Steve great video as always, I'm a huge fan of your channel. It's easily one of the best on TH-cam for anyone who appreciates film photography. I really enjoy your down-to-earth approach and genuine love for the craft. Your in-depth explanations of camera history and functionality are top notch. And unlike other channels, you never settle for “this is just a test roll" you put in the effort to nail every shot. It was your Bronica review that convinced me to buy my own (and I love it!). Thank you for sharing your knowledge, time, and passion for film Photography. Keep up the amazing work!
Many, many thanks! And glad you love the Bronica! It’s got to be one of my top 5 all-time favorites. May it provide you with years and years of great images. And thanks again for your kind words. I really do love the process of film photography, so I’m glad you find enjoyment from the channel. It’s good to know that I’m not totally wasting my time rambling on and on with these old cameras, and that there are others out there that appreciate it. Cheers!
Back in 2008 I returned from Japan with a Pentax S2 that belonged to my late father in law. It was a bit of a basket case but as soon as I returned to Oz I had the camera sent for a full overhaul which included a new set of shutter curtains. Since then the camera runs like a swiss watch. One of the quietest shutter /mirror mechanisms I have heard in an SLR. I'm getting ready to sell it as I'm mainly a Canon FD user, (EF, AE-1, A-1, F1-N and T90), and I took it out a couple of weeks ago using Ilford Pan-F and a couple of M42 lenses I also bought in Japan, SMC Tak 28mm f3.5 and Super Tak 135mm f3.5. Results were beautiful. I also have the correct Pentax metal lens hoods for all of these lenses. I think that the next owner will be well pleased with this setup.
Great camera.. I love the older Pentax cameras like this.. My favorite Pentax is probably the Spotmatic. I have shutter speed testing gear that I use to calibrate some of my cameras if needed and my Spotmatic 500 has that extra click on the dial and I think mine was around 1/700 ish.. So I keep that in mind and if I ever need just a touch faster then 1/500 I click it to that extra notch :). I had to laugh as you was taking pictures down at the river I saw your shadow in the frame and was like NOOO your shadow is in the frame lol. Sure thing a couple of those shots your shadow is in the pictures lol. Overall I think you had fun so even if you only took one rolls worth of pictures its always worth it just to get outside and enjoy the fun of taking pictures with these old vintage cameras :). Thanks for sharing the pictures and the great videos.
Thanks! I could say that I included my shadow in a few as an Easter egg for the more observant - but….I’m not that clever, lol. That’s interesting to know about the SP500. And it really underscores how I could benefit from having a reliable shutter tester of some sort. I have one that requires the use of a PC and audio editing software. But the results are a bit too ambiguous and leave a lot up to my interpretation. Do you have one you’d recommend?
As ever, I love your reviews, which seem to cross the line between review of the camera and gentle walkabout tutorial session. This style of yours is one that I greatly appreciate, especially as someone who is so new to photography. It also remains very soothing. I have a terrible soft spot for Pentax cameras, especially these older models. My favourite body to date is the Spotmatic which I am itching to take out again soon. The insights were invaluable, especially as the S2 is on my shortlist to acquire - I have a great deal of the later Pentax lenses and would indeed have been caught out by the pin.
Many thanks, as always! I guess this style of video just makes sense to me when talking about the cameras. I at least want to try it out and see what happens in actual use. Some of these cameras I’ve used before. But I have quite a few that I’ve acquired over the years that I haven’t gotten around to shooting. But this channel is prompting me to get them out and try them. So, it’s a good strategy so far. I think Pentax has had one of the biggest influences on photography. Yes, you have Nikon and Canon, etc, etc, but Pentax seemed to market to the casual shooter more than the pro. And consequently had a much larger impact on camera use, technologies, design styles - you name it. I sort of consider Pentax cameras as being for the “Everyman” - enabling folks to discover photography on their own terms. I can’t even begin to think of where photography might be without Asahi Pentax in the mix.
Oh yes, you hold the high standard in your review this time too! Old Pentax's are some of the most underrated cameras I know of. Build quality is fabulous and can rival the best of Canon and Nikon in some areas. If everything works on an old Pentax I would recommend everyone to feel on the winderarm how smooth it slides towards the endpoint. Is Leica doing this so much better? I once took a Pentax SV apart once and found ball bearings in bronze and steel! Impressive on a camera that was never particularly expensive (,at least i Norway where I've lived all these years). BTW: Pat the cat once for me!
