Camera · SLR
Pentax Spotmatic
1964-1976
Discontinued35mmBeginnerIntermediate
Huge M42 lens selection
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- M42
- Metering
- Built-in
- Shutter
- 1/1000
- Battery
- PX400 (Spotmatic SP / SP II) or PX625 (Spotmatic F), 1.35V; bridge-circuit meter tolerates 1.55V substitutes
- Weight
- 624g
Battery req.
Max speed
Best for
- Huge M42 lens selection
- Budget mechanical shooting
- Learning manual photography
Features
- TTL stop-down metering
- M42 screw mount
- Fully mechanical shutter
- Self-timer
- Depth-of-field preview
Limitations
- Stop-down metering (not open-aperture)
- Original mercury cell (PX400 on the Spotmatic/SP II, PX625 on the Spotmatic F) discontinued
- M42 lenses need an adapter on modern bodies
- No auto exposure
Common issues to check
- Mercury battery replacement needed
- Meter accuracy drift
- Sticky mirror
- Shutter timing issues at slow speeds
- Light seals need replacement
Buying guide
The Spotmatic (1964) brought TTL metering to Pentax's M42-mount line. Thousands of M42 lenses are available. Use an adapter or substitute cell for the mercury battery and check meter accuracy.
Pricing
- Typical range
- £40 - £100
- Excellent condition
- ~£140
Indicative, no dated source.
Prices as of 2026-01. UK market, may vary.
Specifications
| Format | 35mm |
| Years produced | 1964-1976 |
| Mount | M42 |
| Shutter type | Focal Plane |
| Shutter speeds | 1s - 1/1000 |
| Flash sync | 1/60 |
| Metering | Average |
| Battery required | Yes (PX400 (Spotmatic SP / SP II) or PX625 (Spotmatic F), 1.35V; bridge-circuit meter tolerates 1.55V substitutes) |
| Weight | 624g |
| Dimensions | 142 x 91mm (W x H) |