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INDEX
Introduction 1 Major working parts of the Honeywell Pentax SP 500 2 Specifications 4 Short operating course 6 How to hold your camera 8 Film loading 9 Film wind and rewind 10 Bright field focusing 11 Microprism 11 Automatic diaphragm 12 Shutter 13 Depth-of-field guide 13 Depth-of-field tables 14 Range of light measurement 15 |
Mercury battery : 16 Flash synchronization 17 Important notes 18 Infra-red photography 20 How to make deliberate double exposure 20 Difference of angle of Takumar lenses 22 Takumar interchangeable lenses 23 Specifications of Takumar lenses 32 Complete system of Honeywell Pentax accessories for close-ups, macrophotography' photomicrography and other miscellaneous accessories 33 Spot exposure meter III 39 Asahi Pentax warranty policy 40 |
Honeywell Pentax SP 500
This is the Pentax SP 500—another proud member of the world-famous Pentax family whose name has become synonymous with design innovations and precision craftsmanship in 35mm single-lens-reflex cameras. When the first Pentax Spotmatic was introduced to the public at the 1960 PHOTOKINA, the world's largest photographic fair, in Cologne, Germany, it attracted the instant and close attention of photographers and photographic engineers alike. Not available for purchase at that time, it was a model of the advanced design and features that would be incorporated into cameras of the future. Pentax cameras and other brands as well. Several years of extensive research preceded its introduction, and four more years of research and experimentation. followed before the meticulous Pentax engineers and technicians felt the camera was truly ready.
At last, in late 1964, it reached the eager hands of serious amateur and professional photographers around the world. Like that early Spotmatic your Honeywell Pentax SP 500 is a computer camera. Hidden Within its body, its unique, behind-the-lens exposure meter utilizes two highly sensitive Cadmium Sulphide sensors to accurately measure the light gathered by the camera's lens as it is reflected from the subject being photographed. Therefore, by measuring the light as it passes through the lens and matching the exposure needle as seen through the viewfinder, you can be assured of properly exposed pictures under all but the most impossible lighting conditions. Whether you're using special, macro- or microphotographic lenses, telephoto lenses, or simply filters on normal lenses, your Honeywell Pentax SP 500 will give you correctly exposed photographs without the use of external meters or the need for difficult, time-consuming exposure calculations! Your SP 500 may also be set manually the same as any other quality 35mm camera if special lighting or selective focus effects are desired. Just leave the exposure meter switch in its OFF position and select the f/stop and speed settings for the desired effect. The traditional classic design and simple elegance associated with earlier models of the famous Pentax have been retained in the SP 500 despite the incorporation of many highly advanced features and many internal improvements that have been developed over the years.
Like the other members of the Pentax family, the Honeywell Pentax SP 500 has a 42mm threaded lens mount that accepts any of the superb Takumar lenses from the ultra-wide-angle 17mm Takumar to the super telephoto 1000mm Takumar, a wide range of optics that will satisfy the demands of even the most critical professional. Moreover, the list of fine accessories is always growing—to help you keep growing photographically.
A--Shutter speed index B--Shutter speed dial C--Rapid wind lever D--ASA film speed setting I --Focusing ring |
K--FP flash terminal L--Preview lever M--Exposure meter switch N--Film type reminder dial 0--Rewind knob P--Rewind crank Q--Film type index mark |
R--Diaphragm ring S--Diaphragm and distance index mark T--Distance scale |
U--Exposure counter index mark V-- Depth-of- field guide |
Type 35mm single-lens reflex with built-in light meter. Film and Picture Size Standard Lenses Shutter Warning Signal |
Finder
Pentaprism finder with microprism Fresnel lens for instant focusing; 0.88x magnification with 50mm lens and approximately life-size with 55mm lens
Focusing
Turn the distance scale ring until the subject image on the ground glass comes into focus.
Reflex Mirror
Instant return type with special shock absorbers for minimum vibration.
