
own case.
Cropped version 01
- Extension tube with continuous
the same slide , with screw-type variable length,
the same equipment. from 16.8 mm to 30.6 mm ( X
Reproduction ratio on 0.3 to X 0.7 with the 55 mm).
the negative :x 1.5.
TTL exposure meter-
ing.
 - Standard monorail bellows No. adjustable eyepiece and carry- ca'se ' with normal or extended
1 (X 0.62 to X 2.45 with the ing bag. snout for 135 mm lens (a com-
55 mm), orientation of the ca- - 9D--degree reflecting mirror partment in the snout holds a
mera in all directions, scales (with case) adaptable to Taku- spare battery).
for the 55 and 58 mm lenses. mar 200 mm f/3.5, Super-Taku- - Worth mentioning, an accessory
- 2 rails bellows No.2, rear part mar 200 mm f/4 and Tele-Taku- for special work, the spot 1 de-
with indexed displacement, mar 300 mm f/6.3 lenses (a false gree exposure meter (in a 21
front motion by large knurled lens in front makes it appear degree field; range 6-6400 ASA;
knob (breaking and blocking that the lens is being used nor- 9-39 DIN : 4 minutes to 1/4000
possible), orientation of the mally for shooting straight ahead second; f/1 to f/120; exposure
camera in all directions, engra- while actually the picture is index 3 to 18), Sensitivity at 100
vings: 1 to 18 cm , magnification being taken at a 90-degree an- ASA from 1/2 second at f/2 to
ratio and exposure correction gie). 1/ 1000 second at f/ 16.
factors for the 55 mm. - Filters (worth mentioning is the
Copying stand for slides and UV Ghostless meniscus filter
reducing the risk of stray lens/
Camera body
roll film, with connecting bel-
lows to the lens, and vertical off filter reflections), sunshades, The body itse,lf features: 2 rings
center of the sl ide up to 12 mm , releases, cases, etc. for a carrying strap on the front ; the
reproduction ratio variable - Accessory shoe No. II, slip-on serial number on the top (another
from 1 to 1.5 with the 50 mm type to the eyepiece like the number is engraved at the bottom
lens. rubber eyecup, but retained in on the edge of the bottom plate);
- Automatic bei'lows, separate place by two flexible hooks. tripod thread (do not use a longer
displacement of the camera and - Stereoscopic adaptor for 55 mm than 4,5 mm screw) ; no film refer-
of the lens; double release; mo- lens, and stereoscopic viewer. ence plane indicator.
bile carriage enabling to move - Cartridge; carrying case for
together camera/bellows/lens; standard lens; adaptor to use
ratio infinity to X 1.32 with the the Asahiflex lenses on the This camera body, a very good
100 mm Bellows-Takumar; slide Spotmatic; caps, etc. overall design, looks quite small;
copying stand adaptable. - Rigid case for camera and ac- its dimensions are indeed a few
- Inversion ring for Super-Taku- cessories in plastic, leather and millimeters less than the average
mar 55 mm and 50 mm and aluminum; soft case blimp; soft ones : length 143 mm , height 92 mm
adaptor ring for the use of Lei-
ca lenses in close-up shooting .
- Microscope adaptor No. 2 for
25 mm diameter tubes, permit-
ting an easy interchange of the
eyepieces, delivered with a
matt black tube avoiding the
reflections when the microscope
is being used without eyepiece.
- Copipod, 4 telescopic gradua-
ted legs stand, capable of
being screwed on lenses with
46 or 49 mm thread.
- Copy stand, column mounted
stand with base equipped with
reference frames , and remov-
able table mount.
- Magnifier to be mounted on the
camera eyepiece, with X 2 mag -
nification of the center of the
fielld (area of the ground ring)
intended for very accurate fo-
cusing, adjustable eyepiece,
hinged construction for swing
out without unmounting, in a
carrying bag .
- 49 mm diameter meniscus ad-
ditional lens ( X 0.15 to 0.32 by Accessories: A. Extension tube with continuous screw-type variation length, from 16.8
to 30.6 mm. - B. Asahi Pentax Spotmatic with bellows No. II and slide copying attach-
using the focusing range of the
ment. - C. Set of 3 extension tubes with automatic diaphragm transmission. - D. 90-
55 mm lens) . degree mirror adaptor. - E. Microscope adapter No. II. - F. Stereo adapter and viewer.
- Angle viewer, orientable, with - G. Accessory shoe No. II.

