During my recent junk month, I tried an example of this camera which unfortunately did not work. Of course, I wasn’t satisfied with that so I looked around for another copy. I eventually found this one from Real Camera in Liverpool. It was sold as working but rough, which was a perfect description. It came with a 55mm lens attached.
I loaded it with a roll of bulk rolled Exeter Pan 400 and took it to Boston Spa for testing. As there was no light meter in this camera, I attached the Lime II external one. There was a dint on the camera back, so I left the half case on to protect from any light leaks.
Here are most of the results.
I liked using the SV and the results from the 55mm f2 lens. The camera had a very solid feel. It was heavy with a definite clunk of a mirror slap. The throw of the metal advance lever was quite long and a little uncomfortable without a plastic cover. I found focusing easy with the aid of the micro prism. I did think the film was slipping but the results showed this was not the case.
After this success, I decided to use this camera to test a few other M42 lenses I had yet to try. I loaded a roll of Kodak Double X from ThisishowIroll and went for a walk in my local area. The first lens I tried was an ACCESS SQ f2.8 35mm. My example had quite a lot of ‘something’ on the lens, probably fungus. I will probably try to clean it over the upcoming holiday, but otherwise I might not use it again.
Here are the few shots I took with this lens.
You can see there is quite a lot of haze, which is an interesting effect but not my cup of tea. Hence I will try to clean it before scavenging it for parts.
The next lens I tried was a new to me one that I purchased after trying one in Norwich, the Tamron Adaptall 2 17mm. I took this one for a day trip to Nottingham. It was interesting to have more time with this lens and I was always surprised by how close I had to get to objects, the field of view was so large. For the first time in ages, there was a blue sky. That meant I could try out the inbuilt red and yellow filters.
Here are most of the results.
I loved the results and I loved that the lens was an adaptall, meaning I could use it with most of the cameras I have. At this point, I noticed the film counter had either stopped working or never was working. Either way, I thought I might have a few shots left for the final lens. This time I attached a Raynox f3.5 200mm lens. I have no idea where I got this lens from, but there is was in my box. I managed to shoot a few shots around my house before I ran out of film.
Here are those results.
I was surprised at how long the minimum focus distance was. For the photos of my father, I had to keep taking steps back. For a very cheap lens, I don’t think it did too badly at all and look at that bokeh.
I am so pleased I have a working SV now, plus three really nice lenses. While in Nottingham, a friend explained how I might get the film counter working again. He also said he might be able to fix it if I totally mess up the procedure. Well, that is another job for the holiday.
As for the blog, this is the last regular post for the year. I will do a year review, top photos for the year, and plans for next year.
Thanks for following me on my journey. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Update: I seem to have fixed the counter 😀
Ooh, that 17! Those are *luscious* shots
Happy holidays, Peggy – looking forward to a New Year of great posts
It is quite the lens. Thank you and same to you.
Nice work!
Thanks 😀
What a great Pentax brand, the SVs are probably hard to find in 100% working order because of their age. I still love the Spotmatics, even more than the “superstar” K 1000 😁. Beautiful images from the Tamron and the Raynox. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Peggy! I’m very happy to have you along on your journey!
I am worried to attempt the film counter fix, why ruin a good thing. And me too, I have this, a spotmatic and the ESII, so lots to use the 55mm on.
Great post, as always, great pics but those taken by the last lens have the biggest thumbs up for me, Have a Great Christmas and a very Happy photo taking New Year.
And from the cheapest lens, just goes to show. Same to you 😀 on the wishes.
Hello Peggy! I do like the wall mural. Wishing you a very good holiday season. …Cailín
I love street art and murals! Happy holidays.
Thank you! …Cailín
Wishing you a most Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year !
One hopes your dad does not notice that his portraits wsere juxtaposed with an image of a grumpy garden gnome … surely by accident!
That was a present from me to him, he likes it 😀
You cant beat a Pentax for the reassuring “Clunk” that announces to anyone within 20 feet that you have taken a photograph. As for that Tamron, ah’s reet jealous! I will own one at some point as it’s the missing piece of the Adaptall 2 Trinity in my collection.
What is the trinity? Maybe I already have it???