Asahi Pentax Electro Spotmatic

pentax Spotmatic

Overview

The Pentax Electro Spotmatic was the world’s first 35mm SLR with a fully electronic shutter system. It was released in 1971 and only sold in Japan. The circuitry was under constant revision during the year of its release which arguably made the camera a prototype, which was evident due to reliability issues.

Its success was followed by the ES sold internationally from 1972. The ES had improved circuitry that addressed reliability issues in the original version. Two years later it was followed by the ES II. Special models were available with accessories such as Motor Drive and Data Back.

Features and Operation

The Electro is one of the hardest-to-find Pentax bodies in working condition. The photographer can choose between manual or automatic shutter mode. Speeds from 1/1000 to 1/60, longer times through automatic mode. Button for battery check to the left of prism house. When the shutter speed was set on automatic, it used a ‘stepless’ shutter. The Pentax memory device computes and delivers an infinite number of exposures between 8 and 1/1000 second – automatically. If 1/555 second will give you the right exposure, that is what will be programmed.

Image 1: Asahi Pentax Electro Spotmatic. Black Spotmatic 35mm SLR camera. Lens: Super Takumar 1.4/50mm. and tripod socket.

Image2: Asahi Pentax Electro Spotmatic. Black Spotmatic 35mm SLR camera with Takumar f5/500mm lens, Manual click stop diaphgram, and two-element, rack and pinion focusing, and tripod socket. a huge lens. 21″ in length, made by Asahi Kogaku in Japan.

Where to Find a Pentax Spotmatic

Pentax Spotmatic on Etsy

Pentax Spotmatic on Amazon.co.uk

Find a great Pentax Spotmatic on eBay UK

Wiki – Pentax Spotmatic, full range.

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Post References and Attribution

This post was created with information kindly contributed by Cameras Downunder

Post Links

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