13
 Manual raiSing of the mirror not tomatic 'reset counte r. Rewind
depth 90 mm (53 mm without lens); -
possibl e. Simpl e linkage , rath - re,lease button with automa tic
it is also slightly lighter than aver-
er long mirror. reenga gement .
age: 820 grams with the 55 mm
f/ 1.8 lens. It is avai lab Ie in matt - Battery test primitiv e. No DIN/ - Only one hand needed for lens
chrome or black finish . When ASA convers ion table. interch ange.
purcha sed from an authori zed - No fi·lm t ranspo rt signal during - Film transpo rt indicat or during
dealer, this camera carries a one cocking . rewind .
year guaran tee, and this is honore d -- Standa rdizatio n of lens config-
- Cockin g stroke necess itating
by all official dealers at home and uration s (IR mark, manual
hand displac ement on the cam-
abroad upon presen tation of the operati on pOSSible, standa rd
era body.
interna tional guaran tee card . filters for some lenses). Stan-
The everea dy case fits very - Battery polarity not indicate d
dard 42 mm lens mount.
snugly on the camera , and perhap s on the body (but wrong posi -
tioning imposs ible) . - Very smooth release button.
it is this overall modest size com- Instant -return mirror. Normal
bined with the Spotma tic reputa- - No film referen ce plane indica-
noise level. Intentio nal multi-
tion which has made the camera tion .
ple exposu res possibl e.
such a sucess .
- Adjusta ble self-tim er, disarm -
able, but rather noisy.
INDICATED MEASURED Advantages
SPEEDS SPEEDS - Speed selecto r control knob
with continu ous settings , non-
- Bright viewing image . Few re -
1 1/1.1 Ex- rotating during re·lease .
flection s . No aberrat ion.
1/2 1/2.5 g screen with in- - Cockin g possibl e by small suc-
cellent focusin
1/4 1/4.6 cessive movem ents. Film ad-
visible Fresnel lens, even at
1/8 1/8 vance lever easy to grasp.
f/16. Mirror damper .
1/15 1/16 Synchr oniza-
- Practic al meter switch. Bat- - Rewind crank.
1/30 1/31
tery tester. PX 400 battery . tion sockets with standar d dia-
1/60 1/66
Meterin g with cross-l inked meter. Serial numbe r on the
1/125 1/138
speed or diaphra gm variatio ns. body. Tripod socket. Simple
1/250 1/256
Semi-a utomat ic operati on with film remind er disc. Strap eye-
1/500 1/500
presele cted diaphra gm (or lets.
1/1000 1/880
speed) . - Many access ories. Good ap-
Camera tested No. 266.9922 - Cockin g signal. Exposu re me- pearan ce. One year world-w ide
ter range limit indicate d on the guarantee. Compa ct dimen-
camera body. sions of the camera/ everea dy
Disadvantages - TTL meterin g at stoppe d-down case setup. Simplif ied and less
apertur e: directly visible depth expens ive version s availab le.
- Meterin g range limited for ex- of field , all lenses usable. Over - Motor drive model with very
treme film sensitiv ities. and undere~posure indicat ions pleasan t drive system, com-
- Needle displac ement sometim es in the viewfin der. pact dry or recharg eable bat-
slow and slight. Easy loading . Back opens out tery power pack, very high
- Focusin g screen and meter 180 degree s. Good protect ion shootin g rate (2.5 to 3 frames /
window not comple tely visible against acciden tal opening . Au- sec.) .
for people wearing glasses. No
correct ion lens availab le (only
holder) .
- TTL meterin g at stoppe d-down
apertur e: viewing sometim es
dark, possibl e stray light input. OTHER SPOTMATIC VERSIONS
Lens diaphra gm plunge rs very
vulnera ble if no rear cap in
The Spotma tic body is the re- The S1a is still in produc tion . Its
place.
sult of the evo'lution of the Asahi- essenti al differen oes from the
- TTL meterin g by total integra -
Pentax introdu ced in 1957 (which SPOTM ATIC are : the Super-T aku-
tion of the viewed area requi-
followe d the Asahifl ex I of 1952 mar 55 mm f/ 2 lens, the absenc e of
res interpre tation for backlig hts.
and the Asahifl ex II-A of 1955). The a light meter, the shutter limited
- X synchro nization limited to
Asahi 'P entax was followe d in 1958 to 1/500 second , X synchro nization
1/ 60 second . Speed selecto r
by the model K, in 1959 by the at 1/50 second , the presen ce of T
control knob small, difficul t to
model S 2, in 1961 by the S 3, in Time exposu re, the absenc e of a
grasp. No T exposu re.
1962 by the S1a (Honey well Pen- self-tim er, (do not use the Super-
- Interme diate position s of the
tax H1A) and the SV (Honey well Takum ar 50 mm f/ 1.4 lens becaus e
speed selecto r control knob not
Pentax H3V). its rear lens would be scratch ed
usable.

