I just can't get M42 lenses to work on my K-m. I have the genuine adapter but whatever I do it underexposes horribly, so they've been of limited interest. That should change providing the Spotmatic works.

These pre-K mount things are addictive. I just bought the later type clip-on meter for an S1a/SV in good working condition for a tenner. Always fancied an SV and the meters seem less than common in working order, so a worthwhile diversion from my attempts to complete the items I already have. Must avoid buying any more of this kit until after I film test the Spotmatic now, as there's little sense in getting heavily into M42 lenses unless I have a reliable camera to fit them to!

I saw a black Spotmatic F in very nice order along with a preset-type Takumar 135mm (the one with two aperture rings) a couple of weeks ago, really annoyed I didn't have the money to buy it.

From what I can see the shorter lenses generally carried their hoods in a separate case (which has a loop on the back to fit onto the lens case shoulder strap) while the longer ones fit the hood into the lens case?

Ah well, I've managed to get hold of the correct rear cap for the 35mm lens after some haggling (guess which seller...) so that'll do for the 135mm for now. Means I can get rid of the Hoya one anyway! Thanks for having a rummage, unfortunately none of that lot is what I'm after at the moment so I'll keep my eyes open on ebay.

I have read that the S-M-C lens cases had a red inner lining, but I still don't know whether the lettering on the top would also be different - I know the K series cases have "SMC Pentax" on them but I've no idea whether this was also found on the Takumar. I think a lot of rummaging on ebay.com (I usually just search the UK site) will be called for in order to find some complete S-M-C Tak 135mm lenses and work out what mine should have.

Interesting that your 135mm hood is marked as suiting two other lenses too - that must be the final type for the SMC Taks as mine (which came with the lens and appears original) is simply marked "Takumar 1:3.5 135mm" along with the Asahi Optical Co lettering and the 49mm thread.

I've just replaced the mirror foam by cutting a spare chunk of flightcase insert to shape and using double sided tape, looks fine and seems to work ok. Just need the weather to sort itself out so I can test it now!

Hi Tony, thanks for the offer. It's the one shown in this auction link (I think). I'm led to believe that the later rear caps had a wider flange to cover an extra pin on the S-M-C and SMC Takumars but I'm not sure whether both used the same one. That said, I'd be amazed if they didn't - the new DA 35mm prime is delivered with a Pentax-F type lens cap which has to have been in production for longer than anything else in their current range!

I've got the basis of a rather spiffy vintage outfit here if I can get hold of a Super Takumar 55mm f1.8, cases for the 35mm and 135mm, lens hoods for the 35mm/55mm and maybe one of the cold shoe adapter things that clip on top of the prism housing (anyone know when the different variants of this came in? I'd like to get one of the same vintage as the camera).

I'm probably going to the Goodwood Festival of Speed next year and will be sorely tempted to take this loaded with HP5 as well as my DSLR, assuming film tests indicate reliable metering.

I may get into hunting weird old M42 lenses after putting a test roll through my new Spotmatic - want to make sure it's metering accurately before I go rushing to buy lenses which don't have open-aperture metering on my other bodies.

Yep, I have an LR41 in there along with the plastic ring thingy the previous owner included. I'll put a roll of HP5 in and give it a go as soon as I finish the one in the ME.

You're sure it isn't just condensation? I know at this time of year parcels tend to sit in cold vans for a while, then of course you take it indoors and open the box with predictable results.

You've done a wonderful job of capturing the atmosphere there.

A few months ago I bought a KM, which came in a Spotmatic ever-ready case and with a Super Takumar 35mm/3.5 attached. The label inside the case was from a dealer who, according to web research, ceased to exist before the KM was released. I therefore came to the conclusion that the previous owner had replaced their broken Spotmatic but kept the lens and case.

The KM now has a K 55mm/1.8 attached and wasn't a particularly good fit in the case anyway, so the case and lens have sat around waiting for a nice Spotmatic to go between them. A couple of days ago I found just the thing:

[IMG]http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x21/Kingofthemountains/IMGP4398.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x21/Kingofthemountains/IMGP4399.jpg[/IMG]

I need to replace the mirror damper foam and I'm not 100% sure that the light meter is working properly with an LR41 battery (the camera came with an adapter for a modern battery), but once those are sorted it'll be getting a roll of film. The meter seems quite slow to react compared to my KM and also seems to be out by half a stop or so, which shouldn't be a problem given how tolerant HP5 is.

I also have a Super Multi Coated (written in full, rather than just SMC) Takumar 135mm/3.5 which I'm looking for an original rear cap and lens case for - does anyone know if all the Takumar 135mm/3.5s used the same case or did the lettering change? I realise it will fit the case for the Super Takumar version but I'd like to get the right one, same goes for the rear cap.

Weirdly I prefer using the older manual bodies for film, I just like the experience of handling them. My black ME Super makes a very handy pocket camera with the 40mm/2.8 (well, maybe not a pocket but it'll fit in a small case).