The Pentax Spotmatic SP (or the USA-Imported version Honeywell Spotmatic) was introduced in 1964. It was one of the first SLRs to boast a through-the-lens exposure metering system. It is triggered by a switch on the front of the camera that stops the lens down to shooting aperture. Mechanical shutter with speeds from 1-sec to 1/1000. Uses M42 screw-mount lenses.
The name “Spotmatic” actually comes from a prototype of the camera that appeared somewhat earlier at industry trade shows. The production version uses 2 CdS cells that provide an averaging reading. But “Spotmatic” sounds much better than “Averagematic”.
The only early price I can find for the camera is the MSRP of $249.50. In today’s money that would be over $2300! I’m seriously doubtful it ever sold for that much, as almost all published MSRPs of that era are quite inflated. However, I did find a legitimate advertisement for the Spotmatic from 1970 for $184.50 – which included a 50 1.8 lens. This is certainly more believable as that would be equivalent to just over $1400 in today’s money.
Spotmatic Operating Manual (PDF)
Technicals Specifications:
Original List Price (1964): $289.50 (w/50 1.4)
Price in 2020 Dollars: $2407.49*
Manufacturer: Asahi Kogaku
Model: Spotmatic SP
Year Introduced: 1964
Film Format: 35mm
Lens: Takumar M42 mount
Shutter: Cloth, horizontal travel focal plane
Self-timer: yes
Shutter Speeds: 1-sec to 1/1000
Shutter Release: on top
Built-in Meter: yes
Film Speed/ASA Range: 20-1600
Flash Sync: X-1/60
Film Advance: Rapid wind crank
Frame Counter: yes
Exposure Modes: manual
Double-exposure capable:
Finder: pentaprism
Focusing Screens:
Mirror: instant-return
Battery: PX400 Mercury (1.35v)
Other points of note:
*Based on current information at
in2013dollars.com
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