can be used instead. Model range and variations The model range includes the original Spotmatic (SP), which had an accessory "cold" shoe for flash Two budget models: the SP500 and SP1000 were also available and some features from the original Spotmatic were removed. The fastest shutter speeds were designated by the model number, the SP500 having a top speed of 1/500 s and the SP1000 having a top speed of 1/1000 s. As a matter of interest the SP500 had a click stop where the 1/1000 speed actually was but it was unmarked. These two models had no self-timer. There was also the Pentax SL, which was identical to the Spotmatic except that it did not have the built-in light meter. The Spotmatic II (SPII) heralded the arrival of the SMC lenses. Among some improvements were better metering system (Max ASA was increased to 3200) and film transport. A hot shoe for flash was added and the synchronization (FP or X) was placed on a dial switch located below the rewind crank. Spotmatic IIa was made exclusively for the American market. It was made to couple with the Honeywell Strobonar electronic flashes using an electronic eye that was located at the top-left of the camera. In 1971 the Electro-Spotmatic was the first aperture-priority, electronic, automatic SLR but was only sold in Japan. It success was followed by the ES sold internationally from 1972. The ES had standardized and improved circuitry that addressed reliability issues in the original version. Two years later it was followed by the ES II. Special models could be special ordered with accessories such as Motor Drive, Data Back, etc. In 1973 the Spotmatic F joined the line. This camera, together with a revamped line of Super Multi Coated (S-M-C) Takumar had the capability of metering without stopping the lens down. Legacy The Pentax Spotmatic chassis was the basis for the Pentax K2, KX, KM and K1000 models with bayonet mount. Noted users Noted users of the Pentax Spotmatic include: American poet and photographer Ira Cohen. The British band The Beatles (most notably Ringo Starr) Australian photographer Carol Jerrems. References The Asahi Pentax Way, Herbert Keppler. 11ed 1979. Focal Press. Asahi Pentax and Pentax SLR 35mm Cameras 1952-1989, Danilo Cecchi. 2006. MBI Publishing Company. External links Asahi Optical Historical Club Spotmatic info Spotmatic SP II info Spotmatic SP 500 info Pentax Spotmatic, Takumar Info, Manuals and Photos