Old Pentax and manual 35mm, Questions. (Spotmatic F)

How many still use manual SLR cameras? I must admit that they still have a level of interest from me at any rate!

I have my Grandad's Spotmatic F that I would like to use more often, but I think it really needs a proper service. It works, but does seem to overexpose, though that may be more to do with me not using the settings correctly! How much of a difference does a service make? Is it worth the expense and would I end up with an as new camera mechanically speaking?

I have 3 lenses for it including two Takumars, so it would be nice to use them and try and get good results from. As it does have a level of sentimental value to it, I was wondering at maybe picking up another manual SLR camera for more everyday and travel. I like the retro feel of old photos and cameras.

Been looking at Olympus OM10 slr cameras, seem to be reasonable prices compared to Pentax and seem to have fair reputation? I have an Olympus Trip 35 which I have been impressed with even in really bright Hungarian summer light!

I do have a K200d which I think is really good but sometimes I like holding well engineered metal! haha! I do take these outside and they are in the way of rain and mud.....

Of course you can use your screw thread lenses on the K200D, if you obtain a Pentax Adapter K.

The shutter of the Spotmatic F may well be running slow, which would cause over-exposure. It could be fixed by an overhaul. I presume you've fitted a new battery?

As a temporary measure, reset the ASA value higher than the actual film speed. Try 400 ASA for a 200 ASA (ISO) film and that may well be enough to correct the under-exposure.

I know what you mean about the joy of handling these older models. They are items of beauty...

I have played with the old lenses on the K200d, the Takamur prime lenses are really good and clear esp when you consider their age!

I haven't replaced the battery so the light meter doesn't work at the moment, but learning with the K200d what happens with differeing aparture and shutter speeds I should have enough to finish the film in it at the moment.

It would be nice though to have the SP F in full order again...... It's quite a bit older than me so deserves some TLC!

I have an OM10 that I bought for next to nothing on ebay. It works perfectly, but it just isn't as nice to handle as the older Pentaxes. I'd say to look for an ME Super or an MX instead. It will cost a bit more but you can use your old M42 lenses with an adapter, and obviously any K mount lenses you buy for it can be used with a DSLR too.

The MX is purely mechanical, the battery is only used to power the light meter. An OM10 behaves more or less like an MG (Aperture priority auto, flash sync and "B" settings) unless you track down the manual adapter that clips onto the front of the camera.

Shhhhh. Don't tell a soul. I have two OM10s, with manual adapters - abd I have not handled one up for months. I have small hands, and don't find them clumsy, but they do not feel the same as a Pentax.
The question is this:
Do you just want the joy of holding something that is beautifully made, and which is 30 years (or more) old, and which will need work sooner or later, or do you want something which is simple to use - and makes you think about the shot, rather than banging off 5-10 shots and only using one?
If its the first case, think about an MX or an ME, or go older and look for something like an S1A. If its the second case, how about a K1000 or even an MX-M. And the second case means that you can use the K-mount lenses.
To my mind, the decision might be on something simple - M42 lenses on a K-mount body can mean giving up the auto stop-down function. If the lens has an Auto-Manual switch, no problem; if it does not, then you are stuck at full aperture (and I have this lovely Hoya 135mm which is Auto-only, so I have the problem myself).
Think about the use you might make of a mechanical body, and then look at the overhaul prices quoted by (say) Harrow Technical, and then make your decision (and I have to decide whether to get my second Spotmatic body overhauled, so I know that problem as well).
Geoff

Harrow Technical do a good job servicing older cameras. They have service/repaired an LX, MX, 2x ME Supers and an ME-F for me. PUG members get a discount on their advertised prices. Turn around is about 10 working days.

If you want a second screw mount SLR the SPII is a good choice, and I rather like my ES.

Best wishes, Kris.

The SMC Takamur lenses I have have an auto/manual slider, so they should be ok? I'm considering the ME-Super after looking at some examples...... And reading this forum!

I think the Spotmatic will get a service at some time in the near future as it does have high sentimental value for me and I'd like to have it in as good a condition as possible. Actually looking at some shots I have taken with it, it gives a really nice feel to photos. I am a sucker for nice machining and design!

ME Super prices seem to vary between lunatic bidding wars and bargain basement. I've just replaced the light seals on an otherwise mint one that I paid £28 for. I was originally just after the 50mm f1.7 lens on the front of it but having handled the camera I couldn't sell it now.

Only snag is that as I also have an MX it's a tricky decision as to which will get a film through it next...

The P30 series are worth a look if you want a more recent film SLR. Still manual film advance and manual focussing, they use a bit more plastic than the M series but they handle nicely and prices are low. A P30T can offer aperture priority auto mode with any K mount lens, or full auto with an A series or later lens. As they were made in the early 1990s you should get a few years out of them before they need attention.

I Know that this may surpise a lot of people but I have only used manual only film cameras since my schooldays & still love to use these do it all yourself machines.
My favourites are the K1000, MX & KX which has a MLU & handy for macro shots.
They have all been serviced by Harrow technical & still give immense satisfaction even after all these years

I've always been a bit bemused by how few K mount cameras have a depth of field preview. The first one I had with it was the P30T, the only other one I have is my MX.

I don't think I have anything with mirror lock-up, although my (digital) K-m seems to raise the mirror immediately when you press the shutter in self timer mode, then count down and take the shot. I guess that's probably long enough for any vibration to damp.

I took the MX to the pub this evening. Pro photographer friend loved it despite being a Sony A900 owner!

My KX has it.

So does the rather underrated MZ-M. It doesn't have the weighty, solid feel of earlier models but does a good job.

Al

Well, I ended up picking up a ME Super. In it's box and almost mint, the strap is still in its plastic............ Found an ME 2 Winder in a drawer as well.

Feels really nice and is a good size. Combined with my M42 lenses hopefully will produce some really good images when I've gotten used to it. I suppose I'll have to get used to processing costs as well!

Check the light seals and mirror damper foam - if they're breaking up and leaving a sticky black mess then you need to change them. It isn't hard to do,just beware the gooey mess that was the old damper foam contaminating the focussing screen as it's pretty much impossible to remove.

Other than that, enjoy it! You might want to have a look at one of the auto flashguns Pentax offered that are compatible with the ME Super, if you have a manual for the camera (google it if you don't, they are online) then it'll tell you which flashes suit.

The camera came with the manual, very informative! Everything seems good, light seals are fine, not gooey anyway! I have a film in it and will test it out when we finally get some sun! I really wonder how much use this has had, the plastic cover is still on the bottom of the camera.........Almost as new..

It won't replace digital, but I was using a Nikon EM film SLR yesterday and it was a satisfying experience. I'm looking for places to get the films developed, I don't have the space or (probably!) technical ability to develop my own!

Which labs are good? I'd def get them scanned onto cd too. Should be interesting what happens!