Thank you so much for making this video! I recently ended up with my grandpa's H1a and my only experience with photography is taking the occasional picture of my cat with my phone. I'm extremely excited to give it a try and this helped answer a lot of questions I had!
Really enjoyed your video. The S1a was my very first camera when I was a teenager, a present from my father. Unfortunately the shutter mechanism eventually failed but I kept the Super Takumar 55mm lens and used it on another SLR until I went digital. Just bought an S1a body on Ebay and put my original lens back on it. The camera just feels great to use, lovely action and really solid compared to modern DSLRs but I keep finding myself looking at the back of it when I've taken a shot!! Thanks for the vid.
My granfather had this camera in our house for a long time. Since now i'm an intern working in Graphic Design, i got the chance to learn some photography with my boss. The most helpfull thing about your video was the fact that showed me the capability of composition of this camera. But the most incredible thing for me about your video was that i don't even like to take photos, but seeing the photos you took, and hearing your opinion on the composition got me really hyped about playing around with it. So thanks for the attention you gave to this good'ol camera, and thank you for your review.
bruno cremasco You're very welcome! This is one of the best, and most appreciated, comments I've ever received. I hope that this camera helps you love photography, even if just a little. :D
Quite enjoyed the video. The S1a (H1a in the USA, where Honeywell owned distribution rights) was my very first 'professional' camera - purchased used, for $50 (if I recall correctly) in 1970. I think the x flash synchronization speed was 1/50th of a second, not 1/60th. That's why there's an indent between 30 and 60 on the speed dial.
You mentioned not leaving camera in car or storing in plastic bag. Its also best not to leave cases on cameras when stored for long periods. Especially in humid climates.
Pentax did eventually go back to adding the "R" on the film rewind button on the Chinese-made K1000, and also on the P30N/P30T (P3N/P3T in the States).
Thanks for all of your video manuals -- they have helped me tremendously with my (way too many) vintage cameras. I have a Pentax S2 -- where does that fall in relation to this, the S1a/H1a?
Thank you! The S/H series numbers indicated a few different changes, the lenses that the cameras came with, the maximum marked shutter speed, and if the frame counter automatically reset. The S2 is between the S1A (H1A) and SV (H3V) in that it has an unmarked 1/1,000th shutter speed (maybe early next), came with a faster lens than the S/H1A, and lacked the resetting frame counter. I'll be doing a video manual this year, I think, with an H2 and S2 Super. That's on the list to author the scripts for and record in the next batch.
@@DavidHancock -- just pulled out the S2. No space for a hidden 1/1000th shutter speed -- the dial goes right from 500 to T -- and no notch for the snap-on light meter. Uses the removable cold flash shoe that fits onto the notched eyepiece. Non-resetting frame counter. Side latch for the back. Small red/black dot indicator for ready to shoot at the "11 o'clock" position from the shutter-speed dial. Metallic front plate that holds the FP and X flash sync ports (they are not on the black body covering). ASA reminder dial only goes up to 800. The serial number of mine is 240201. Tested it out a few weeks ago at Ocean City, Maryland while on vacation -- shot Kodak ColorPlus 200 and used a Pentacon 50mm ff1.8 lens and a modern, inexpensive, hand-held meter -- the shots came out very well focused and exposed.
Oh yeah -- got this one for free on Freecycle, along with an early M42 Takumar f3.5 135mm lens with "preset" aperture, not "auto" aperture (mint condition with original leather case -- both the 135mm lens and the camera). These early Pentax cameras have a little more compact and "warm" feel in the hand than the Nikon F.
Loved the video. Just got my H1a out of the camera bag after not touching it for 15 years. Purchased new in 1962 it was my only 35mm until my first AF Nikon in 1995. It made better pictures than anything I have owned since. It seems to be working OK. After seeing the video I would like to take a few pictures with it before I give it away. What films are people using today? Where to they get it processed? Does anyone know of a young photographer who would enjoy owning this classic camera? Thanks Dave.
Fantastic! These are still great to use. So for films, I'd suggest trying out Kentmere, Ultrafine, or Foma first as they're the least expensive and if there's an issue with the camera you won't wast an expensive roll of film learning that. Afterward, whatever film you want to use would be pretty much okay. Check out my All About Film series for technical notes and sample images galore from different films. I'm pretty sure it would be easy to find young photogs who would like a classic camera. There's a small, niche market for film cameras now with photographers. You could try out Pentax Forums to see if anyone would like to take it. I expect you'd have interest in about ten minutes. You could also post a flyer at a local college with a photo program.
