Pentax film SLR의 간단한 역사

Pentax film SLR의 간단한 역사.
이번에 Spotmatic을 구매한 후에 알아본 자료중 일부이다.
Pentax M42 마운트 필름카메라에 대한 자료는 국내에도 해외에도 그리 많지가 않다.
측광하는 방식이 특이한데, 이 부분에 대해서도 자료가 국내에는 없다는것.
1.35V 밧데리를 사용하는데, 1.5v 밧데리를 사용할수 있도록 개조하는 방법을 연구하여 곧 올리려 한다.
현재까지 고민한 바로는 다른것을 만지는 것은 적당하지 않고 저항으로 맞추는 방법을 고려하려 한다.
오늘은 우선 펜탁스 필름바디의 간단한 역사부터 공부하고자 한다.

The Asahi Optical Company of Japan (the famous AOC triangular symbol you see on the prism of a Pentax SLR) created the Pentax line of cameras. The Pentax (derived from PENTAprism refleX) camera was the first camera to incorporate a pentaprism viewfinder and a reflex mirror system.

1952. Asahiflex I is the first Japanese 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera. It has a cloth curtain focal plain shutter and shutter speeds range from 1/20 to 1/500 sec. (plus Bulb).

1954. Until the introduction of the Asahiflex II, professional photographers prefer 35mm rangefinder cameras over SLRs. One of the main reason that SLR cameras do not yet gain popularity is because of the "mirror blackout" problem. When the shutter release is pressed, the mirror swings up to allow the film to capture the image. The mirror remains in this up position and has to be manually brought down. This "lag" means that rapid shooting is not possible with a SLR. The Asahiflex II has the world's first instant return mirror system. Soon, all SLRs also has one and the popularity of SLRs among professional photographers soars.

1957. Another coup by Pentax with the use of a pentaprism in the viewfinder of the Asahi Pentax SLR. Before that, you held your camera at waist level and looked straight down into an open viewfinder. The pentaprism allows eye-level viewing and provides an upright and laterally correct image. It is also the first time that the name Pentax (PENTAprism refleX) is used on a camera.

1959. Pentax K with a semi-automatic diaphragm.

1959. Pentax H2.

1960. Pentax III with a fully automatic diaphragm.

1961. Pentax H3 with fully automatic aperture mechanism. Shutter speeds range from 1 - 1/1,000 sec.

1962. Pentax H3V with the first clip-on exposure meter on a Japanese camera. It also had a self-timer. The Pentax H1A is similar to the H3V but features in addition an auto diaphragm and automatic resetting film counter.

1964. Pentax Spotmatic with the world's first TTL (through-the-lens) exposure metering system. Instead of using their seperate exposure meters to take light readings, then dialing the settings into their cameras, photographers can now let the camera's internal exposure meter take the reading through the lens (i.e. using the same light that is going to strike the film).

1966. Pentax Nocta with infrared focusing system. The Pentax Spotmatic Motor Drive allows professional photographers to shoot 250 continuous frames.

1969. Pentax 6x7 medium-format professional camera. The Pentax Auto 110 is selected by NASA for use in its Constellation observation rocket. Compact and lightweight Pentax MV and Pentax ME Super offer full range of features at affordable prices.

1971. Pentax ES with the world's first SLR camera with a through-the-lens (TTL) aperture-priority (AE) control. Using aperture priority, the stepless electronically controlled shutter responds to the amount of light and chooses the appropriate shutter speed. Pentax also introduces the Super-Multi Coating (SMC) system for the Asahi Optical Takumar lens series. The SMC system reduces lens flare and ghost images. Spotmatic SP500 introduced.

1973. Spotmatic F with an open aperture TTL light metering system.

1974. Spotmatic II with a hot shoe. SP1000, an economy version of the Spotmatic.

At around this time, Pentax takes a fork in the road and begins to introduce all types of cameras that are just a blur -- to me (apologies to those of you who might think otherwise). Both in specifications and names, they just fail to stir the imagination.

Similarly, the introduction of their line of digital cameras fail to make a dent against their competitors. Readers have written and rightly pointed out the hidden value in these excellent digital cameras, but Pentax struggles to get consumers' attention.

Until they popped the 'digital camera in a tin of Altoids' surprise. I would like to believe the introduction of the Optio S signals a new change in strategy at Pentax: one based on innovation, originality, as well as uncompromising quality -- at affordable prices. If so, welcome back, Pentax!

Pentax's introduction of DSLRs continues down the strange garden path with strange naming conventions until they simplify back to the familiar and much-loved K designation. Their DSLRs provide real value with innovative features at an affordable price. I especially like the weather-resistant models.

Fans should know that, since Pentax has kept the K (KAF2) bayonet mount, most lenses, past and present, can be used. Usable lenses include: Pentax KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format useable w/ adapter and/or restrictions).