Is the F a "later model"...
Yes, it is the last mechanical Spotmatic. Then came the Electro-Spotmatics.
how do I see if a Spotmatic can handle 1.5 volt batteries?
They can all handle the 1.5 battery. All the details at http://www.aohc.it/batte.htm
...to fit my lovely SMC Takumar 85mm 1.8...
A black F has class... Andre