Very nice video. After getting the SP500 *as per your suggestion :P* I've really gotten to love these Pentax cameras. Would you be interested in a Konica T3 for a few weeks to make a video of it?
Photographic Time Thank you, and yes, I'd love to borrow your T3 to make a video! That's how I managed to make the KS-1 videos that just went live this morning. I'll have an SP500 video later in 2015. I picked up a cheap copy but it needs an overhaul before I can use it to take photos. And I have to calibrate my shutter tester to see what speed my SP 500's unmarked shutter speed is. Can you send me your e-mail through a TH-cam message? I'll send you my address and we can work out a turnaround schedule. Do you have a lens I can borrow with it? I don't have anything in Konica mount.
Thank you again! I used multiple lenses. I recognize the Helios 58mm f/2 for sure. I probably also used a 50mm Takumar of some sot, maybe a 55mm. There was probably my M42 135mm f/2.8 Vivitar as well.
Would you recommend this as a good first camera? Been shopping for K1000's and one of these Honeywell H1a's has popped up for a good price. My only experience is point and click digital and polaroid cameras and disposable cameras lol
If you have a hand-held light meter, maybe, but not so much. This camera lacks an internal light meter. Typically, an in-viewfinder, through-the-lens meter is the best option for a first camera. It just simplifies learning how to use a camera. This camera lacks that. The K1000 has that. For K1000s, I would recommend those over these. Make sure your body is made in Japan or Hong Kong. The Chinese-made bodies have prism issues as well as other ailments. To tell the difference, if the battery cap screws in, it's definitely made in Japan or Hong Kong. Some Hong Kong bodies have bayonette batter caps, but not many. If the fascia around the film rewind knob on the K1000 is silver it's made in China and should be avoided. If it's black, it was either made in Hong Kong or Japan and will be better. The Japan bodies all have the serial number on top of the body and those are the best ones to buy if you can find them. The Hong Kong bodies are the most plentiful. And there's nothing wrong with disposables and Polaroids. I shot tons of disposables in high school and into college. The step up to an SLR is great and you'll get to really learn how to take much better photos.
I have a asahi pentax S1a which I found at a thrift store. I've worked with a few types of cameras, worked with a polaroid, disposable camera, digital camera and smartphones but never an slr specially like this antique. I have a few questions and maybe some may be dumb. Does it require battery? Are they repairable? Because it seems like the shutter gets stuck if I set it anything after the x in shutter speed. could you make a tutorial on how to clean it? I want to restore it so I can enjoy it at it's full potential if possible.
Good questions. The old S series cameras are a lot different than ones you've use. So let me see what I can do to help. 1- No battery. There's no meter and no electronics. You'll have to figure out your settings before taking a photo. A easy guide is the Sunny 16 rule -- set the lens to f/16 and your shutter speed to the nearest setting that matches the film's ISO. If you have 100 ISO, that's f/16 and 1/125th of a second. IF you want to shoot at f/8, that's two stops faster than f/16, so you'd set your lens to f/8 (F/16 --> f/11 --> f/8) and your shutter to 1/500th (1/125th --> 1/250th --> 1/500th.) Any time you move the lens' aperture or shutter speed a stop, you need to move the other as well. For shade or cloudy days, start with f/8. Indoors, f/4 for a well-lit space and f/2.8 or f/2 for typical indoor spaces. 2- Yes. If yours needs a repair I send all my Pentax gear to www.pentaxs.com. 3- The shutter issue sounds like a curtain tensioning issue and would require some professional maintenance. 4- Cleaning the body is pretty easy, but if you send it in for repairs it will come back cleaned. If you have first in the viewfinder, that needs to be cleaned by a professional service. Also, if you do clean it yourself, I use cotton swabs and running alcohol. Getting alcohol on the focusing screen in the camera will destroy it. Also try not to clean the mirror unless you have to. Your best bet for restoration might be to send it in for a repair if there are mechanical issues with it. Repairmen won't fully restore it, but they'll clean it, make sure that the leather's glue is good, and re-lube it's mechanical bits.
Hello sir, I’m a younger photographer and I just purchased this camera and I’m having a few issues with it, I can’t get my lens off and i can’t see anything though the viewfinder. Can you help me?
