Of the three cameras, (SPII, SPIIa, SPF) the SPII will probably be the
cheapest. The functional differences between them are basically:
SPII - stop-down metering, via switch next to lens mount, hot shoe with FP
or X setting (and FP and X pc sockets), Meter sensitivity EV1-EV18
SPIIa - same as SPII except no hot shoe synch choice, addition of Strobo-Eye
integrated into camera for use with dedicated Honeywell Strobonar flash
units - system works well but if you are not going to use flash, or don't
want to pay the collectors premium for this version of the SPII, it offers
nothing over the SPII.
SPF - same as SPII except no hot shoe synch choice, has open aperture
metering, meter is turned on when lens cap is removed - not a popular
design. Meter sensitivity EV3-EV18 - not as sensitive as the SPII on the
low-light side, probably owing to the auto-on feature of the meter,
controlled by a third cell.
Some people claim that the SPF is not as well built as the SPII - I own both
and somewhat agree. The SPII seems more robust than the SPF. Also there
seems to be a higher incidence of meter failure with the SPF.
If you want to use both Super-Takumar and Super-Multi-Coated Takumar lenses
you will be able to do so with all three cameras - the SPII and SPIIa will
provide stop-down metering for all lenses; the SPF will provide stop-down
metering for the Super-Takumar lenses in the same fashion as the SPII and
SPIIa, and open-aperture metering with Super-Multi-Coated Takumars that have
the necessary couplings (there are several SMC's that do not).
The choice is yours. For lower light work using the built-in meter, the
SPII/SPIIa will have the edge because of the greater metering range. For
normal daylight situations, the SPF will be a little bit quicker when using
SMC lenses. If you don't have very many SMC lenses, you'd probably be
better off with the SPII/SPIIa.
The cameras are indeed very easy to use, but you will find much useful
information in the owners manual about the subtleties of operation.
ppro
http://whitemetal.com/pentax/index.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelvin [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2001 2:00 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Spotmatic SP II , IIa and F
I'm considering one of these spots for myself , and am leaning towards the
"F"
because it has open-aperture metering.
However, my assortment of lenses includes those with levers (SMC-Tak),
as well as those which don't (super Tak, pre-set lenses etc.) ... so , would
the
"F" still be able to meter without the lever of the later lenses?
For general use hence, would I be better off with the II or IIa? What's the
diff b/n these two as well?
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