Film Advance Ratchet-type rapid wind lever (for film advance and shutter winding). 10° pre-advancing and 160 degrees advancing angle. "Wound" Indicator Film Exposure Counter Lens Mount Flash Synchronization Exposure Meter |
Film Rewind
Rapid rewind crank for speedy film take-up. Film rewind release button on bottom of camera body rotates while film is being rewound.
Loaded Film Indicator
Loaded film reminder dial underneath film rewind knob is marked "PANCHRO" (black and-white), "COLOR" and "EMPTY."
Dimension
Width 5.6" (143mm) x height 3.6" (92mm) x thickness 3.4" 88mm).
Weight
868 grams (1 lb. 14 oz.) with standard lens, Body alone: 621 grams (1 lb. 6 oz.)
Short-course operating manual
1. SET FILM SPEED. which appears alongside the figure 1. Then wound the rapid wind lever. 2. SET SHUTTER SPEED. 3. COMPOSE AND FOCUS.
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4. TURN ON LIGHT METER SWITCH.
Push up the switch button with your thumb, and the small window on the switch button will turn to red indicating that the meter is switched on. Through the viewfinder, you will observe the movement of the meters needle on the right side of the ground glass. Be sure to turn off the meters switch when not actually taking readings. The needle moves up and down with the turn of the diaphragm ring. When the needle rests at the center, you will get correct exposure, If the needle does not come to the center no matter how far you turn the diaphragm ring, change the shutter speed. When the needle is off center and close to the (+) mark, you will get over-exposure: change the shutter speed to a faster setting. If the needle is closer to the (-- mark, you will get under-exposure: change the shutter speed to a slower setting.
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6 RELEASE SHUTTER.
Hold your camera firmly and trip the shutter. When the shutter is released, the meter switch will automatically turn off, and the needle will remain fixed off and underneath the center. The diaphragm will reopen to its full aperture and the overall image will look brighter. Wind the rapid wind lever for the next picture. (When taking a series of pictures under the same lighting conditions, it is not necessary to repeat instructions 4 and 5.)
In horizontal position A. Hold the camera firmly with your left hand, and draw your arm close to your body. | In vertical position B. Hold your camera tightly to your forehead with your left hand, and draw your right arm close to your body. | In vertical position C. Hold your camera tightly to your forehead with your left hand, raise your arm and draw your left arm to your body. |
As a general rule, your camera should be held more firmly by the left hand which does not release the shutter. If you hold your camera with the right hand--the hand which releases the shutter--it may cause camera movement. Very often, pictures which are not sharp are due to movement of the camera. When you focus with the camera held horizontally (Position A), hold the lens barrel as illustrated in photograph. | |
Put the camera on your left hand thumb and little finger. Turn the distance scale ring with your thumb and index finger. When holding the camera vertically, some people release the shutter with the thumb (Position B), while others release it with the index finger (Position C). Position C is more desirable for fast focusing and shooting. With the Honeywell Pentax, whether held vertically or horizontally, you see your subject image through the taking lens, enabling you to compose, focus and shoot with a minimum of time and effort. |
Film loading
Avoid direct sunlight when loading your film. 1. Open the back by pulling out the rewind knob until back cover snaps open. 2. Place the film cassette into the cassette chamber, and push back the rewind knob. Draw out the film leader and crease across one or two perforations back from the end of the leader. Insert the creased portion into slot of the take-up spool. 3. Advance the film by alternately turning the rapid wind lever and releasing the shutter until both sprockets have properly engaged the film perforations. Close the back by pressing it firmly. 4. If the film is properly loaded, the rewind knob will turn counter-clockwise when you advance the film by turning the rapid wind lever. |
Film Type Reminder dial | Setting ASA film speed | ||
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Film wind and rewind 1. Before turning the rapid wind lever, slowly turn the film rewind knob clockwise until a slight resistance is felt. This prevents loosening or warping of the film. 2. The first portions of the film cannot be used for picture taking as t hey have already been exposed to light. Generally, two blank exposures should be made before taking your first picture. Wind the rapid wind lover until it stops. Watch to see that the film rewind knob turns counterclockwise, indicating that the film is moving from cassette to take-up spool. Trip the shutter. Wind the rapid wind lever for the first picture; the exposure counter automatically turns to '1', indicating that the first picture is ready to be taken. 3. After the final picture on the roll (20 or 36 exposures) has been taken, the rapid wind- lever will not turn all the way as you stroke it. This indicates that the final picture has been taken on your film, and that the film must be rewound. DON'T open the back of the camera, or all exposed frames will be ruined. |