I’ve gotta find a way to get the cat in more videos, lol! But, yes these old Pentax cameras are very well put together. The fact you found ball bearings doesn’t surprise me. Such a smooth wind-on action. I wouldn’t say it’s quite as smooth as a Nikon FM or FE but pretty darned close. And I do agree that Pentax cameras from this era are underrated. And their original selling prices were quite reasonable - and not just in Norway :-)
I have a "newer" ASAHI Pentax S3 that includes de 1/1000 speed coupled with a Super-Takumar 1:1.8/55 that my wife gave as a birthday party some 3 years ago and it's a beauty. I use an app in my phone as a light meter and works great. I have an K1000 too... love Pentax!
Back when I worked for Crimson Camera Exchange one of the hot shot repair guys said the blank shutter speed was, at its best 1/750 of a second. He said most of the time it was a snappy 1/550 of a second! Back in the mid 60's when I worked at CCE the sales crew got wined and dined by Pentax as we sold the most units of any store in the northeastern region. I'll bet most of those cameras are still functional!
When I get home, I'm going to get out my old Konica cameras. I know I have a T3 and a T4 in my inventory and I think one of them was converted to use modern batteries. I have a pretty good collection of Hexanon lenses and the 57mm f/1.4 is a favorite.
The Konica T3 will be next up on the channel. I don’t think those cameras (especially any of the AutoReflex series) get the love they deserve. Cutting edge tech for the day. And a great set of lenses, to boot!
@@vintagecameradigest It will be fun hearing your take on the Konica T3. I have several Konica SLRs in my collection and a number of Hexanon lenses. The 40mm pancake is an exceptional lens and a great focal length.
Thanks so much! And thanks for the suggestion. I’ve been thinking about doing an episode on those two subjects, so I’ll certainly be working on that idea. Cheers!
You mentioned Easter eggs in another reply. How do you decide what piece of art gets hung on the wall behind you? I realize this has zero to do with the camera review, which was VERY well done btw. Winter light, do you usually choose a less contrasty film because the light is such high contrast already?
Ah….you noticed! The art is chosen based on the decade of production of the camera on review. It’s time to get some different ones btw. As for film, I shoot what I have at hand. I tend to buy 100’ rolls. So when my TMax 100 ran out, I bought the Kentmere 100 on impulse. I figured by the time I got through the 100’ I would decide whether or not I liked it. Of course, I wasn’t going in blind. I had decent results in the 120 version, so this was just taking another shot at it. So far, I kinda like the tonal range. And processing in the Ilfosol resulted in better negatives than I was getting with D-76.
@@vintagecameradigest I try to add some life to the Kentmere with Rodinal. I’m just doing film tests on cameras before sale so the “art” is of lesser importance. Price and repeatability is of greater value to me.
I really enjoy my S1a and yes there is a hidden shutter speed there, but i think is not reliable and consistent. Maybe those cameras that did not passed the test for 1/1000, they left that spot unmarked and sold them as their budjet series.
Yes, that’s what another commenter suggested, as well. Makes sense. Also makes economic sense. It would require two totally different shutters for the lower models to have a different top speed. Which would probably defeat the purpose of a lower price point.
The truth about hidden 1/1000 is that it's not. After repairing many Spotmatics It seems that SP500 are indeed SP1000 which didn't passed the quality tests. After good CLA and many hours of adjusting shutter speeds I couldn't make it reliable or close to 1/1000. Oh, and your test shots at 1/1000 definitely have gradient, which means uneven exposure.
A lousy unreliable camera body! The Spotmatic however, one of the finest cameras ever! In the same space as Nikon-F and almost Leica M3! Great video anyway.
Steve great video as always, I'm a huge fan of your channel. It's easily one of the best on TH-cam for anyone who appreciates film photography. I really enjoy your down-to-earth approach and genuine love for the craft. Your in-depth explanations of camera history and functionality are top notch. And unlike other channels, you never settle for “this is just a test roll" you put in the effort to nail every shot. It was your Bronica review that convinced me to buy my own (and I love it!). Thank you for sharing your knowledge, time, and passion for film Photography. Keep up the amazing work!
