What is the Asahi Pentax SP 500?
The Asahi Pentax SP 500, also known as the Honeywell Pentax SP500, is a classic film camera that was first released in 1971. It was manufactured by Asahi Optical Co. Ltd., which later became known as Pentax Corporation.
This camera is a part of the Pentax Spotmatic series, which gained immense popularity among photography enthusiasts during its time. The SP 500 was designed as a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wide range of photographers.
Key Features of the Asahi Pentax SP 500
The Asahi Pentax SP 500 is equipped with several notable features that make it a reliable and versatile film camera:
1. **Spotmatic Focusing System**: The SP 500 utilizes a spotmatic focusing system, allowing photographers to focus on specific areas of their subject with precision.
2. **Through-The-Lens (TTL) Metering**: This camera incorporates TTL metering, which measures the light passing through the lens. The metering system provides accurate exposure readings, resulting in well-balanced and properly exposed images.
3. **Shutter Speed and Exposure Control**: The SP 500 offers a wide range of shutter speeds, ranging from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, allowing photographers to capture fast-moving subjects or long-exposure shots. The camera also features manual exposure control, giving photographers full control over their image settings.
4. **Interchangeable Lens System**: One of the greatest advantages of the Asahi Pentax SP 500 is its compatibility with a wide range of Pentax lenses. This enables photographers to experiment with different focal lengths and achieve various creative effects.
5. **Elegant Design**: The SP 500 boasts a sleek and timeless design, with a sturdy build quality that ensures durability and longevity.
Release Date and Price
The Asahi Pentax SP 500 was first introduced in 1971 and was available for purchase at a retail price of around $160. It quickly became a popular choice for amateur and enthusiast photographers due to its affordable cost and advanced features.
Please note that the Asahi Pentax SP 500 is a film camera, meaning it uses photographic film to capture images. It does not have any digital capabilities or connectivity to smartphones or other digital devices.