4. Unfold the film rewind crank.
5. Depress the film rewind release button. Turn the rewind crank to rewind the film into the film cassette. The film rewind crank permits rewinding at a smooth, even rate. (Under some atmospheric conditions, erratic or too rapid rewinding will cause static electricity marks on the film.) You will feel the tension on the rewind crank lessen as the leader end of the film slips off the take-up spool.
Stop rewinding when you feel this happen. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT WHEN UNLOADING YOUR FILM. (The rewind release button will return to normal position as you lead your next film and turn the rapid wind lever.)
6. Pull out the film rewind knob (the back will open automatically), and remove the film cassette.
Bright field focusing
1. You can start viewing and focusing before and after winding the rapid wind lever. When the preview lever is in "A" (automatic) position, and the meter is at "OFF the diaphragm is fully open except for the moment of exposure. 2. Turn the distance scale ring until your subject image is clearly in focus. It is not always necessary for you to view and focus with the diaphragm fully open. In bright sunlight, you can easily focus with diaphragm closed to f/5.6 or f/8, and still observe the depth of field. It is easier, however, to focus with the diaphragm fully open as your subject image is much brighter. When the letter "M" appears beside the lever, the lens is in manual position; when "A" appears, it is in automatic position. |
Microprism Honeywell Pentax cameras have a Fresnel lens with a microprism center underneath the ground glass. As you look through the finder, you will see that the Fresnel lens consists of many concentric rings which provide the brightest possible image on the ground glass. The microprism is the center portion of this diagram. When your subject is in focus, the image in the microprism will be sharp and perfectly clear. If your subject is not in focus, the microprism will break the image up into many small dots, much like an engravers screen. You can focus your subject on any portion of the ground glass.
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Automatic diaphragm
When the preview lever is in "A" (automatic) position, and the exposure meter is turned to "OFF", the fully automatic diaphragm is at its largest aperture at all times, except for the instant of exposure, no matter what aperture is set on the diaphragm ring. When you release the shutter, the diaphragm automatically stops down to the predetermined aperture and the shutter curtains start traveling instantly. When the exposure is completed, the diaphragm reopens to maximum aperture completely automatically and you are ready to compose, focus, and shoot your next pictures. If you wish to visually check exact depth-of-field before making the exposure, move the preview lever to "M" Manual) position. This stops the diaphragm to the aperture selected and shows you exactly how much depth-of-field will appear in your picture. The preview lever may be moved back to "A" (automatic) position before or after making your exposure, or, if you are making pictures in bright sunlight, it may be left in manual position, which permits a constant ('heck of depth-of-field. |
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* When the exposure meter switch is turned to the "on position, the lens diaphragm changes from the automatic to manual position even though the preview lever is in the "A" (automatic) position. When the shutter is released, the lens diaphragm will automatically return to its automatic position if the lever is set on "A". |
Shutter
Turn the shutter speed dial clock. wise or counter-clockwise to the shutter speed desired. The shutter speed may be set either before or after winding the rapid wind lever. As you wind the shutter by turning the rapid wind lever, the "wound" indicator turns to red showing that the shutter is wound.
The indicator window blacks out as you trip the shutter button. For use of the X setting on the shutter speed dial, refer to page 17. With the shutter speed dial set on B (bulb), the shutter will stay open as long as you depress the shutter button. As you release your finger from the shutter button, the shutter closes. When a long exposure is desired while using the B setting, attach a shutter release cable with a locking device to the shutter button. This will permit a "Time" exposure. |
Cautions
1. At slow speeds-slower than 1/30 - support your camera rigidly or use a tripod to prevent movement of your camera.
2. To protect the shutter mechanism, trip the shutter release before putting the camera out of use for any extended period.
