Throwback Edit Version: I edited this in January 2026, checked the links and converted it to the newer WordPress blocks format if needed.

I mentioned before that there were two cameras I was testing on the same day, and I didn’t like either…this was the other one.

This is the second one of these cameras. In Japan, they are as common as muck, and I find they are one of the easiest cameras to find in a junk bin. The first one had a mirror lock-up issue, so I got this body to replace it. In the same bin as the first broken Spotmatic, I found two lenses that seemed perfectly fine and bought them. They would go to waste if I didn’t find a new body to test them on. They have an M42 screw lens fit, so I know I can use them on another camera if they did work.

This camera was produced from 1964 and was one of the first to have through-the-lens metering. This was achieved by a mercury cell battery, apart from that, the camera is mechanical. For this example, that detail was very important. Did you see the corrosion around the battery cover? Try as I might, I could not get the cover off the camera. It was rusted and corroded solid. Therefore, I used it in full manual mode using a light meter on my phone.

As I said at the beginning, this camera just did not rock my boat. The main reason for me was the focusing screen. I really prefer the rangefinder system of bringing two images together or the split screen. This camera has a focusing screen that it was a little dark. So I was never quite sure if it was in focus or not.

I took the camera to the fire walking festival I mentioned in the previous post. I used both lenses. I tended to stick with the Ricoh at that event, so I finished this film off at my place of work and in Akihabara.

Here is my test roll, a Kentmere 400.

Well, the lenses were fine. I wonder which other cameras use that fitting??

The camera worked well too, but as I said, it was not my favourite so keep or sell? The battery issue makes me not want to sell it, I also don’t want to keep it. So drop me a message if you want it. You pay the postage and the body is yours, gratis.

Addendum: I noticed on another Pentax camera that the bottom plate was independent of any wiring, so I thought I would see if this one was the same. It was. So I took the bottom off the camera with the mirror lock up problem and put it on the camera with the battery issue. I have a few batteries lying around, and after finding one that fit….Voila, worked like a charm. I now have a Spotmatic that works perfectly, still not sure I like it though.