Re: Whatever happened to Pentax?

"Jeremy" <jeremy@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:8iUAj.4259$Y33.3118@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> Pentax introduced the prototype Spotmatic at Photokina in 1960,
describing 
> it as having a TTL spot meter.  The camera wasn't actually released till
4 
> years later, and it featured an averaging meter, but Pentax kept the 
> "Spotmatic" name.  The camera was neither "Spot metering" nor
"automatic."
>
> That notwithstanding, I still have my original Spotmatic IIa from 1973, 
> and it looks in mint condition and performs flawlessly.  I've
ac***ulated 
> 22 SMC Takumar lenses over the past 35 years, along with another 11
camera 
> bodies, bellows and other accessories.  I use them all, and have no
plans 
> to "go digital."  I scan my films and am quite happy with that 
> arrangement.
>
> The lenses are superb, and it would cost a fortune to replicate the
system 
> in digital if, in fact, such prime lenses were even available.
>
> Not bad for equipment that has been in service for a third of a century!
>

Yes, it's a great camera.  In fact, I was reading an article a week or so 
back which touted the Spotmatic as one of the best cameras to use when you

visit a developing country.

The author's point was that, if you only have a digital, and if your
camera 
/ memory cards fail, you might not be able to fix or replace while in that

country.  Yet, film tends to be available, and the Spotmatic has a proven 
reputation for reliable service in rough conditions -- even 30+ years
after 
production.

You're a lucky photog...

Dudley