Pentax Spotmatic II User Manual
Reproduced for Historical & Reference purposes by Paul M. Provencher - http://whitemetal.com
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................1
Major working parts of the ASAHI PENTAX Spotmatic II .........................................................................2
Specifications....................................................................................................................................................4
Short operating course ...................................................................................................................................6
How to hold your camera ...............................................................................................................................8
Film Loading......................................................................................................................................................9
Film wind and rewind ....................................................................................................................................10
Bright field focusing.......................................................................................................................................11
Microprism.......................................................................................................................................................11
Automatic Diaphragm*...................................................................................................................................... 12
Shutter.............................................................................................................................................................13
Cautions.....................................................................................................................................................13
Depth-of-field guide......................................................................................................................................13
Depth-of-field tables:....................................................................................................................................14
Range of light measurement........................................................................................................................16
Mercury Battery.............................................................................................................................................. 17
Flash Synchronization ...................................................................................................................................18
Self-Timer........................................................................................................................................................19
Infra-red Photography..................................................................................................................................19
How to make deliberate double exposure.................................................................................................19
Important Notes.............................................................................................................................................20
How to take care of your camera...............................................................................................................22
Interchangeable Lenses................................................................................................................................24
Fixed Focus Setting.......................................................................................................................................24
Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumars........................................................................................................ 24
DIFFERENCE OF ANGLE OF TAKUMAR LENSES........................................................................................25
SPECIFICATIONS OF TAKUMAR LENSES ...................................................................................................35
Complete System of Asahi Pentax Accessories for Close-Ups, Macrophotography,
Photomicrography, and other Miscellaneous Accessories...................................................................... 37
Super-Lite II Electronic Flash......................................................................................................................43
Spotmeter III..................................................................................................................................................44
ASAHI PENTAX Prism Binoculars.................................................................................................................45
ASAHI PENTAX Telescopes...........................................................................................................................46
GUIDE BOOK FOR ASAHI PENTAX SYSTEM OF PHOTOGRAPHY............................................................47
WARRANTY POLICY........................................................................................................................................49
Reproducers Comments........................................................................................................................................52
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2
Introduction
Your Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II is the finest photographic instrument on the market. The
Super-Multi-Coating" on the Takumar lens, developed by Pentax and available only on
Spotmatic II Takumars, reduces flare and boosts contrast to a degree far beyond what was
previously possible in optical technology. It is a tougher coating than is available on any
competitive lenses and results in pictures with more detail and richer colors than is possible
with any other system at any price
The Spotmatic II itself is an outgrowth and refinement of the original Spotmatic which
introduced through-the-lens metering to the world of photography. Its stopped-down metering
system is the most accurate method for perfect exposure determination. It also automatically
gives you a depth-of-field preview. It is an averaging system for the easiest and most
dependable exposures in typical picture-taking situations. This metering system has been
refined and improved each year in the Spotmatic to a degree of accuracy unmatched in the
industry.
The original Spotmatic was the most compact 35mm SLR made. The Spotmatic II retains
that same traditional compactness and classic feel. It also is designed for use with the
accessories from the Pentax system, including all of the superb Takumar lenses ranging from
the ultra-wide-angle 17mm Takumar up to the super-telephoto 1000mm Takumar. The Pentax
system can grow with you as your interests develop in any direction.
We are very proud of the Pentax Spotmatic II. We are sure you will be, too.
Reproduced for Historical & Reference purposes by Paul M. Provencher - http://whitemetal.com
Major working parts of the ASAHI PENTAX Spotmatic II
A - Shutter Speed Index G - 'Cocked' indicator
B - Shutter Speed Dial H - D-ring lug
C - Rapid wind lever I - Self-timer cocking lever
D - ASA film speed setting J - Focusing ring
E - Shutter Release K - X flash terminal
F - Automatic reset exposure counter L - FP Flash terminal
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2
M - Preview lever T - Diaphragm ring
N - Exposure meter switch U - Diaphragm and distance index
O - Film rewind crank V - Distance scale
P - Film rewind knob W - Exposure counter index
Q - Film type reminder dial X - Depth-of-field guide
R - Reminder dial selector Y - Hot shoe
S - PF/X switch rim Z - Hot shoe flash contact
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3
Specifications
Type
35mm single-lens reflex with built-in light meter.
Film and Picture Size
35mm film (20 or 36 exposures). 24mm x 36mm
Standard Lenses
Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 or 55mm
Super-Multi-Coated Takumar f/1.8 with fully automatic
diaphragm. Distance scale: 0.45m (1.5 feet) to infinity.
Filter size: 49mm. With depth-of-field scale. Equipped
with diaphragm preview lever which affords visual
check of depth of field. Distance Scale: 45cm (18") to
infinity.
Shutter
Focal plane shutter with single non-rotating dial (dial
rotates to select shutter speed but remains stationary
when exposure is made - this is a reference to earlier
cameras that had shutter speed dials that rotated when
the exposure was made). Speeds: B, 1-1/1000 sec.
Film speed (ASA) setting dial and window on shutter
speed dial. Built-in self-timer releases shutter in 5-13
seconds. Shutter curtains of special rubberized silk.
Warning Signal
The index of shutter speeds turns red when the
shutter and film speed settings are off the meter's
measurability range.
Finder
Pentaprism finder with microprism. Fresnel lens for
instant focusing; 0.88x magnification with 50mm lens,
and approximately life-size with 55mm lens.
Focusing
Turn the distance scale ring until the subject image in
the viewfinder comes into sharp focus. Minimum focus
distance: 0.45m (1.5 feet) (With 50/55mm lenses)
Reflex Mirror
Instant Return Type with special shock absorbers for
minimum vibration.
Lens Mount
42mm threaded lens mount (Pentax-mount)
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4
Film Advance
Ratchet type rapid wind lever (for film
advance and shutter cocking). 10° preadvance and 160° advancing angle.
"Cocked" Indicator
A red disk appears in a small window alongside the shutter release button when the
shutter is cocked, and blacks out when it is
released.
Film Exposure Counter
Automatic re-set type.
Flash Synchronization
FP & X contacts for conventional flash cord
connection. Electronic synchronization at
1/60 sec. Hot shoe with selectable sync (X or
FP)
Exposure Meter
Built-in meter measures the brightness of
the ground glass, and couples directly to the
shutter and film speed settings. Film speed
(ASA) setting ranges from 20 to 3200 (LV118 for ASA 100 film with standard lens.)
Meter is powered with a mercury battery.
Film Rewind
Rapid rewind crank for speedy film take-up.
Film rewind button on base of camera body
releases film from take-up spool for rewind
and rotates while film is being rewound.
Loaded Film Indicator
Loaded film reminder dial underneath film
rewind knob is marked "20" or "36" in green
(for color; tungsten type), in white (black and
white), in orange (for color, daylight type)
and "EMP" (empty).
Dimension
width 143mm (5.6") x height 93mm (3.66")
x thickness 88mm (3.4")
Weight
853g (1 lb. 11 oz.) with 50mm f/1.4 lens.
Body alone: 622 grams (1 lb, 4 oz.)
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5
Short operating course
A mercury battery for the light meter is packed separately. Be sure to insert it into the
battery housing when operating the camera. For battery insertion, refer to page 17.
1. SET FILM SPEED
Lift the outer ring of the shutter speed
dial, turn it around and set the same
number as the ASA number of the loaded
film to the small red index which appears
alongside the figure 1. Then cock the
rapid wind lever.
2. SET SHUTTER SPEED
Turn the shutter speed dial and set the
speed you wish to use to the index.
When outdoors, set the speed to 1/125
sec., or faster, depending upon the
lighting. When indoors, set it at 1/30, or
in its neighborhood. Change the shutter
speed later, when necessary. (Refer to 5
on next page.)
3. COMPOSE AND FOCUS
While viewing through the viewfinder,
turn the distance scale ring with your
thumb and index finger until you get the
sharpest image of your subject at the
microprism center of the finder
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6
4. TURN ON THE LIGHT METER
turn of the diaphragm ring. When the
SWITCH
Push up the switch button with your
thumb. Through the viewfinder, you will
observe the movement of the meter's
needle on the right side of the ground
glass. Be sure to turn off the meter's
switch when not actually taking readings.
