Asahi Pentax S1a 35mm Film SLR Camera Body Black Finish Faulty Winder Mirror Sticking

Description

The Asahi Pentax S1a is a classic fully mechanical 35mm SLR camera body engineered in Japan during the early 1960s. Featuring the universal M42 screw mount, it offers seamless compatibility with a massive array of vintage Takumar and third-party M42 threaded lenses. Built with a focal-plane cloth shutter offering speeds up to 1/500s (with marked indexing up to 1/500s and setting capability to 1/1000s), instant-return mirror mechanism, FP and X flash sync sockets, and a non-metered prism view. Finished in an uncommon factory black paint showing desirable subtle brassing along the edges. Serial number 551768. Offered as-is for spares, repair, or restoration.

Condition

Overall Condition: Fair / Mechanical Faults (Spares or Repair)

Cosmetically in attractive vintage condition with light finish rubbing and authentic edge brassing showing through on the black metal body shell. Leatherette body covering is complete and intact. Viewfinder shows typical light age-related dust specks. Mechanically, the camera requires servicing: shutter speeds fast/medium operate, but the mirror sticks up on slow shutter speeds below 1/15th second. Additionally, the film advance winder spring is weak, requiring manual assistance/push-back to return to its resting position. Film chamber is clean and cloth shutter curtains remain intact. Serial number 551768. Offered strictly as-is for spares, repair, or CLA service.

Included

• Asahi Pentax S1a 35mm SLR Camera Body (Black Paint Finish, Serial No. 551768)

Key Features

• Classic mechanical 35mm film SLR construction requiring no batteries
• Universal M42 screw lens mount for Takumar and vintage threaded optics
• Mechanical focal-plane cloth shutter with speeds up to 1/500s plus Bulb
• FP and X sync terminals with non-metered pentaprism view
• Uncommon original black paint finish displaying classic edge brassing patina

Collector's Notes

Factory black paint Asahi Pentax bodies from the S-series are significantly rarer than standard chrome variants and command strong interest even with mechanical issues. Sticking mirrors on slow speeds and tired advance springs are classic symptoms of dried factory lubricants on 1960s Pentax SLRs. A routine Clean, Lubricate, and Adjust (CLA) service by a vintage camera specialist should easily restore this rare black S1a to full operational order.

Keywords

Asahi Pentax S1a Black, Pentax S1a Spares Repair, Black Paint Pentax SLR, Vintage M42 Body Repair, Pentax Slow Speed Mirror Stick, Mechanical SLR Project Camera