Asahi Pentax Spotmatic
The Asahi Pentax Spotmatic is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in 1964, using the M42 screw lens mount. It was positioned as an enthusiast camera and was among the earlier production SLRs to offer through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering.
At UK auction in 2026, working Spotmatic bodies are an entry-level buy: recent hammer prices have clustered around £60, with cleaner or better-kitted examples reaching about £210, giving a working range of roughly £60–£210 at saleroom level. Earlier results from the mid-2000s sat much higher, but the current market value is firmly in the budget tier, and what a Spotmatic sells for today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, meter function, and whether a usable Super-Takumar lens is included.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: March 2025
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| Mar 2025 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 66) Title: An Asahi Pentax SP SLR Camera
Description:
An Asahi Pentax SP SLR Camera, black, serial no 2519726, shutter working, self timer working, meter untested, body VG, with Super Multi Coated |
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| Mar 2025 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 67) Title: An Asahi Pentax SP SLR Camera
Description:
An Asahi Pentax SP SLR Camera, black, serial no 2903714, shutter working, self timer working, meter untested, body VG, with Super Multi Coated |
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| Jun 2024 | £212 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 355) Title: A Pentax Spotmatic 35mm Camera Outfit
Description:
silver, serial number 1375563, body F, some lifting of leatherette, shutter working, with Super-Takumar f/1.8 55mm lens, barrel G, optics F-G with |
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| Jun 2023 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 93) Title: An Asahi Pentax SP SLR Camera
Description:
An Asahi Pentax SP SLR Camera, shutter working, self timer working, meter untested, body F-G, some surface scratches/wear, with Super Takumar 55mm |
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| Dec 2021 | £211 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 491) Title: Pentax Spotmatic SP 35mm SLR Camera Outfit
Description:
silver, body F-G, shutter working, with a Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens, a Super-Takumar 35mm f/3.5, a Super-Takumar 28mm f/3.5, a Super-Multi-Coated (Qty: 1) |
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| May 2007 | EUR 1,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_16048) Title: Asahi Pentax Spotmatic black outfit
Description:
rare black paint Spotmatic with Fish-Eye Takumar 4/17mm no.3243352, SMC Takumar 3.5/24mm no.4426207, SMC Takumar 3.5/28mm no.7854282, SMC Takumar 1.9/85mm no.4409892, SMC Macro-Takumar 4/100mm no.6577666, Takumar 4/300mm no. 2156796, with caps, hoods, the camera (apart from a small dent on the prism) and all lenses are in very fine condition Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,900 |
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| May 2003 | EUR 1,600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 2-3 (Lot AI_2_21524) Title: Asahi Pentax Spotmatic black set
Description:
rare, black painted Spotmatic with fish-eye Takumar f/4 17mm lens no.3243352, SMC Takumar f/3.5 24mm lens no.4426207, SMC Takumar f/3.5 28mm lens no.7854282, SMC Takumar f/1.9 85mm lens no.4409892, SMC Macro-Takumar f/4 100mm lens no.6577666, Takumar f/4 300mm lens no. 2156796, with caps, hoods, the camera (apart from a small dent on the prism) and all lenses are in fine condition Estimate: EUR 2,820,880 - EUR 4 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices put a typical Spotmatic body in the £60–£210 range, with £60 being the most common result for average-condition examples.
How much does a Pentax Spotmatic sell for at UK auction?
Most working bodies sell for around £60 at hammer, and clean outfits with a Super-Takumar lens have reached about £210 in recent sales.
Is the Spotmatic worth buying as a user camera?
At its current price level it is one of the cheaper ways into a mechanical M42 SLR, but budget for a CLA and new light seals on top of the purchase price to get reliable use out of it.
Does the Spotmatic need a mercury battery?
The original meter was designed for a 1.35V mercury cell, which is no longer sold; a modern 1.5V cell will power the meter but can shift readings, so many owners use a zinc-air replacement or a voltage-adapting cell.