I'm glad to help. Video 2 in this series will show how to remove the lens. For the mirror issue, try firing the shutter at faster speeds (like 1/500th.) If the mirror flips down after firing at the faster speed but not at a slower speed, like 1/60th or 1/15th, then there is some fatigue in the springs and a professional repair will be needed to restore it to proper function.
@@DavidHancock got it all figured fixed up! Thank you sir! I appreciate it. I got the earlier model of the “fun saver” Kodak from 1962 and I wanted to get a camera for photography and I was able to pick this up and 2 other video cameras for 95 dollars and this camera came with a flash and 2 lenses
I bought a used one. When I look through the viewfinder I cannot see anything.. anyone know anything that could possibly help me? Want to start using this cool camera ASAP
D_Hops There are two possibilities. 1- did you take the lens cap off? 2- If so, when you remove the camera's lens from the body, is the mirror visible or is the opening behind the lens empty?
So either the lubricating oils are really thick and hampering movement or there's something jammed that's partially operable. My guess is that the oils are really thick and gummy.
You can use any ISO film you'd like with this camera. The dial is only a reminder and has no bearing in how the camera functions. You will have to either use a hand-held light meter or the Sunny 16 rule to calculate exposure with this camera.
![[Re:all TREASURE] EP.6 in 방콕ㅣ🚩 쩡캠의 방콕 투어 빵 마이 와이 👍](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uyFw-nItA_s/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you so much for making this video! I recently ended up with my grandpa's H1a and my only experience with photography is taking the occasional picture of my cat with my phone. I'm extremely excited to give it a try and this helped answer a lot of questions I had!
Thank you and this is a great camera for learning film because it will let you make all the mistakes you can learn from. :D
Really enjoyed your video. The S1a was my very first camera when I was a teenager, a present from my father. Unfortunately the shutter mechanism eventually failed but I kept the Super Takumar 55mm lens and used it on another SLR until I went digital. Just bought an S1a body on Ebay and put my original lens back on it. The camera just feels great to use, lovely action and really solid compared to modern DSLRs but I keep finding myself looking at the back of it when I've taken a shot!! Thanks for the vid.
HaleHallFlyer You're welcome. The old S series are simply fantastic to use. They really are the finest cameras of the 1950s and 60s.
My granfather had this camera in our house for a long time. Since now i'm an intern working in Graphic Design, i got the chance to learn some photography with my boss.
The most helpfull thing about your video was the fact that showed me the capability of composition of this camera. But the most incredible thing for me about your video was that i don't even like to take photos, but seeing the photos you took, and hearing your opinion on the composition got me really hyped about playing around with it.
So thanks for the attention you gave to this good'ol camera, and thank you for your review.
bruno cremasco You're very welcome! This is one of the best, and most appreciated, comments I've ever received. I hope that this camera helps you love photography, even if just a little. :D
Thank you!
As for the films, they were mostly Ilford Delta 100 with some Efke 100 and FP4+ as well.
Quite enjoyed the video. The S1a (H1a in the USA, where Honeywell owned distribution rights) was my very first 'professional' camera - purchased used, for $50 (if I recall correctly) in 1970. I think the x flash synchronization speed was 1/50th of a second, not 1/60th. That's why there's an indent between 30 and 60 on the speed dial.
Thank you!
You mentioned not leaving camera in car or storing in plastic bag. Its also best not to leave cases on cameras when stored for long periods. Especially in humid climates.
Good point. Thank you!
Pentax did eventually go back to adding the "R" on the film rewind button on the Chinese-made K1000, and also on the P30N/P30T (P3N/P3T in the States).
I didn't know that. Than you!
Thanks for all of your video manuals -- they have helped me tremendously with my (way too many) vintage cameras. I have a Pentax S2 -- where does that fall in relation to this, the S1a/H1a?
Thank you!
The S/H series numbers indicated a few different changes, the lenses that the cameras came with, the maximum marked shutter speed, and if the frame counter automatically reset. The S2 is between the S1A (H1A) and SV (H3V) in that it has an unmarked 1/1,000th shutter speed (maybe early next), came with a faster lens than the S/H1A, and lacked the resetting frame counter. I'll be doing a video manual this year, I think, with an H2 and S2 Super. That's on the list to author the scripts for and record in the next batch.
