ben_van1 Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Does anyone no how to turn on this camera? I cannot figure out if the battery is just dead or the camera doesnt work? Help a brother out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Push up on the switch indicated below. That activates the meter. If the meter needle does not move when the switch is up, then a) the battery is dead, or b) the meter is dead, or c) both.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john carter Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Looking at the lens at about 1:30 or the upper right of lens mounting area is a slide switch. To turn the METER on you push the slide up. You can then match the needle in the viewfinder with either shutter or aperature adjustment (if the meter works and/or the battery is fresh). I have had to spray de-ox into mine to 'freshen' the contacts. The meter is the only battery dependant function on the Spotmatic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rvalois Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Hi ben ... Micael and John are both right. I would just like to add on that if you have a handheld meter, you're camera probably functions just fine. I have one of these that I purchased back in the '70's. I had not used this camera for at least 15 years. I came across it while doing some "spring cleaning" a few years ago. The meter didn't work and decided to give it a whirl to see if I could use it as another backup camera (I shoot weddings and use the Pentax 645N). So using my handheld meter, I shot a roll of film and the camera didn;t miss a frame. The camera came with a 50mm 1.4 lens! Check out how much those go for today - if you can find one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harris_goldstein Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 It's also very likely that the battery is dead. These Spotmatics used a mercury battery that is no longer available. However, there are alternatives that will make your Spotmatic a very usable camera. I don't have the data handy but do a google search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_noble Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 The replacement is the Wein MRB-400. It is a zinc-air battery that delivers the same voltage, although its output curve is different and they have a relatively short life. There are conversions that can be done to use more commonly available batteries. Some full-service camera stores carry the Wein battery. There is a battery check function built into the Spotmatic, as well. Set the film speed to 100. Rotate the shutter speed dial to the B setting. As the shutter is shifted to B, the needle will deflect downward. If it does not, the battery is dead. Great camera! I've got two. Paul Noble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_noble Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Almost forgot; you can download a manual from http://www.pentaximaging.com. Paul Noble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mawz Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 Actually, given the design of the SPotmatics metering system, battery voltage only determines needle deflection, not centring. So you can use standard 1.5v alkaline or Silver Oxide cells in the Spotty with no issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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