Depth of field
For example, if the lens opening of f/8 is to be used, the range on the distance scale ring covered within the figure 8 on the depth-of-field guide indicates the area in focus at the lens opening. You will note from the depth-of-field guide in the photograph that the range from approximately 10 to 25 feet is in focus. Depth of field is the range between the nearest and farthest distances which are in focus at different lens apertures. |
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If you want to know how great the depth of field is at a certain aperture, look at the depth-of-field guide. In the above photograph, the distance scale is set at 15 feet . . . the lens is focused on a subject 15 feet away. The calibrations on each side of the distance index correspond to the diaphragm setting and indicate the range of in-focus distance for different lens apertures. |
Range of light measurement The exposure meter of the Spotmatic measures the brightness of the ground glass. Therefore, the meter should be turned on after you have focused your subject on the ground glass. The following table shows the range of the meter's light measurement, and should not be interpreted as the camera's total range of f/stop-shutter speed combinations. |
Mercury battery -
There are WEIN Air replacement batteries available that provides the accurate 1.3v needed.
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How to check it
1. Set the shutter speed dial to B (bulb) position. 2. Turn the ASA dial to ASA 100. 3. Push the meter switch to "on" position. Look at the meters needle through the viewfinder. If the needle rapidly drops, the meter battery has sufficient capacity; if it does not, replace the mercury battery. How to replace it Open the battery housing cover on the bottom cover plate with a coin. Remove old battery and insert new battery with (+) side toward the top of the camera. For replacement, use Mallory PX-400 or RM-400-R or equivalent. |
CAUTION: The mercury battery is like a phonograph record. It can be damaged by skin acids. Handle by the edges with a dry cloth only. Be sure the battery is cleaned with the cloth before insertion into the camera. The battery is not rechargeable.
DANGER: A serious accident has been reported of a small child who has put a mercury battery (any button battery) into his mouth and has been hospitalized for serious gripes and stomach inflammation. Please, always keep a battery from the reach of small children
Webmaster: see my page on mercury batteries
Flash synchronization
The Honeywell Pentax has two sets of terminals --FP and X. The table below shows which flash contact, which shutter speed and which flash bulb may be combined for maximum lamp efficiency. Unless these combinations are rigidly followed, there will be a failure in flash synchronization. Note the "X" setting is exactly at the 60 marked on the speed dial. This indicates the highest shutter speed at which Honeywell Strobonars or other electronic flash units may be used. | |
Important notes
1. Always keep the meter switched off when not actually taking readings. Leaving the meter switched on will rapidly exhaust the battery. It is also necessary to keep the meter switched off when mounting a Super-Takumar lens on the Spotmatic camera body. If it is switched on, the tip of the automatic diaphragm release pin of the lens will hit the pin release plate inside the camera body and it may get damaged. 2. When the index of the shutter speeds turns to red, it indicates that the shutter and film speed settings are off the meters measurability range. Change the shutter speed setting to a faster or slower setting. Refer to page 15. 3. When the meter is switched on, the lens any Super-Takumar lens) is in its manual position even when the diaphragm preview lever is in "A" (automatic) position. When the meter is switched off manually, or automatically after shutter release, the lens returns to its automatic position when it is set in "A" position. |
4. Exposure increase factors which apply when taking pictures with filters, close-ups, macro- and micro-photos. do not apply to the Spotmatic. 5. The length of the tripods screw should not exceed the normal length of 3/16" 4.5mm). Do not extend it longer than this length when mounting your camera on tripod. Forcing longer screws into the tripod socket of the camera will damage the mechanism. 6. We do not guarantee the quality of photographs when brands other than Takumar lenses and Pentax accessories, such as lens extenders, are used. |
If you intend to take infra-red photographs, remember to use the small "R" index marked on the depth-of-field guide. First, focus your lens on your subject. Determine the lens to subject distance from the distance scale. Then match your lens to subject distance to the "R" mark by turning the distance scale accordingly. For instance, if your subject is in focus at infinity, turn the distance ring and move the infinity (oo) mark to the "R" index. The "R" index marking on the Takumar lenses is based on the lens setting at infinity. |
For deliberate double exposures, make the first exposure in the normal way. Then tighten the film by turning the rewind knob A, and keep hold of the rewind knob. Depress the film rewind release button ~ and wind the rapid re-wind lever. This tensions the shutter without advancing the film. Finally, release the shutter to make the second exposure. Then make one blank exposure, before taking the next picture, to avoid overlapping. |
Regardless of the lens selected for your Honeywell Pentax, there is never need for an accessory viewfinder, ordinarily required for rangefinder type cameras. When interchanging lenses, hold the lens by the distance scale ring. When attaching a lens, filter, or lens hood, do not screw it too tightly, as you may find it difficult to remove.