14
 by the mirror mechanism, unless the motor, and rewind the film
the R mark engraved on the rewind through the normal rewind crank.
knob is orange ; the same applies - time exposu res can be made
to the SV model). by setting the motor se,lector
The SV model features the 1/ 1000 switch to B and the handle selec-
second speed , a self-timer, and is tor to S. Press the handle trigger
fitted (on the recently manufac- and turn the handle selector to the
tured ones) with a Super-Takumar green dot to keep the shutter open.
55 m m f/1.8 lens ; it can take a cl i p- To close the shutter, turn the handle
an CdS light meter on its prism . selector back to S.
The SL model is a SPOTMATIC
Eight AA batteries provide for
version introduced in 1968; it has
1500 frames at an average rate,
the same body, but without an in-
and the NiCad pack gives ove r
dicator for the film in use and with-
2000 frames at an average rate
out an exposure meter (therefore
(that is, the NiCad will last for 50
also without a SWitch). It is a
36-exposure rolls, or for 8 250 ex-
second body of the same standard
posure rolls) . The change from
as the SPOTMATIC. It will take , at
dry to rechargeable batteries re-
a later stage, a clip-on CdS expo-
quires removing the handle cover.
sure meter on the pentaprism hou-
When the weather is cold , it is
sing.
advisable to keep the handle in
The Spotmatic motor drive
your pocket and to use the one-
chrome model is the other version
meter connecting cable (b ut then
introduced in 1968. The Set 36 is
the release is also from within your
built-up with one ASAHI PENTAX
pocket) . The battery tester is used
SPOTMATIC MOTOR DRIVE fitted
by clipping it on top of the handle.
with a Super-Takumar 50 mm f/1.4
The battery charger permits re-
lens, one drive mechanism , a di- Asahi Pentax Spotmatic motor drive 36 charging the NiCad battery in 14
rect-contact handle holding the frames, equipped with motor and compact
hours without having to take it out
dry or rechargeable batteries (it power pack usable as a handle.
of the handle. The motor can be
can only be fitted vertically and this
fed directly by a 12 volt 0.4 amp
is slightly awkward when shooting
external source, or by AC Power
verticaUy), a separate battery case,
Packs models for 100, 110, 120,
a one-meter-Iong connecting ca-
200, 220, 240 Volts, 50 or 60 cycles
ble, a battery tester, a carrying
(these packs are used to drive the
strap and a soft bag for the whole
motor, recharge the battery, or as
set. The Set 250 also features a
relays for long distance remote
high capacity magazine with two
control from 10 meters to 6000
film cartridges , a bulk film loader
meters ; unfortunately, each model
and a suitcase. Accessories are
has a different, specific voltage) .
avaHable : a 10 meter long cable , a
The eveready case available for the
battery charger, a relay box, AC
Set 36 may be left on the camera in
power packs, and timers.
use (openings are provided for
The Motor Drive Model has an
operations, and the snout may be
opening on the right side of the
partially removed to uncover the
bottom plate which is revealed by Asahi Pentax Spotmatic motor drive equip- lens) . This sHghtly reduces the
unscrewing a cover disc : you can ped with the 250 frames back (all other
operating noise level.
then position the motor drive unit elements are common to the 36 and 250
and the power handle. The handle frame operation). For use with 250 frames, remove
selector has three positions: (green the back of the camera and re-
dot) = off, S = Single frame , and either continuous shooting or for place it with the high capacity back.
C = Continuous shooting. Load single-frame exposures. The cali- Screw on the motor, the handle and
the camera normally and set the bration " C 60-1000 " indicates that connect the motor to the 250-frame
counter on the motor drive unit to in continuous shooting (2.5 to 3 magazine counter by the wire .
36 or 20 (or to any number of frames frames/ sec.) the shutter speed must Prepare a cartridge with the bulk
you wish to expose) . The mo- be between 1/60 second and 1/ 1000 film loader (it takes 30 meter reels
tor automatical1ly switches off at second. The calibration " S 1-1000" wh>ich permit you to make 3 car-
zero. On the motor selector, dial indicates that all speeds are usa- tridges of 250 frames each, or car-
either: ble in single-frame shooting. Re- tridges of the desired capacity
- B (bulb exposure) ; lease with the handle trigger (or from 0 to 250 frames) install it on
- or the common position C 60- use the remote control terminal for the camera , and dial the desired
1000/S1-1000; the motor). At the end of the film , number of frames .
- the common position is used fo r push the disengaging button at;! The accessory relay, as is the

