Best camera for use with M42 lenses

I've got a growing number of M42 lenses. I use them on my Canon DSLR with an adapter but I'd like to use a film camera. Several people have recommended the Pentax Spotmatic. I believe Pentax made a number of models for M42 mount lenses and I was wondering if there was a general consensus as to which was the best choice for use today. I'd prefer an all-mechanical (no battery needed) model and I'd like something reasonably compact. I could go for a battery-powered one if there's a chance the meter still operated, maybe an ES II?

The ES models have very early electronic systems that can be less reliable than those made today.

A good Spotmatic would be fine, also the Spotmatic II or SP1000.

The alternative is a K mount Pentax body with Pentax Mount Adapter K. Then you have a vast array of Pentax bayonet mount bodies to choose from, from mechanical bodies through to relatively recent electronic ones.

All Pentax cameras are relatively compact compared to the alternatives of their day and all offer very fine ergonomic design.

Any of the original SP models will work without a battery, it's only there for the light meter.

The choice of model is wide open, but don't reject the SP500, it does have a 1000th setting in the blank area after 500th on the speed dial.

Have a look here for my views on Spotmatics.

Having had most Spotmatic variants pass through my hands at one time or another you can't really go wrong with any of them. Having said that, my personal favourite is the original Spotmatic (often referred to as the "SP") which is all mechanical bar the meter. The meter was designed originally for mercury cells but thanks to the voltage-independent design you can use an easily obtainable LR44 battery instead, although you may have to pad the battery chamber out a bit with a piece of card to hold it in place. I've yet to come across one where the meter is actually dead and they're probably the easiest (and cheapest bar the SP500) to get hold of.

All the Spotmatic models are essentially the same size (reasonably compact) so if you want something smaller you'll need to look at the earlier models such as the S3, H2, S1a, etc. The built-in meter makes the Spotmatic generally more pleasant to actually use though.

I might be inclined to go for a Spotmatic F, ES or ES II if any of your lenses are SMC or Super-Multi-Coated Takumars. These models have the extra tab for open aperture metering with these lenses. Yes they are more complex but they seem reliable enough.

If you see something with "Electro Spotmatic" then it's a rare predecessor of the ES and worth buying, however if the electronics don't work the chances are that they can't be fixed, as apparently these cameras not only differ from the later models but also from each other - they were more like a mass-produced prototype than a standard product.

I have an original SP which is gorgeous to handle and use but unfortunately the metering is too easily fooled for my tastes. I find the KX much better with similar handling but a more reliable light meter.

Cant go wrong with a Spotmatic II. Had one from new, which was back in 1974. Still going strong, only replacement was the light seals around the film access door.

I bet my K10D wont be serviceable for thirty plus years.

But I need not worry about that, as I wont be around, let alone serviceable in thirty years time, cant take it with me, as there’s no pockets in a shroud.
Unless “Stealth Gear”, goes into the shroud market.

Chris R

I love my ES but the lack of metering on manual is sometimes annoying. I'd recommend the SPII as a more workable all-round camera.

K.

Asahi S3 with light meter!

Ok, only because I have one

The only snag with the earlier bodies is that they almost all need a CLA now. I have a minty early-type SV and fully functioning square meter with the slight snag that the shutter caps at higher speeds. The shutter design was upgraded on the SP to solve this.

I'll get it seen to when I have a few quid to spare, it's hardly deteriorating on a dry shelf at the moment.

Wow! Thanks for so many comments. Sounds like I have a lot of choices. I'll start looking for some of these at the estates sales and see what I can find. I saw a Spotmatic II for $30 USD a few months ago and wish now I'd bought it. I'll post again to let you know what I end up buying.