FIXED FOCUSING SETTINGBecause of the considerable depth of field of wide-angle lenses, you can use them as fixed focus lens-if the diaphragm and distance scales are set properly. For your convenience, the Super-Takumar lenses shown on page 22 have a fixed focus mark. Just align with the index the orange-colored figures of the diaphragm and distance scales, and the lens will be in fixed focus from foreground to infinity. You'll find this extremely convenient for fast shooting.
Resolving Power of Takumar Lenses Resolving power of all Takumar lenses is factory-tested by skilled optical engineers. There are three types of tests: microscopic aerial test, projection test and photographed film test. Resolving power of a lens shown by LPM (lines per mm) varies depending upon the method of resolution test. Takumar lenses have been tested for resolving power to conform to Asahi Optical Company standards which are higher than those set by JIS (Japan Industrial Standards). All Takumar lenses bear the seal of the Japan Camera Inspection Institute which insures the highest standards of performance When testing your lens performance . . .Use a slow-speed fine grain film. Generally, high speed films are grainy and are not suitable for resolution test. Support your camera on a good tripod. Use a shutter release cable to prevent camera movement. The definition of the picture on the negative film may decrease if exposure and developing time are not proper. Time your exposure and development correctly. If you do your own developing and enlarging, see that your enlarger uses a fine quality enlarger lens. If it is not of a fine quality, your pictures can never be sharp no matter what superb lenses are mounted on your camera. Usually, the diaphragm of the enlarger should be closed down to f/8 or f/11.
COMPLETE SYSTEM OF SUPERB TAKUMAR LENSES
The extension tube set consists of 3 rings: #1, #2 and #3; 9.5mm, 19.0mm and 28.5mm respectively. These rings may be used in combination as desired. Ring #1 is suited for moderate close-up work as in copying documents. When all extension tubes are used simultaneously with the 55mm lens, the subject may be enlarged on the film to a magnification of 1.04 of the life size. Such extreme close-up photography is a special advantage of the single lens reflex camera because there is no parallax problem and you do not need an accessory viewfinder as is ordinarily required for rangefinder type cameras. By inserting any or all of the extension tubes between the camera body and the Takumar lens, subjects as close as 3 35/64 inches from the front of 55mm lens may be photographed. By adding more extension tubes, close-ups as close as the focal length of the lens may be easily and simply photographed. |
BELLOWS UNIT 11
Double-track, De Luxe model bellows unit for extreme magnification. Mounted between your camera body and standard lens, you can obtain the maximum magnification of more than 3 times the life size. |
SLIDE COPIER
Use this with the Bellows II for duplicating your color slides. |
HONEYWELL REPRONAR
An extremely versatile accessory for the Honeywell Pentax owner who specializes in color transparencies, the Repronar incorporates a specially modified Honeywell Pentax camera with a precision 50mm f/4 Takumar lens and a Strobonar electronic flash light source. It enables the user to duplicate original transparencies, correct for exposure errors and color balance, crop and enlarge portions of original transparencies, create special effects, and perform many other processes in color or black and white. Focusing and composition are quick and easy, and a built-in exposure scale takes the guesswork out of camera settings. Complete with filters, slide holders, lens cap and dust cover. |
HONEYWELL PENTAX COPIPOD
This new portable copying stand fits all models of the Honeywell Pentax and can be used anywhere for copying documents, artwork, photographs, stamps, etc. The Copipod consists of a lens board complete with adapter rings for 46mm and 49mm sizes, and four calibrated telescoping legs. It can be set up in seconds, and when disassembled, fits neatly into a pouch-type case which occupies very little space. Lightweight, yet extremely rigid, the Copipod is a practical accessory which will fill a need for many Honeywell Pentax owners. |
FILTERS AND LENSHOODS