Many, many thanks! And glad you love the Bronica! It’s got to be one of my top 5 all-time favorites. May it provide you with years and years of great images. And thanks again for your kind words. I really do love the process of film photography, so I’m glad you find enjoyment from the channel. It’s good to know that I’m not totally wasting my time rambling on and on with these old cameras, and that there are others out there that appreciate it. Cheers!
Back in 2008 I returned from Japan with a Pentax S2 that belonged to my late father in law. It was a bit of a basket case but as soon as I returned to Oz I had the camera sent for a full overhaul which included a new set of shutter curtains. Since then the camera runs like a swiss watch. One of the quietest shutter /mirror mechanisms I have heard in an SLR.
I'm getting ready to sell it as I'm mainly a Canon FD user, (EF, AE-1, A-1, F1-N and T90), and I took it out a couple of weeks ago using Ilford Pan-F and a couple of M42 lenses I also bought in Japan, SMC Tak 28mm f3.5 and Super Tak 135mm f3.5. Results were beautiful. I also have the correct Pentax metal lens hoods for all of these lenses. I think that the next owner will be well pleased with this setup.
I’ll say that sounds like a very nice set! Such a great little camera!
Great camera.. I love the older Pentax cameras like this.. My favorite Pentax is probably the Spotmatic. I have shutter speed testing gear that I use to calibrate some of my cameras if needed and my Spotmatic 500 has that extra click on the dial and I think mine was around 1/700 ish.. So I keep that in mind and if I ever need just a touch faster then 1/500 I click it to that extra notch :). I had to laugh as you was taking pictures down at the river I saw your shadow in the frame and was like NOOO your shadow is in the frame lol. Sure thing a couple of those shots your shadow is in the pictures lol. Overall I think you had fun so even if you only took one rolls worth of pictures its always worth it just to get outside and enjoy the fun of taking pictures with these old vintage cameras :). Thanks for sharing the pictures and the great videos.
Thanks! I could say that I included my shadow in a few as an Easter egg for the more observant - but….I’m not that clever, lol. That’s interesting to know about the SP500. And it really underscores how I could benefit from having a reliable shutter tester of some sort. I have one that requires the use of a PC and audio editing software. But the results are a bit too ambiguous and leave a lot up to my interpretation. Do you have one you’d recommend?
Great commentary! Great camera and some super lenses.
Thanks, John!
As ever, I love your reviews, which seem to cross the line between review of the camera and gentle walkabout tutorial session. This style of yours is one that I greatly appreciate, especially as someone who is so new to photography. It also remains very soothing.
I have a terrible soft spot for Pentax cameras, especially these older models. My favourite body to date is the Spotmatic which I am itching to take out again soon. The insights were invaluable, especially as the S2 is on my shortlist to acquire - I have a great deal of the later Pentax lenses and would indeed have been caught out by the pin.
Many thanks, as always! I guess this style of video just makes sense to me when talking about the cameras. I at least want to try it out and see what happens in actual use. Some of these cameras I’ve used before. But I have quite a few that I’ve acquired over the years that I haven’t gotten around to shooting. But this channel is prompting me to get them out and try them. So, it’s a good strategy so far.
I think Pentax has had one of the biggest influences on photography. Yes, you have Nikon and Canon, etc, etc, but Pentax seemed to market to the casual shooter more than the pro. And consequently had a much larger impact on camera use, technologies, design styles - you name it. I sort of consider Pentax cameras as being for the “Everyman” - enabling folks to discover photography on their own terms. I can’t even begin to think of where photography might be without Asahi Pentax in the mix.
Oh yes, you hold the high standard in your review this time too! Old Pentax's are some of the most underrated cameras I know of. Build quality is fabulous and can rival the best of Canon and Nikon in some areas. If everything works on an old Pentax I would recommend everyone to feel on the winderarm how smooth it slides towards the endpoint. Is Leica doing this so much better? I once took a Pentax SV apart once and found ball bearings in bronze and steel! Impressive on a camera that was never particularly expensive (,at least i Norway where I've lived all these years).
BTW: Pat the cat once for me!
I’ve gotta find a way to get the cat in more videos, lol! But, yes these old Pentax cameras are very well put together. The fact you found ball bearings doesn’t surprise me. Such a smooth wind-on action. I wouldn’t say it’s quite as smooth as a Nikon FM or FE but pretty darned close. And I do agree that Pentax cameras from this era are underrated. And their original selling prices were quite reasonable - and not just in Norway :-)
I have a "newer" ASAHI Pentax S3 that includes de 1/1000 speed coupled with a Super-Takumar 1:1.8/55 that my wife gave as a birthday party some 3 years ago and it's a beauty. I use an app in my phone as a light meter and works great. I have an K1000 too... love Pentax!
