Pentax Spotmatic F1973

History

Released 1973 alongside Pentax's introduction of SMC (Super-Multi-Coated) Takumar lenses with the additional aperture-coupling tab. The SPF ended Pentax's M42 Spotmatic line in 1976 when the K1000, MX, ME, and KX launched with the new K bayonet mount.

Why It Matters

The SPF is the "best Spotmatic" for users in 2026. Open-aperture metering means you compose at the widest aperture (brightest finder), then the camera meters at that aperture without a stop-down step. The SMC Takumar 50/1.4 — among the sharpest 50mm lenses ever made for any 35mm SLR system — pairs naturally with the SPF.

For 2026 buyers, an SPF + SMC Takumar 50/1.4 at $200–300 is one of the best-value film camera kits available. The trade-off vs the K-mount K1000 is the mercury battery dependency (the SPF's CdS meter is voltage-sensitive); the upside is the SMC Takumar lens line is sharper than the K-mount SMC Pentax-M line of equivalent focal lengths.

Lenses & Accessories

M42 mount. SMC Takumar lenses (1971+) for full open-aperture metering: 50/1.4 SMC, 50/1.7 SMC, 35/2 SMC, 28/3.5 SMC, 105/2.8 SMC, 135/3.5 SMC. Older Super-Multi-Coated Takumar and Super Takumar lenses mount with stop-down metering only. M42 lenses from any maker (Industar, Helios, Carl Zeiss-Jena Pancolar) work with stop-down metering.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Cult favorite for SMC Takumar lens enthusiasts.
• Featured in Casual Photophile and 35mmc as the "best Spotmatic to buy."
• Common bridge body for photographers transitioning between M42 and K-mount Pentax.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Pentax Spotmatic F
• Wikipedia: Pentax Spotmatic