M42 Focusing Aids Compared
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- čas přidán 18. 05. 2024
- For illustrations of the focusing screens discussed in this video, see the various cameras' instruction manuals, available below:
Spotmatic II: butkus.org/chinon/pentax/pent...
Ricoh Singlex TLS: www.butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/r...
Praktica LTL: butkus.org/chinon/praktica/pr...
Nikkormat FTN: www.butkus.org/chinon/nikon/n...
If you found this video worthwhile, please check out "Nikon Film Cameras, Which one is right for you?", an e-book on Amazon by yours truly. It's three dollars worth of knowledge, guaranteed.
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#m42 #manual #focusing
I have Fujica ST705 and ST801 M42 mount SLRs and they have extremely bright screens compared to 35mm SLRs of any mount and make.
They also have a split image as well as micro prism focus. Agree with you about the dull Spotmatic focus screens. I don't like using any lenses smaller than F1.8 on my SPII. The ST801 even has a Silicon Photo Diode light meter and a 1/2000 shutter speed. Fujica 35mm SLRs are underrated.
Great practical review as usual. Thanks.
The Pentax Spotmatic and the Nikon F were the second and third 35mm SLR cameras I used.
In the late 1960s, my first 35mm SLR (a Miranda Sensorex) broke too many times. The last time the Sensorex broke, I borrowed a friend’s Pentax Spotmatic with 28, 35, 50, 105, 135, 200, and 300mm Takumar lens. The 8-element 50mm f/1.4 and the 105mm f/2.8 were my favorite Takumar lenses.
Loved the borrowed Pentax but bought a Nikon because the photographers at the newspaper where I was working used Nikon and I wanted to be able to borrow their lenses. Over the decades, I built a two-dozen prime lens inventory that ranged from 14mm to 1000mm. I primarily used 35/85/180mm Nikkor lenses for general subjects.
I own a Nikkromat FT and a Chinon CS. The microprism on the CS, which is an M42 mount camera, is two concentric circles. The outer circle is the size of the circle on the Nikkormat, and I have to say it is much easier to focus. The only saving factor on the Nikkormat is that it has a split rangefinder in the center.
(I love your videos and your critical aproach on the gear side of photography. I got these two cameras after watching your video on copal square shutters and their reliability / easy repairs)
Thank you for your kind words. What's your impression of the Chinon CS? I've never owned one but I see them for sale occasionally.
@@BriansPhotoShow It's an overal OK camera, nothing exceptional, very similar to the FT.
Heavy, a bit clunky but reliable. Size and weight comparable to the Nikkormat. Shutter speed knob on the top plate combined with the ASA selector, bright viewfinder with a needle indicator for the exposure just like the FT.
I find only two cons compared to the Nikkormat. The materials used seem slightly of lower quality but still very substantial and there is no rangefinder in the screen.
In short, if someone likes the Nikkormat and wants to try the M42 lens family, then the Chinon CS will be perfect for them and it is also cheaper ( I got mine for 40€ shipping included in almost new condition)
Recently retired and looking to get back into photography. I have a Nikkormat FT2 in storage that hasn't been used in decades but it looks as new as the day I bought it in the mid 70's. These days most people (including me) utilize their cell phones to take pictures or video but I have an appreciation for the old ways. Glad to see that your Nikomat and lens was your favorite.
Interesting review - I think your assessment is "spot-on" (sorry for the pun!). I think there is nothing really subjective about it - as long as the same person is making the call (without bias), you are reaching a valid conclusion. Between my Spotmatic and Nikkormat, the Nikon wins as you say, "hands-down" - I do not have a Praktica to compare, but definitely appreciate the larger circle of the Nikkormat.
Interesting review. If you want to stick down the lifting covering on the Praktica, I use Titebond III wood glue for all my camera coverings (TLS, Leica, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, etc). It gives reasonable working time, cleans up with water but is waterproof when dry. It is as good or better than OEM glues. Side note, I am an original owner of a Sears TLS/55mm f1.4 camera back from Xmas 1970. My first one is long gone but I collect the MANY variations of the camera. They are still cheap and in many ways better than the Pentax because of the metal shutter, higher flash sync speed and doesn't suffer from the common stuck up mirror problem of the Spotmatics.
Comparing relative like for like the focusing screen on the Spotty is only about a third of the size as on the S1a. I'd never really noticed the difference before. This might account for the fact I don't really like using the Spotty; plus the wind on seems to be a little too slick and I'm constantly watching the rewind lever every time I advance the film.
I was beginning to worry about you, glad you're still about and I hope you're okay.
In my Olympus om2 I could change the ground Glas screen. And there where especially brighter ones. So maybe you need to find a brighter screen.
I hope you compared the viewfinders with the same lenses? Otherwise the comparison won't be reliable. The contrastier the lens, the easier it becomes to focus it. Also, it refers to the their focal lengthes.