PENTAX Spotmatic F + Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 55mm f/1.8, tested and working. Hello from Japan! We provide high-quality cameras and lenses to the world. The Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F of 1973 is the last and most advanced of the celebrated Spotmatic line, the family that began in 1964 and put through-the-lens metering into the hands of millions. Its headline advance is open-aperture metering: paired with an SMC Takumar lens the meter reads at full aperture, so the finder stays bright right up to the moment of exposure, unlike the stop-down method its predecessors required. It keeps the beautifully damped mechanics and the universal M42 screw mount that make Spotmatics such a pleasure to use, and the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 55mm f/1.8 fitted here is one of the great standard lenses of the era, with the multi-coating that set the industry benchmark for flare control. Important — please read carefully: The film advance lever must be returned by hand after every frame, and the self-timer is stuck. The camera otherwise fires and transports film correctly. Please review the photos and consider this before bidding. Condition: Used — Fair Pre-owned, functional but has noticeable flaws (optics/appearance) Serial Number Please check the photo. Appearance Signs of use throughout, including a dent in the body shell. Please check the photos for details. Optical Condition Lens / Sensor: Clear — the front and rear groups have been disassembled and cleaned. Functional The camera fires and transports film — see the measured shutter figures below (1/1 at 1s, 1/49 at 1/60, 1/1180 at 1/1000). The film advance lever does not spring back on its own; it has to be returned by hand after each stroke. Once returned, winding and firing work normally. The self-timer lever stays down when pressed and does not return, so the self-timer should not be used. Normal shooting is unaffected. The stop-down meter responds but reads bright: about +2.2 EV at EV12 and +1.3 EV at EV15. Light seals have been replaced; both lens groups have been cleaned internally. Measured Performance We check these cameras on a shutter tester rather than by ear, and we publish what we measured: - 1 s — measured 1/1 s (on the mark) - 1/60 — measured 1/49 s (approx. 0.3 stop slow) - 1/1000 — measured 1/1180 s (approx. 0.2 stop fast) - Light meter accuracy — EV12: 2.2 OVER / EV15: 1.3 OVER Negative film has enough latitude to absorb deviations of this size, but the figures are here so you can judge for yourself. Servicing This camera was serviced by us before listing: - Light seals (foam) replaced - Front element group disassembled and cleaned - Rear element group disassembled and cleaned Known Issues 1. The film advance lever does not return by itself — you must push it back by hand after every frame. The camera winds and fires correctly once it is returned, but this is a real inconvenience in use and is the main reason for the Fair grade. 2. The self-timer lever stays depressed and does not return. Do not use the self-timer; normal shooting is not affected. 3. There is a dent in the body shell (see photos). 4. The meter reads about 1 to 2 EV bright — set the film speed lower to compensate, or use an external meter. Bundled Items Only what you can see in the pictures will be included in the package. Important Notes for Used Items As this is a used item, subtle imperfections may exist that are not individually described. Shipping We ship via either FedEx or Japan Post (ePacket), whichever suits the destination and the parcel. With Japan Post your package is handed over to the local postal carrier in your country for final delivery. We only ship to registered addresses. We ship within 3 business days after payment. Customs and Taxes Parcels are shipped DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): import VAT and any customs duties are collected by customs or the carrier on delivery, in accordance with the rules of the destination country. Where import taxes have already been collected at checkout — for example under the EU IOSS scheme for orders up to EUR 150 — there is nothing further to pay on delivery. Import charges vary from country to country, so please check the rules that apply where you live. We do not under-declare item values or mark items as "gifts." Returns and Buyer Protection Handled in accordance with Catawiki's Seller Terms. If you have any questions, please contact us before bidding. Thank you for visiting our listing. Japan has one of the world's largest used-camera markets. We appreciate your interest.