Possible Spotmatic metering problem

[malkav42]

Hey all, I recently picked-up a Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP w/ a Super-Takumar 1:2/55mm lens, and a Sears 1:4/70-210mm macro/zoom at a thrift shop for 15 bucks, and after cleaning it up, and finally finding a battery to power the meter, I've loaded it with a 12 shot roll of 400 iso for testing.

Well, there seems (to me) to be a problem with the meter. I put a #392 silver-oxide battery in to power the meter, it is in the correct way (negative side toward the cover), and the meter dives down as it is suppose to when checking it at B and 100 iso as per the manual.

Here's where the possible problem comes in. With the Sup-Tak 55mm on the camera I only get meter needle response at speeds between 1/125 to 1/1000 outdoors through the F-stop range on the lens (F/2-F/16), at 1/60 and below the needle pegs itself in the upper part of the meter scale (overexposure zone), and no matter what F stop I set the lens at, it stays there. With the Zoom it's the same.

So I was wondering if this is normal with the Spotmatic, or a sign that the meter is toast.

If this is the wrong place to ask this please feel free to move it to the correct place.
Thanks in advance for any answers I receive.
Ed

[BillyC]

Sorry for the delayed post. I just saw your question. I have an old Asahi spotmatic.It hs been sitting for 30+ years. Meter battery has not been replaced. The meter responds normally when 1/60 or slower is selected. By that I mean the needle goes down and up according to the f stop. Did you try other "ASA" settings? I cannot say the needle is accutate.
bc

[blumesan]

Originally Posted by malkav42

I've loaded it with a 12 shot roll of 400 iso for testing.

Here's where the possible problem comes in. With the Sup-Tak 55mm on the camera I only get meter needle response at speeds between 1/125 to 1/1000 outdoors through the F-stop range on the lens (F/2-F/16), at 1/60 and below the needle pegs itself in the upper part of the meter scale (overexposure zone), and no matter what F stop I set the lens at, it stays there. With the Zoom it's the same.

So I was wondering if this is normal with the Spotmatic, or a sign that the meter is toast.

Ed

Seems to me the response you are getting is perfectly normal. Using the "sunny 16" rule with ISO 400 film, the correct exposure would be 1/400 sec at f/16. At a shutter speed of 1/60 you are at least 2 stops overexposed with an aperture of f/16 and still more at any larger aperture, which is probably beyond the range of the meter.

Try it at 1/60 sec indoors or in a shaded spot rather than in direct sunlight.