Boxed Pentax Asahi SP500 35mm SLR Camera With 55mm f2 Takumar Lens

On offer today we have a lovely working example of this well rated and Boxed Pentax Asahi SP500 35mm SLR Camera With 55mm f2 Takumar Lens.

In working condition, it comes complete with the manufacturer’s original box, instruction manual, 55mm f2 Takumar lens, and a genuine Asahi Pentax 46mm lens cap. The camera and lens are in very good condition with no sign of fungus.
93% Exc+ with surface scuffs commensurate with age and use, especially around the view finder (see images). The leather neck strap is also showing signs of wear.

Several variants of the ‘Spotmatic’ were available from 1964 to 1976. This is the 1971 SP500 chrome and black version, with a top shutter speed of 1/500s. Unmarked shutter speed above 500 may offer 1/700 ~ 1/1000 sec exposure but is not factory-guaranteed. Otherwise, the SP500 is almost identical to the Spotmatic SPII.

Spotmatic is derived from Pentax’s intended use of spot metering but, just prior to launch, the design was changed to average metering and it was too late to change the accompanying marketing material!

Not only are these great performers but are superb legacy cameras.

Specification:

• Product Line: Pentax Asahi SP500
• Type: SLR body
• Manufacturer: Asahi Optical Co. 3320017
• Year of launch: 1971
• Films: 35mm
• Viewfinder: pentaprism eye-level viewfinder
• Lens Mount: Pentax/Praktica screwmount (M42)
• Shutter: Focal plane shutter, speeds 1 – 1/500 second (may achieve 1/700 or 1/1000 but not guaranteed), flash sync 1/60 second
• Metering: CdS TTL metering (stopped-down manual match-needle metering system) EV 1.7 ~ 18 (ISO 100)

Lens System

• M42 screw fit Super Takumar
• Manual Focus
• f2 55mm
• Compatibility: Pentax M42

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