@@DavidHancock -- just pulled out the S2. No space for a hidden 1/1000th shutter speed -- the dial goes right from 500 to T -- and no notch for the snap-on light meter. Uses the removable cold flash shoe that fits onto the notched eyepiece. Non-resetting frame counter. Side latch for the back. Small red/black dot indicator for ready to shoot at the "11 o'clock" position from the shutter-speed dial. Metallic front plate that holds the FP and X flash sync ports (they are not on the black body covering). ASA reminder dial only goes up to 800. The serial number of mine is 240201. Tested it out a few weeks ago at Ocean City, Maryland while on vacation -- shot Kodak ColorPlus 200 and used a Pentacon 50mm ff1.8 lens and a modern, inexpensive, hand-held meter -- the shots came out very well focused and exposed.
Oh yeah -- got this one for free on Freecycle, along with an early M42 Takumar f3.5 135mm lens with "preset" aperture, not "auto" aperture (mint condition with original leather case -- both the 135mm lens and the camera). These early Pentax cameras have a little more compact and "warm" feel in the hand than the Nikon F.
"Sit, Ubu, sit. Good dog!"...LOL
:D
Loved the video. Just got my H1a out of the camera bag after not touching it for 15 years. Purchased new in 1962 it was my only 35mm until my first AF Nikon in 1995. It made better pictures than anything I have owned since. It seems to be working OK. After seeing the video I would like to take a few pictures with it before I give it away. What films are people using today? Where to they get it processed? Does anyone know of a young photographer who would enjoy owning this classic camera? Thanks Dave.
Fantastic! These are still great to use.
So for films, I'd suggest trying out Kentmere, Ultrafine, or Foma first as they're the least expensive and if there's an issue with the camera you won't wast an expensive roll of film learning that. Afterward, whatever film you want to use would be pretty much okay. Check out my All About Film series for technical notes and sample images galore from different films.
I'm pretty sure it would be easy to find young photogs who would like a classic camera. There's a small, niche market for film cameras now with photographers. You could try out Pentax Forums to see if anyone would like to take it. I expect you'd have interest in about ten minutes. You could also post a flyer at a local college with a photo program.
Thanks very much. I can't wait to take some film again.
Very nice video. After getting the SP500 *as per your suggestion :P* I've really gotten to love these Pentax cameras. Would you be interested in a Konica T3 for a few weeks to make a video of it?
Photographic Time Thank you, and yes, I'd love to borrow your T3 to make a video! That's how I managed to make the KS-1 videos that just went live this morning.
I'll have an SP500 video later in 2015. I picked up a cheap copy but it needs an overhaul before I can use it to take photos. And I have to calibrate my shutter tester to see what speed my SP 500's unmarked shutter speed is.
Can you send me your e-mail through a TH-cam message? I'll send you my address and we can work out a turnaround schedule.
Do you have a lens I can borrow with it? I don't have anything in Konica mount.
David Hancock Message sent, it has a 50mm F1.7 Hexanon, I think its the Kit lens for it.
what film did you use in those pictures? did you push it? they look amazing!
I think I pulled the Efke to 64 but shot the FP4+ and Delta at their rated ISO.
amazing! What lens did you use? these really are amazing! you're a great photographer!
Thank you again!
I used multiple lenses. I recognize the Helios 58mm f/2 for sure. I probably also used a 50mm Takumar of some sot, maybe a 55mm. There was probably my M42 135mm f/2.8 Vivitar as well.
Would you recommend this as a good first camera? Been shopping for K1000's and one of these Honeywell H1a's has popped up for a good price. My only experience is point and click digital and polaroid cameras and disposable cameras lol
If you have a hand-held light meter, maybe, but not so much. This camera lacks an internal light meter. Typically, an in-viewfinder, through-the-lens meter is the best option for a first camera. It just simplifies learning how to use a camera. This camera lacks that. The K1000 has that.
For K1000s, I would recommend those over these. Make sure your body is made in Japan or Hong Kong. The Chinese-made bodies have prism issues as well as other ailments. To tell the difference, if the battery cap screws in, it's definitely made in Japan or Hong Kong. Some Hong Kong bodies have bayonette batter caps, but not many. If the fascia around the film rewind knob on the K1000 is silver it's made in China and should be avoided. If it's black, it was either made in Hong Kong or Japan and will be better. The Japan bodies all have the serial number on top of the body and those are the best ones to buy if you can find them. The Hong Kong bodies are the most plentiful.
