Pentax SP500 Setup guide

Pentax SP 500
On line manual
Posted 11-27-'02
This manual can be used as a reference for many "Auto" cameras
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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.4w ww.butkus.org

A--Shutter speed index
B--Shutter speed dial
C--Rapid wind lever
D--ASA film speed setting
E--Shutter release
F--Automatic reset exposure counter
G--Cocked indicator
H--D ring lug
I --Focusing ring
J--X flash terminal
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 scale4www.butkus.org
U--Exposure counter index mark
V-- Depth-of- field guide

Specifications
Type
35mm single-lens reflex with built-in light meter.
Film and Picture Size
35mm film (20 or 36exposures). 24mm x 36mm.
Standard Lenses
Super -Takumar 50mm f/1.4 or 55mm f/l.8 with
fully automatic diaphragm. Filters and lens hood
size: 49mm. Equipped with diaphragm preview
lever which affords visual check of depth of field.
Distance scale: 45cm (18") to infinity.
Shutter
Focal plane shutter, with single non-rotating dial.
Speeds: B, 1-1/1000 sec. Film speed (ASA) setting
dial and window on shutter speed dial. Shutter
curtains of special rubberized silk.
Warning Signal
The index of shutter speeds turns to red when the
shutter and film speed settings are off the meters
measurability range. Refer to page 15.4ww w.butkus.org
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 cocking). 10° pre-advancing and 160 degrees
advancing angle.
"Cocked" Indicator
A red disk appears in a small window alongside the
shutter release button when the shutter is cocked, and
blacks out when it is released.
Film Exposure Counter
Automatic re-set type
Lens Mount
42mm threaded lens mount.
Flash Synchronization
Equipped with FP and X flash terminals. Electronic
synchronization at 1/60 sec.
Exposure Meter
Built-in meter measures the brightness of the ground
glass, and couples directly to shutter and film speed
settings. Film speed (ASA) setting ranges from 20 to
1600 (LV1-18 for ASA-100 film with standard lens.)
Meter is powered with a mercury battery. (Wein Air
replacements)
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.
Lift the outer ring of the shutter speed dial, turn it
around and set the same number as the ASA number
of the loaded film to the small red index
which appears alongside the figure 1. Then cock the
rapid wind lever.
2. SET SHUTTER SPEED.
Turn the shutter speed dial and set the speed you
wish to use to the index. When outdoors, set the
speed at 1 /125 Sec. or faster, depending upon the
lighting. When indoors, set it at 1 30, or in its
neighborhood. Change the shutter speed later, when
necessary. Refer to item 5, page 19.)4ww w.butkus.org
3. COMPOSE AND FOCUS.
While viewing through the viewfinder, turn the
distance scale ring with your thumb and index finger
until you get the sharpest image of your subject at the
microprism center of the finder.

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.
5. ROTATE DIAPHRAGM RING.
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.
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. Cock 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.)4www.butkus.org

How to hold your camera
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.4www.butkus.org
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
Use the film type dial to show what type of
film is in your camera. Simply turn the dial
so that the type of film in the camera is
opposite the A mark. To check whether the
camera is loaded, turn the film rewind knob
clockwise. If it turns freely, the camera is
not loaded.
The ASA film speed rating of all 35mm
films is given in the data sheet packed with
each roll of film. The higher the ASA
number, the more sensitive the film. Lift
the outer ring of the shutter speed dial and
rotate it until the ASA number of your film
is opposite the red index mark. Be sure to
set your film speed on the shutter speed
dial because the dial is connected to the
exposure meter system.4www.but kus.org
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. Cock 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. Cock 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
cocking 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.4www.butkus.org
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.

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.4www.butkus.org
* 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 cocking the rapid wind lever. As you
cock the shutter by turning the rapid wind lever, the
"cocked" indicator turns to red showing that the shutter is
cocked.
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.
Note that as the lens apertures change, the
effective depth of field also changes. For the
depth of fields at different apertures and
distances. refer to page 14.
Depth of field is the range between the
nearest and farthest distances which
are in focus at different lens apertures.
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. There
fore, 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.
As you will note from the table below, with an ASA100 film, you may use any shutter speed
from 1 sec. to 1/500 sec. in combination with any aperture that will bring the meter needle to the
midpoint in the viewfinder. The total range of the aperture settings is, of course, determined by
the minimum and maximum apertures of the lens being used. For example, with the 50mm f/1.4
lens and ASA100 film, an aperture from f/1.4 (the maximum aperture of this lens) to f/16 (the
minimum aperture) may be used with any shutter speed from 1 sec. to 1/500 sec. that will bring
the meter needle to midpoint.

Mercury battery - There are WEIN Air replacement batteries available that provides the
accurate 1.3v needed.
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.4www.but kus.org
See this link on a Wein Air replacement battery.
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 d of a small child who ho has put a mercury
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.4www.b utkus.org
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.
Infra-red photography
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.