Thanks, John,

I also have some SP-F Spotmatics (as well as other, earlier models) and recently found one of the Super-Takumar 1.4 lenses at a tempting price. Having read the relevant pages of "The Pentax Way", I became worried about using it in the SP-F, particularly as it seems to protrude further into the mirror box than other Takumar M42 50mm lenses.

Eventually, I just bit the bullet and had a go (crossing my fingers the while) and....no problems! . It works just fine.

The instructions regarding the colour of the "R" on the rewind handles are confusing, as various examples seem to have either colour, seemingly unrelated to the model's placement in the manufacturing chronology.

BTW, I use Silver Oxide 1.5v cells and have no complaint with them.

The Spotmatic-F endorsed!

I have two: both great to work with and batteries readily available. Can utilize any M42 lenses (even the oldest, entirely manual or pre-set models, including by other makers) just have to remember to use an appropriate stop-down mode with non-SMC lenses.

Well, actually, there was something else with mine (but now fixed, thanks to Ben Vang )

When I purchased mine, unknown to me at the time, there was some kind of fabric baffle covering the hinge end of the mirror (presumably to keep light from seeping there) which had become displaced and interfered with the light path at the gate, resulting in an irregular strip of vignetting along one long edge of the negative and resulting print. (This took a bit of diagnosing BTW:shock)

All fixed now, of course.

In my limited experience, the "ever-ready" cases of the period of the MX had already been downgraded to what is really little more than plastic coated cardboard and often in very poor condition these days

Thanks all for your observations.

BTW, Hefty1, how's your little MX going. It was due to your entertaining account of your adventures with your's that I also got one. (I had mine professionally CLA'd)

I'm still using mine regularly, and have just now finished off yet another roll of film.

What, no takers?

I was given 3 sample (free) rolls to try in 120 size. I found them quite acceptable, but then I'm no expert, so what would I know?

Has anyone been using the new Portra 400? Comments?:

Hi Rick,

I have the same 55-100 zoom and the same issue with it as you have.

It seems all lenses of the same focal length may have the same hyperfocal distance at the same aperture, so you can look up the relevant formula and calculate the distances in question, or consult appropriate tables: I did the latter and made up a little abridged table, which I keep handy in the gadget bag along with the lens.

For what its worth, here it is:


Hyperfocal distance (in meters)

Focal Length: 50mm 80mm 100mm
Aperture

f/8 9 27 38

f/11 7 20 28

f/16 5 14 19

f/22 4 10 14

f/32 2 7 10



As you can plainly see, focusing one third into the scene doesn't really cut it.

My little table is very skeletal, and you will need to make some approximations for intermediate values as needed.

Me three.

No way! Live in the South: beautiful one day, perfect the next!