Pentax S3 / H3
Pentax S3 / H3
In the late 1950s and early 60s, Pentax introduced a camera plethora, hardly distinguished from each other. One model stands out, the S3. Introduced in 1959 and came to market a year later, the S3 is not a single model but a handful of variants. The overall appearance is similar, but there are slight modifications. The model I have goes up to 1000, but the speed dial does not accept the clip-on meter like other models in this series. Other S3 models are capped at 500, and speed dial is smaller, with an indent for the meter pin. Some are with auto counter reset. It might be different models for different markets or just ongoing improvements and trials.
Otherwise, very similar to the S1a.
S3 current value
H3 current value
H3 / S3 user manual
| List number | 2629 |
| Brand | Pentax |
| Format | 35mm |
| Model | S3 |
| Introduced | 1961 |
| AKA | H3 |
| Country | Japan |
| Type | Compact SLR |
| Body material | Metal |
| Mode | Manual |
| Weight | 610 gr, Body only |
| Class average weight | 620 gr, Body only |
| Initial cost | Yen 34,100 |
| Kit lens | 1,8/55 |
| Lens make | Takumar |
| Filter size | 49 mm |
| Lens mount | Thread |
| Mount size | 42mm |
| Aperture | |
| shutter | Focal plane cloth horizontal |
| Light meter | None |
| Winder | Lever |
| Lock | No |
| Speeds | T, B, 1-1000 |
| DOF preview | Yes |
| Exposure lock | No |
| Exposure compensation | No |
| