1961
The S1 / H1 was marketed as a budget-conscious alternative to the high-end S3 / H3. However, there was very little actual difference in the operation of the two cameras.
The main difference was that 1/1000 was removed from the shutter dial – although you could still select the empty area and get 1/1000. Oh, those crazy mid-century marketing ploys…
The only other difference was the lens that was supplied with the body: the 50mm 1.8 was “downgraded” to a 50mm 2.2.
Accessories for this model included and external meter that coupled to the shutter dial.
Technicals Specifications:
Original List Price (1961): $149.00 w/50 2.2
Price in 2022 Dollars: $1475.90*
Manufacturer: Asahi Kogaku (Pentax)
Model: S1 / H1
Year Introduced: 1961
Film Format: 35mm SLR
Lens: M42 mount
Shutter: cloth, horizontal travel
Self-timer: no
Shutter Speeds: 1 – 1/500 (1/1000 unmarked)
Shutter Release: on top
Built-in Meter: No
Film Speed/ASA Range: na
Flash Sync: 1/50 (X between 30 and 60)
Film Advance: on top
Frame Counter: on top
Exposure Modes: manual
Finder: no settings visible
Focusing Screens: center micro-prism
Mirror: quick-return
Battery: NA
*Based on current information at
in2013dollars.com
All text and photographs on this website (other than found-photography and otherwise noted) are © 2014-2021 Steven Broome. All rights reserved.
Vintage Camera Digest 