Nikon SLR Cameras

Pentax Spotmatic or Nikon FM2?

Guest
Guest

I'm buying my first film camera and I'm not sure which one to get.
For the spotmatic, I'm buying it with super multi-coated takumar lenses, and I've heard that those are very good lenses, but the Nikon fm2 sounds like a very good camera as well. Are old nikkor lenses very good? Thank you.

Added (1). Other recommendations are accepted as well, I'm also thinking about an om-1 or pen-f.

Added (2). -for the Nikon, the lenses may be a Nikon Nikkor S 50mm 1:1.4 Manual Focus Lens
-for the Pentax, the lenses may be either a SMC Takumar 1:3.5 28mm lens or SMC Takumar 1:1.4 50mm.

Ted
Ted

Nikon

rick
rick

Need to know the specs on the lenses. The old Nikon lenses are phenomenal.

keerok
keerok

Get the Pentax especially if it has the 50mm f/1.4. Takumar lenses have very high quality optics. The only drawback to getting the Spotmatic is the lack of a replacement battery for the lightmeter so you will be left to your own wits. You either have to use a handheld light meter or learn how to meter with your own eyes and brain.

BigAl
BigAl

The Spotmatic also has internal metering so the accuracy of one other answer has to be questionable.
The Takumar lenses are probably the best engineered of all the Japanese SLR lenses, even now. 40-50 years later they are still super smooth on operation and optically they bow to nothing. The Spotmatics are ten years older then the Nikon so are more likely to need servicing although there are many in superb condition. The Nikons were more likely to have seen some professional service so might have a bit more internal wear.
Because the Takumar lenses can be adapted to just about anything I'd go with the Pentax especially if you can get both lenses for an extra $40 or equivalent. Nikon lenses tend to be used on Nikon only so you are locking yourself into a system with the FM2. Also, looking at the prices, there's a premium attached just for the Nikon label. The Nikon bodies seem to sell for multiples of the Spotmatic prices and the lenses for double. They are good but if they are actually better it is only a 1 or 2% difference - not 100%!
In the end you should just pick them up and go with the one that feels right.
The Spotmatic meter batteries are still available. I buy mine form a dealer in Las Vegas - even though I live in Wales, it is cheaper and they are always in stock!

david f
david f

BigAl has the best answer which makes all the salient points. Your choice should be based upon the conditions of the two cameras. In terms of build and optical quality they are more or less equal. The Pentax is less likely to have been a professional workhorse.

Nick
Nick

Yes, the old takumars are in many cases superb lenses, particularly the SMC 50mm f1.4 Takumar. However, I think the FM2 would be a better camera body based on the fact it has internal metering. Also, spotmatic era lenses are screw-mounted which means they won't retro-fit new Pentax cameras. Older Nikkor/Nikon lenses will fit modern Nikon bodies.

If you want to go Pentax, I'd get a Pentax K1000.

EDIT:

My apologies, I confused my old Honeywell Pentax with a spotmatic. BigAl is correct, the spotmatic line indeed had internal metering. Whatever camera you choose, be sure to inspect the internals carefully. Often times those old SLR's have degraded foam seals. Have fun.