15
case for the Power Pack relay, can (specify the desired voltage; the (SPOTMATIC MOTOR DRIVE +
be ·Iocated up to 10 meters from models fit 50 and 60 cycles as their Super-Takumar 50 mm f/1.4 + mo-
the camera, but it can be remotely dials have a double scale)-can tor + dry battery power handle)
controlled from a distance of up to also perform the switching of auxi- the overall dimensions ar·e : 143, mm
6000 meters by ordinary wires. liary lights up to 600 watts from 2 in length ; 97 mm in thickness; 274
Radio control is avaHab'le and per- seconds before the release until mm in height; weight 1590 grams.
mits, in conjunction with the re- the end of the exposure. This system, designed for report-
ceiver connected to the Power When the motor is mounted on age work, for ,automatic control , for
Pflck, wireless operation up to a the SPOTMATIC MOTOR DRIVE, scientists, has been carefully de-
d.stance of 500 meters in flat the manual contro'is can be used. veloped since 1960, as one can see
c.ountry (selector CIS; indicator This camera can also be used nor- from the fact that it is possible to
Ii\.:ht on the transmitter indicating mally without the motor, even with interconnect several cameras, or
the operation of the shutter). The the 250 frames back (the normal to trigger a phenomenon at the
3 types of timers-5 to 60 seconds , SPOTMATIC cannot be motorized). time of release through the cam-
2 to 60 minutes and 1 to 24 hours In 36 frames configuration era (by using the X terminal) ...

~ N"fiona' (amera, Inc.

"'" Englewood, Colorado, 80110

VM ~ditions , 3, place Malesherbes, 75 - PARIS (17 ' ). Phone: 227-25-44, Made and Printed in France by :

US Edition published in France by VM ~ditions . Abstract from " PHOT'ARGUS ". Bu sson Ltd. , PARIS .

Copyright © 1969 by VM ~ditions (PARIS) . Chief Editor: Robert MONNIER.

All rights reserved

including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form (with the exception of the Depot legal :
right to use short quotations for review of book). 1970/2· trim . - N° 5082