5. ROTATE DIAPHRAGM RING
The needle moves up and down with the
needle rests at the center, you will get
correct exposure. If the needle does not
come to the center no matter how far you
turn the diaphragm ring, change the
shutter speed. When the needle is off
center and close to the (+) mark, you will
get over-exposure: change the shutter
speed to a faster setting. If the needle is
closer to the (-) mark, you will get underexposure: change the shutter speed to a
slower setting.
6. RELEASE THE SHUTTER
Hold your camera firmly and trip the
shutter. When the shutter is released,
the meter switch will automatically turn
off, and the needle will remain fixed off
and underneath the center. The
diaphragm will reopen to its full aperture
and the overall image will look brighter.
Cock the rapid wind lever for the next
picture. (When taking a series of pictures
under the same lighting conditions, it is
not necessary to repeat instructions 4 and
5.)
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7
How to hold your camera
In horizontal position
A. Hold the camera firmly
with your left hand, and
draw your arm close to
your body.
As a general rule, your camera should be held more firmly by the left hand which does not
release the shutter. If you hold your camera with the right hand - the hand which releases the
shutter - it may cause camera movement. Very often, pictures which are not sharp are due to
movement of the camera. When you focus with the camera held horizontally (Position A), hold
the lens barrel as illustrated. Cradle the camera with your left hand thumb and little finger.
Turn the distance scale ring with your thumb and index finger. When holding the camera
vertically, some people release the shutter with the thumb (Position B), while others release it
with the index finger (Position C). Position C is more desirable for fast focusing and shooting.
With the Asahi Pentax, whether held vertically or horizontally, you see your subject image
through the taking lens, enabling you to compose, focus and shoot with a minimum of time and
effort.
In vertical position B.
Hold your camera tightly to
your forehead with your left
hand, and drawn your right
arm close to your body.
In vertical position C.
Hold your camera tightly to
your forehead with your left
hand, raise your right arm
and draw your left arm to
your body.
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8
Film Loading
Avoid direct sunlight when loading your
film.
1. Open the back by pulling out the
rewind knob until the back cover snaps
open.
2. Place the film cassette into the
cassette chamber, and push back the
rewind knob. Draw out the film leader and
insert it into the slot of the take-up spool.
3. Advance the film by alternately
turning the rapid wind lever and releasing
the shutter until both sprockets have
properly engaged the film perforations.
Close the back by pressing it firmly.
4. If the film is properly loaded, the
rewind knob will turn counter-clockwise
when you advance the film by turning the
Film type reminder dial Setting ASA film speed
Use the film type
dial to show what
type of film is in your
camera. When you
have pulled out the
rewind knob to open
the back when
loading the film,
rapid wind lever.
The ASA film speed
rating of all 35mm
films is given in the
data sheet packed with
each roll of film. The
higher the ASA
number, the more
sensitive the film.
turn the dial selector so that the type of
film appears in the window. To check
whether the camera is loaded, turn the film
rewind knob clockwise. If it turns freely, the
camera is not loaded.
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Lift the outer ring of the shutter speed
dial and rotate it until the ASA number of
your film is opposite the red index mark.
Be sure to set your film speed on the
shutter speed dial because the dial is
connected to the exposure meter system.
9
1 The first portions of the film cannot be
used for picture taking as they have already
been exposed to light. Generally, two blank
exposures should be made before taking your
first picture. Cock the rapid wind lever until
it stops. Watch to see that the film rewind
knob automatically turns counter-clockwise,
indicating that the film is moving from
cassette to take-up spool. Trip the shutter.
Film wind and rewind
Cock the rapid wind lever for the first
picture; the exposure counter automatically
turns to '1', indicating that the first picture is
ready to be taken.
2 After the final picture on the roll (20 or
36 exposures) has been taken, the rapid
wind lever will not turn all the way as you
stroke it. This indicates that the final picture
has been taken on your film, and that the
film must be rewound. Don't open the back
of the camera, or all exposed frames will be
ruined.
3 Unfold the film rewind crank.
4 Depress the film rewind release button.
Turn the rewind crank to rewind the film into
the film cassette. The film rewind crank
permits rapid rewinding at a smooth, even
rate. (Under some atmospheric conditions,
erratic or too rapid rewinding will cause static
electricity marks on the film.) You will feel
the tension on the rewind crank lessen as the
leader end of the film slips off the take-up
spool.
