Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP1000 black with SMC-Takumar 55mm F1.8 lens.

The Spotmatic was introduced by Asahi in 1964 and was the first camera to sell well with Through-the-Lens light metering. The camera was entirely mechanical apart from the light meter, which was powered by a 1.35 volt PX400 mercury cell. A small switch on the (photographer’s) left side of the lens housing was pushed up to stop down the lens and activate the meter; the exposure controls would then be adjusted to centre a needle on the right edge of the viewfinder. The body took lenses with a 42mm Pentax/Praktica screw thread, giving a huge range of alternatives. The system became the workhorse of many professionals of the period.

Mercury batteries are now banned; “Zinc-Air” cells can now be used instead, or it is possible to carry out a minor modification to the meter circuit to allow the use of 1.55 volt 387S silver-oxide cells.

Specifications Asahi Pentax Spotmatic.

Manufactor: Asahi Optical Co.

Type : SLR.

Date of release: 1964

Film size: 24x36mm

Format : 35mm film.

Lens mount : M42 screw mount.

Film speed settings : 20-1600 ASA

Focusing : manual.

Exposure setting : Manual.

Exposure metering: Average. Through the lens ( TTL)

Flash synchronization: 1/60 sec.  FP or X.

Shutter: Mechanical focal plane.

Shutter speeds: 1/1000 to 1 sec and B

Viewfinder : Pentaprism. Eye-level viewfinder with microprism focusing screen.

Battery : Early models RM400 later models PX625 but 1,5 LR44 can be used due to bridge circut

Dimensions : 143x98x83mm  Weight : 830 gram.