Super interesting.
Thank you! It was a fun afternoon.
Back when I worked for Crimson Camera Exchange one of the hot shot repair guys said the blank shutter speed was, at its best 1/750 of a second. He said most of the time it was a snappy 1/550 of a second! Back in the mid 60's when I worked at CCE the sales crew got wined and dined by Pentax as we sold the most units of any store in the northeastern region. I'll bet most of those cameras are still functional!
They seem to be a pretty solid lot of cameras, so I wouldn’t be surprised either.
When I get home, I'm going to get out my old Konica cameras. I know I have a T3 and a T4 in my inventory and I think one of them was converted to use modern batteries. I have a pretty good collection of Hexanon lenses and the 57mm f/1.4 is a favorite.
The Konica T3 will be next up on the channel. I don’t think those cameras (especially any of the AutoReflex series) get the love they deserve. Cutting edge tech for the day. And a great set of lenses, to boot!
@@vintagecameradigest It will be fun hearing your take on the Konica T3. I have several Konica SLRs in my collection and a number of Hexanon lenses. The 40mm pancake is an exceptional lens and a great focal length.
I enjoy very much your videos, pls sometimes talk about developing and digitising
Thanks so much! And thanks for the suggestion. I’ve been thinking about doing an episode on those two subjects, so I’ll certainly be working on that idea. Cheers!
Great Video Thank you. I just got one today in Uk for £15.
Nice deal! Which lens did it come with? I love all those older M42 Takumars.
@@vintagecameradigest Auto Takumar 55mm f1.8 Zebra
A perfect match!
You mentioned Easter eggs in another reply. How do you decide what piece of art gets hung on the wall behind you? I realize this has zero to do with the camera review, which was VERY well done btw. Winter light, do you usually choose a less contrasty film because the light is such high contrast already?
Ah….you noticed! The art is chosen based on the decade of production of the camera on review. It’s time to get some different ones btw. As for film, I shoot what I have at hand. I tend to buy 100’ rolls. So when my TMax 100 ran out, I bought the Kentmere 100 on impulse. I figured by the time I got through the 100’ I would decide whether or not I liked it. Of course, I wasn’t going in blind. I had decent results in the 120 version, so this was just taking another shot at it. So far, I kinda like the tonal range. And processing in the Ilfosol resulted in better negatives than I was getting with D-76.
@@vintagecameradigest I try to add some life to the Kentmere with Rodinal. I’m just doing film tests on cameras before sale so the “art” is of lesser importance. Price and repeatability is of greater value to me.
Well, it’s hard to beat the price of Kentmere. If you can get it to your liking it’ll be worth the efforts.
I really enjoy my S1a and yes there is a hidden shutter speed there, but i think is not reliable and consistent. Maybe those cameras that did not passed the test for 1/1000, they left that spot unmarked and sold them as their budjet series.
Yes, that’s what another commenter suggested, as well. Makes sense. Also makes economic sense. It would require two totally different shutters for the lower models to have a different top speed. Which would probably defeat the purpose of a lower price point.
The truth about hidden 1/1000 is that it's not. After repairing many Spotmatics It seems that SP500 are indeed SP1000 which didn't passed the quality tests. After good CLA and many hours of adjusting shutter speeds I couldn't make it reliable or close to 1/1000. Oh, and your test shots at 1/1000 definitely have gradient, which means uneven exposure.
Thanks for confirming that. Now we know for sure.
Smartass chiming in: there is a difference between détente as you pronounced it, which is a political term, and 'detent,' the mechanical term. :)
Lol, yes you’re exactly right. As I was saying that, I was also thinking that probably wasn’t right.
Second
And….the prize for 2nd place is ALSO a 5% discount on an AstrHori meter! 😁 Link in the description!
First
And….the prize is a 5% discount on an AstrHori meter! 😁 Link in the description!
A lousy unreliable camera body! The Spotmatic however, one of the finest cameras ever! In the same space as Nikon-F and almost Leica M3! Great video anyway.
Maybe I’ve been lucky with mine. Fingers crossed.