Stop rewinding when you feel this happen.
AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT WHEN
UNLOADING YOUR FILM. (The rewind
release button will return to normal position
as you load your next film and turn the rapid
wind lever.)
5 Pull out the film rewind knob (the back
will open automatically), and remove the film
cassette.
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10
Bright field focusing
ground glass. As you look through the
1 You can start viewing and focusing before
and after cocking the rapid wind lever. When
the automatic preview lever is in the "AUTO"
(automatic) position, the meter is at "OFF",
the diaphragm is fully open except for the
moment of exposure.
2 Turn the distance scale ring until your
subject image is clearly in focus. It is not
always necessary for you to view and focus
with the diaphragm fully open. In bright
sunlight, you can easily focus with the
diaphragm closed to f/5.6 or f/8 and still
observe the depth of field. It is easier,
however, to focus with the diaphragm fully
open as your subject image is much brighter.
When the letters "MAN" appears beside the
lever, the lens is in manual position; when
"AUTO" appears, it is in the automatic
position.
Microprism
Asahi Pentax cameras have a Fresnel lens
with a microprism center underneath the
finder, you will see that the Fresnel lens
consists of many concentric rings which
provide the brightest possible image on the
ground glass.
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The microprism is the center portion of this
diagram. When your subject is in focus, the
image in the microprism will be sharp and
perfectly clear. If your subject is not in
focus, the microprism will break the image up
into many small dots, much like and
engraver's screen. You can focus your
subject on any portion of the ground glass.
11
Automatic Diaphragm*
OUT OF FOCUS
When the preview lever is in the "AUTO"
(automatic) position, and the exposure meter is
turned to "OFF", the fully automatic diaphragm
is at its largest aperture at all times, except for
the instant of exposure, no matter what
aperture is set on the diaphragm ring. When
you release the shutter, the diaphragm
automatically stops down to the predetermined
aperture and the shutter curtains start travelling
instantly. When the exposure is completed, the
diaphragm reopens to maximum aperture
completely automatically and you are ready to
compose, focus and shoot your next pictures. If
you wish to visually check exact depth-of-field
before making the exposure, move the preview
lever to the "MAN" (manual) position. This stops
the diaphragm to the aperture selected and
shows you exactly how much depth-of-field will
appear in your picture. The preview lever may
be moved back to "AUTO" (automatic) position
before or after making your exposure, or, if you
are making pictures in bright sunlight, it may be
left in manual position, which permits a constant
check of depth of field.
* When the exposure meter switch is turn to
the "on" position, the lens diaphragm changes
from the automatic to manual position even
though the preview lever is in the "AUTO"
(automatic) position. When the shutter is
released, the lens diaphragm will automatically
return to its automatic position if the lever is set
on "AUTO"
IN FOCUS
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12
Turn the shutter speed dial clockwise or
your finger from the shutter button, the
counter-clockwise to the shutter speed desired.
The shutter speed may be set either before or
Cautions
1 At slow speeds - slower than 1/30 - support
your camera rigidly or use a tripod to prevent
movement of your camera.
Shutter
after cocking the rapid wind lever. As you cock
the shutter by turning the rapid wind lever, the
"cocked" indicator turns red showing that the
shutter is cocked.
The indicator window blacks out as you trip
the shutter button. For use of the X setting
on the shutter speed dial, refer to page 18.
With the shutter speed dial set on B (bulb),
the shutter will stay open as long as you
depress the shutter button. As you release
shutter closes. When a long exposure is
desired while using the B setting, attach a
shutter release cable with a locking device to
the shutter button. This will permit a "Time"
exposure.
2 To protect the shutter mechanism, trip the
shutter release before putting the camera out
of use for any extended period.
Depth-of-field guide
If you want to know how great the depth of
field is at a certain aperture, look at the
depth-of-field guide. In the above
photograph, the distance scale is set at 5
meters…the lens is focused on a subject 5
meters away. The calibrations on each side
of the distance index correspond to the
diaphragm setting and indicate the range of
in-focus distance for different lens apertures.