And there's nothing wrong with disposables and Polaroids. I shot tons of disposables in high school and into college. The step up to an SLR is great and you'll get to really learn how to take much better photos.
Thanks for all the information and help! Do you think the K1000 is the best choice starting out?
I have a asahi pentax S1a which I found at a thrift store. I've worked with a few types of cameras, worked with a polaroid, disposable camera, digital camera and smartphones but never an slr specially like this antique. I have a few questions and maybe some may be dumb.
Does it require battery? Are they repairable? Because it seems like the shutter gets stuck if I set it anything after the x in shutter speed. could you make a tutorial on how to clean it? I want to restore it so I can enjoy it at it's full potential if possible.
Good questions. The old S series cameras are a lot different than ones you've use. So let me see what I can do to help.
1- No battery. There's no meter and no electronics. You'll have to figure out your settings before taking a photo. A easy guide is the Sunny 16 rule -- set the lens to f/16 and your shutter speed to the nearest setting that matches the film's ISO. If you have 100 ISO, that's f/16 and 1/125th of a second. IF you want to shoot at f/8, that's two stops faster than f/16, so you'd set your lens to f/8 (F/16 --> f/11 --> f/8) and your shutter to 1/500th (1/125th --> 1/250th --> 1/500th.) Any time you move the lens' aperture or shutter speed a stop, you need to move the other as well. For shade or cloudy days, start with f/8. Indoors, f/4 for a well-lit space and f/2.8 or f/2 for typical indoor spaces.
2- Yes. If yours needs a repair I send all my Pentax gear to www.pentaxs.com.
3- The shutter issue sounds like a curtain tensioning issue and would require some professional maintenance.
4- Cleaning the body is pretty easy, but if you send it in for repairs it will come back cleaned. If you have first in the viewfinder, that needs to be cleaned by a professional service. Also, if you do clean it yourself, I use cotton swabs and running alcohol. Getting alcohol on the focusing screen in the camera will destroy it. Also try not to clean the mirror unless you have to. Your best bet for restoration might be to send it in for a repair if there are mechanical issues with it. Repairmen won't fully restore it, but they'll clean it, make sure that the leather's glue is good, and re-lube it's mechanical bits.
I just got this camera and theres no light metre 😢
These didn't have a light meter. A light meter smartphone app will work just as well.
Hello sir, I’m a younger photographer and I just purchased this camera and I’m having a few issues with it, I can’t get my lens off and i can’t see anything though the viewfinder. Can you help me?
I'm glad to help. Video 2 in this series will show how to remove the lens. For the mirror issue, try firing the shutter at faster speeds (like 1/500th.) If the mirror flips down after firing at the faster speed but not at a slower speed, like 1/60th or 1/15th, then there is some fatigue in the springs and a professional repair will be needed to restore it to proper function.
@@DavidHancock got it all figured fixed up! Thank you sir! I appreciate it. I got the earlier model of the “fun saver” Kodak from 1962 and I wanted to get a camera for photography and I was able to pick this up and 2 other video cameras for 95 dollars and this camera came with a flash and 2 lenses
Quite simply, there was not space enough for writing 1000 on the time wheel :-)
Makes sense.
I have pentax S2 and I dont know how to use the T help me
Push the shutter button to open the shutter, advance the film to end the exposure, I think.
I bought a used one. When I look through the viewfinder I cannot see anything.. anyone know anything that could possibly help me? Want to start using this cool camera ASAP
D_Hops There are two possibilities. 1- did you take the lens cap off? 2- If so, when you remove the camera's lens from the body, is the mirror visible or is the opening behind the lens empty?
David Hancock Thanks for the reply! I removed the lens after a little bit of messing around and the opening is empty... what does this mean for me?
It means that the mirror is jammed. That will require a professional servicing. For Pentax gear, I used www.pentaxs.com for repairs.
It came back down a little bit after but went up again
So either the lubricating oils are really thick and hampering movement or there's something jammed that's partially operable. My guess is that the oils are really thick and gummy.
So if I load an ISO 400 film into this camera and the ASA only goes up to 100 on color outdoor, what asa can I use?
You can use any ISO film you'd like with this camera. The dial is only a reminder and has no bearing in how the camera functions. You will have to either use a hand-held light meter or the Sunny 16 rule to calculate exposure with this camera.
David Hancock
Thank you so much. :)