Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this episode, Greg and I take a closer look at the pinnacles of the Pentax screw mount cameras of the 1970s: the Asahi Pentax ES II and the Pentax Spotmatic F.
After a long series of successful cameras with innovative features, Asahi introduced the Pentax Spotmatic, the first 35mm SLR with TTL metering in 1964. In addition, the company offered a wide range of excellent lenses that culminated in the multi-coating for an increased light transmission and less flare. When the screw mount Pentax models disappeared in 1975, Asahi was one of the most successful camera manufacturers of the world and for a certain period sold more Pentax cameras than all its competitors combined.
Both cameras were introduced in 1973 and there are even ads like this one from the time marketing them side by side. From today’s perspective, these two cameras are interesting since they already offer a wide-range of convenient features and give you access to the fantastic Super Multi Coated Takumar lenses without breaking the bank. While the Spotmatic F is fully mechanical except for the built-in meter, the ES II already features an automatic exposure mode and reliable electronics.
We took the cameras out in and around Würzburg shooting some Orwo Wolfen 500NC in the Spotmatic F and ADOX CHS 100 in the ES II. Let’s take a closer look at the results, both cameras’ features and our personal impressions.
Gear used:Pentax Spotmatic F and ES II with
SMC Takumar 24mm f/3.5
SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5
SMC Takumar 35mm f/2.0
SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4
SMC Takumar 50mm f/4.0
SMC Takumar 105mm f/2.5
SMC Takumar 135mm f/2.5 (6 lens version)
SMC Takumar 200mm f/4.0
Films used:
Orwo Wolfen 500NC
ADOX CHS 100
Watch more reviews:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ7UnFHxJ8l14aDqFybkLF0mCw_eUATdP
If you enjoy our videos and like to follow us on Instagram, find us here: instagram.com/analog_insights
In this episode, Greg and I take a closer look at the pinnacles of the Pentax screw mount cameras of the 1970s: the Asahi Pentax ES II and the Pentax Spotmatic F.
After a long series of successful cameras with innovative features, Asahi introduced the Pentax Spotmatic, the first 35mm SLR with TTL metering in 1964. In addition, the company offered a wide range of excellent lenses that culminated in the multi-coating for an increased light transmission and less flare. When the screw mount Pentax models disappeared in 1975, Asahi was one of the most successful camera manufacturers of the world and for a certain period sold more Pentax cameras than all its competitors combined.
Both cameras were introduced in 1973 and there are even ads like this one from the time marketing them side by side. From today’s perspective, these two cameras are interesting since they already offer a wide-range of convenient features and give you access to the fantastic Super Multi Coated Takumar lenses without breaking the bank. While the Spotmatic F is fully mechanical except for the built-in meter, the ES II already features an automatic exposure mode and reliable electronics.
We took the cameras out in and around Würzburg shooting some Orwo Wolfen 500NC in the Spotmatic F and ADOX CHS 100 in the ES II. Let’s take a closer look at the results, both cameras’ features and our personal impressions.
Gear used:Pentax Spotmatic F and ES II with
SMC Takumar 24mm f/3.5
SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5
SMC Takumar 35mm f/2.0
SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4
SMC Takumar 50mm f/4.0
SMC Takumar 105mm f/2.5
SMC Takumar 135mm f/2.5 (6 lens version)
SMC Takumar 200mm f/4.0
Films used:
Orwo Wolfen 500NC
ADOX CHS 100
Watch more reviews:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ7UnFHxJ8l14aDqFybkLF0mCw_eUATdP
If you enjoy our videos and like to follow us on Instagram, find us here: instagram.com/analog_insights