Honeywell Pentax lens hoods are recommended for use whenever possible to guard against off-angle light which will cause flare in your pictures. (All Takumar lenses from 85mm up to 1000mm are supplied with a special lens hood.) Improve your picture quality by using the Honeywell Pentax filters that are precision-ground, polished and coated for your Honeywell Pentax. |
MICROSCOPE ADAPTER
By inserting this adapter between the camera body and the micro scope tube, photomicrography can be easily and simply accomplished with the optics of the microscope. |
REVERSE ADAPTER Screwed into the front thread of a Takumar lens which accepts 49mm~size filters and with the other end threaded into extension tubes or bellows mounted on an Honeywell Pentax, this adapter gives optimum performance in macrophotography of more than a life-size magnification. |
LEICA MOUNT ADAPTER
ADAPTER "B" - For use of Takumar lenses on Leica mount camera bodies. Primarily for use with Leica lens mount enlargers. |
LENS MOUNT CAP For use with all Takumar lenses. When your Takumar lens is not on the camera body, use this cap to avoid dust. BODY CAP Use this body mount cap when you do not have a lens on your camera body. |
LENS LEATHER CASE for standard lenses When using an accessory lens on your camera body, put your standard lens in this leather case for protection.
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FILM MAGAZINE
For use in loading bulk film. |
90° FINDER × ACCESSORY CLIP MAGNIFIER
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CABLE RELEASE Use a cable release to prevent camera movement CLOSE UP LENS With this lens on a Super-Takumar lens, you can operate the diaphragm fully automatically, without manipulation for exposure increase. |
WARRANTY POLICY All Honeywell Pentax camera equipment and accessories sold in the United States and Mexico are unconditionally guaranteed against defects of material or workmanship for a period of twelve months from date of purchase. Service will be rendered and defective parts will be replaced 'without cost to you within that period, provided the equipment has not been abused, altered, or operated contrary to instructions. Because the tolerances, quality, and design compatibility of lenses other than Pentax-Takumar lenses are beyond our control, damage caused by use of such lenses will not be covered by this warranty policy. Honeywell shall not be liable for any repair or alterations except those made with its written consent and shall not be liable for damages from delay or loss of use or from other indirect or consequential damages of any kind, whether caused by defective material or workmanship or otherwise; and it is expressly agreed that Honeywell's liability under all guarantees or warranties, whether expressed or implied, is strictly limited to the replacement of parts as hereinbefore provided. In order to validate your warranty, the warranty card must be filled in COMPLETELY and mailed to the factory within ten days of purchase. PROCEDURE DURING 12-MONTH WARRANTY PERIOD Any equipment which proves defective during the 12-month warranty period should be returned to your Honeywell Pentax dealer. The dealer will forward the equipment to the Honeywell factory or nearest Honeywell repair station. If the equipment is covered by warranty, repairs will be made and parts replaced free of charge, and the equipment returned prepaid to your dealer. If the equipment is not covered by warranty, Honeywell's regular charges will apply. All models, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. |
Mercury Battery - click here to get a non-mercury battery replacement The mercury battery should be kept dry. Don't touch it with your finger unnecessarily. Before inserting it into its housing, wipe its surface completely with a dry piece of cloth. Don't try to measure the short current or to charge the battery, to prevent rapid deterioration. Don't throw a used battery into fire ... it may explode. Keep the battery out of the camera's battery housing when you do not intend to use it for a lengthy period of time. See page 16. (You need to get a Wein Air replacement battery) Should you need additional information about your Honeywell Pentax, address your questions to: Customer Service at the address below:Honeywell Inc., Photographic Products Division 4800 East Dry Creek Road, Denver, Colorado 80217 |