on 1/11/01 2:53 AM, Chris Brogden at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> The SP-F is a somewhat tricky camera, so you should probably wait to hear
> from someone who actually owns one. Me, I don't go in for that
> new-fangled stuff with meters and such. *L* My understanding is that the
> switch in front is only a DOF preview button. The meter is supposed to be
> on all the time, just like on a K-1000.
The big problem with the SP-F meter is that it gets non-linear in low light,
and not _very_ low, either. Yet it still gives readings. Thus it's possible
to be in light that you think is bright enough for an accurate reading but
isn't, getting a reading that looks like it might be an accurate one but
isn't. Aside from that, the meter is slow even if it is calibrated
adequately, which they seldom are at purchase. The upshot is the rather
awkward conclusion that even if you spend the bucks to get your SPF
calibrated, you still need a meter to know for certain if you can trust the
camera's meter! Not ideal.
My own recommendation for any Spotmatic including the SPF is to use a
handheld or outboard meter with it. One you might try is a lovely little
device made by Cosina, the VC meter, which you can read about at:
http://www.cameraquest.com/voivcmet.htm
No, it doesn't look regulation perched atop the Spot, but it's a nifty,
accurate, easy-to-use little meter that has one big added advantage in that
you can use it on as many different cameras you like.
Some enterprising camera repair maven (or Pentax!) ought to figure out how
to modify old Spotmatics by inserting reliable modern meters. That would
make a nearly perfect camera even more perfect. But until then, the VC meter
makes a very serviceable choice.
--Mike
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