Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP 500 35mm SLR Camera Super-Takumar 55mm f2 Lens Tested

Description

The Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP 500 is an iconic 35mm manual focus SLR film camera manufactured in Japan by Asahi Optical Co. Introduced in 1971 as a streamlined variant of the legendary Spotmatic SP, it features the universal M42 screw lens mount, robust metal engineering, and stop-down TTL CdS match-needle light metering. Equipped with a mechanical focal plane shutter with marked speeds from 1/1s to 1/500s (plus a hidden 1/1000s detent) and Bulb mode. Serial number 3240345. Paired with a sharp Super-Takumar 55mm f/2 M42 prime lens (Serial No. 6193597) featuring a manual/auto aperture switch. Complete with front lens cap.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good / Fully Working

Cosmetically in well-preserved vintage condition with light silver edge rubbing, minor marks, and fine patina on the top and bottom chrome plates. Textured black body vinyl is firm and intact. Viewfinder is clean with minimal dust specks standard for a vintage SLR. Mechanical shutter fires accurately across all speeds, film advance lever winds smoothly, and film chamber/shutter curtains are clean. Light meter activates via the front switch and needle responds correctly to light changes. Super-Takumar 55mm f/2 lens optics are clear with warm multi-coating reflections; focus ring turns smoothly and aperture blades are oil-free and responsive. Fully tested and operational.

Included

• Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP 500 35mm SLR Camera Body (Serial No. 3240345)
• Super-Takumar 55mm f/2 M42 Screw Mount Lens (Serial No. 6193597)
• Asahi Pentax Front Snap-On Lens Cap

Key Features

• Universal M42 Screw Mount offering compatibility with hundreds of classic vintage lenses
• Fully mechanical focal plane shutter operating independently of battery power across all speeds
• TTL stop-down match-needle metering powered by a single battery cell
• Super-Takumar 55mm f/2 prime lens renowned for smooth rendering, vintage character, and sharp detail
• Auto/Manual aperture selection switch on lens barrel for easy previewing and adaptation
• FP and X flash sync PC terminals on the front body panel
• Solid, all-metal Japanese body construction

Collector's Notes

The Spotmatic SP 500 was launched as an accessible entry point into the Spotmatic family. While the shutter dial only marks speeds up to 1/500s, it famously retains the internal mechanism of the flagship SP, allowing photographers to click past 1/500s to access a hidden 1/1000s speed. Combined with the legendary build quality of Super-Takumar glass, the SP 500 remains one of the most reliable and enjoyable all-metal mechanical SLRs for modern film photographers.

Keywords

Asahi Pentax SP 500, Pentax Spotmatic SP500, Super Takumar 55mm f2, M42 Screw Mount SLR, Vintage Pentax Camera, Mechanical 35mm SLR, Tested Spotmatic, Japanese Vintage Film Camera