Spotmatic vs. Spotmatic SP

Can someone tell me how the Spotmatic differs from the Spotmatic SP?

The two things are the same.

Hi,
To give a slightly fuller explanation. The term Spotmatic is often used to cover the whole range. The first camera introduced was the "Spotmatic" and this was labeled with the name on the front but nothing else on the camera. This was replaced by the Spotmatic II which was labeled SPII on the top of the camera as well. There was a US version which had a "eye" for use with the Honeywell flash, the IIa and later the Spotmatic F or SPF was introduced. Alongside this, Pentax introduced 2 budget models, the SP500 and SP1000. So, strictly speaking, there isn't a Spotmatic SP as such but it has become the norm to call it such because so many people use Spotmatic as a general term.

Regards
Kim

I received the definitive answer last night as I was poking around on a Spotmatic website. The Asahi version of the Spotmatic is labeled "SP" on top plate, Honeywell version is not...... same camera, slightly different model designation for markets other than U.S. Thanks anyway.

Hi,
Only the later versions of the Asahi Spotmatic had the SP on the top. Many of the early versions were blank as per the Honywell one.

Kim

Was that done when the second version of the original Spotmatic was released? By the way, besides the higher ASA values, were there any other differences between 1st and 2nd versions of Spotmatic?

Hi,
The short answer is yes but it is not that simple. During the life of the camera, there were a few modes which didn't always follow the ASA change. As well as the marking, there were changes to the dome over the ASA dial and other cosmetic changes. The best source of information is Gerjan van Oosten's book "The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide 1952-1977". If you want some more information, there is a variety of manuals covering different Spot versions on my website at www.pentax-manuals.com.

Regards
Kim

I have several Asahi Spotmatic bodies. They all have 'SP' on the top plate. Two have serial numbers beginning with 1 and 2, respectively and, according to a retired Pentax repair guy, indicate the first and second years of production. I believe he said 1964 and 1965.

Ted