Pentax (Asahi Pentax) Spotmatic

Name/Title

Pentax (Asahi Pentax) Spotmatic

Entry/Object ID

185

Tags

Iconic

Description

A classic 35mm SLR camera that defined the "look and feel" of professional-grade Japanese cameras for over a decade. The Spotmatic is historically significant for being one of the first cameras to successfully integrate through-the-lens (TTL) light metering, which allowed photographers to see exactly how much light was hitting the film through the viewfinder. It utilizes the M42 "Universal" screw mount, allowing it to accept a vast array of high-quality Takumar and third-party lenses. The body is renowned for its robust all-metal construction and mechanical reliability; even if the battery for the light meter fails, the mechanical shutter continues to operate across all speeds. This model helped establish Pentax as a global leader in photography, offering a compact and ergonomic design that was often imitated but rarely surpassed in its era. It represents the pinnacle of the screw-mount SLR design before the industry shifted to bayonet mounts.

Category

Camera, SLR, 35mm Film, Project Analog
Media Type

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Pentax

Date made

circa 1968

Other Names and Numbers

Other Names

Name Type

Model

Other Name

Pentax SP; Honeywell Pentax (US Market)

Other Numbers

Number Type

Serial Number

Other Number

232-5287