For example, if the lens opening of f/8 is to
be used, the range on the distance scale ring
covered within the figure 8 on the depth-offield guide indicates the
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area in focus at the lens opening. You will
note from the depth-of-field guide in the
photograph that the range from
approximately 10 to 25 feet is in focus. Note
that as the lens apertures change, the
effective depth of field also changes. For the
depth of fields at different apertures and
distances, refer to page 14 ~ 15.
Depth of field is the range between the
nearest and farthest distances which are in
focus at different lens apertures.
13
Depth-of-field tables :
Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm lens
Distance
Scale \
f setting
f/1.4 0.45
f/2 .045
f/2.8 0.44
f/4 0.44
f/5.6 0.44
f/8 0.44
f/11 0.43
f/16 0.42
0.45
m
0.453
0.454
0.46
0.46
0.46
0.47
0.47
0.48
Depth-of-field table :
Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 55mm lens
Distance
Scale \
f setting
f/1.8 0.45
f/2 0.45
f/2.8 0.45
f/4 0.44
f/5.6 0.44
f/8 0.44
f/11 0.44
f/16 0.43
0.45
m
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.46
0.46
0.46
0.47
0.47
0.6
m
0.59
0.61
.059
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.62
0.58
0.62
0.57
0.63
0.56
0.65
0.54
0.67
0.6
m
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.58
0.62
0.58
0.62
0.57
0.63
0.56
0.65
1
m
0.98
1.02
0.98
1.02
0.97
1.03
0.95
1.05
0.94
1.07
0.91
1.11
0.88
1.15
0.84
1.24
1
m
0.98
1.02
0.98
1.02
0.98
1.03
0.97
1.04
0.95
1.05
0.93
1.08
0.91
1.11
0.87
1.17
1.5
m
1.46
1.54
1.45
1.56
1.43
1.58
1.40
1.62
1.36
1.68
1.30
1.77
1.24
1.89
1.16
2.16
1.5
m
1.46
1.54
1.46
1.54
1.44
1.56
1.42
1.59
1.39
1.63
1.34
1.70
1.29
1.79
1.22
1.96
2
m
1.93
2.07
1.90
2.11
1.87
2.16
1.81
2.23
1.75
2.34
1.66
2.52
1.56
2.80
1.42
3.42
2
m
1.93
2.07
1.92
2.08
1.89
2.12
1.85
2.17
1.80
2.25
1.73
2.38
1.64
2.57
1.52
2.95
5
m
4.57
5.52
4.41
5.78
4.21
6.16
3.94
6.84
3.64
8.03
3.26
10.87
2.88
19.53
2.42
~ ∞
5
m
4.57
5.52
4.53
5.59
4.36
5.86
4.13
6.33
3.87
7.09
3.53
8.65
3.18
11.93
2.73
32.75
10
m
8.40
12.36
7.86
13.75
7.24
16.19
6.48
22.05
5.68
42.68
4.80
~ ∞
4.02
~ ∞
3.16
~ ∞
10
m
8.39
12.38
8.24
12.72
7.70
14.27
7.01
17.48
6.27
24.97
5.41
70.27
4.62
~ ∞
3.71
~ ∞
∞
m
51.75
~ ∞
36.24
~ ∞
25.90
~ ∞
18.14
~ ∞
12.97
~ ∞
9.10
~ ∞
6.63
~ ∞
4.57
~ ∞
∞
m
51.27
~ ∞
46.15
~ ∞
32.98
~ ∞
23.10
~ ∞
16.52
~ ∞
11.58
~ ∞
8.44
~ ∞
5.82
~ ∞
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14
Depth-of-field table :
Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm lens
Distan
ce Scale
\
f
setting
f/1.4 1' 6.12"
f/2
f/2.8
f/4
f/5.6
f/8
f/11
f/16
1'6" 2' 3' 5' 10' 15' 30' ∞
1' 6.13"
Depth-of-field table :
Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 55mm lens
Distan
ce Scale
\
f
setting
f/1.8
f/2
f/2.8
f/4
f/5.6
f/8
f/11
f/16
1'6" 2' 3' 5' 10' 15' 30' ∞
1' 11.8"
2' 0.2"
2' 11.5"
3' 0.6"
4' 10.4"
5' 1.7"
9' 5.6"
10' 7.2"
13' 9.7"
16' 4.9"
25' 6.6"
36' 4.2"
9.2"
m
169'
∞
m
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15
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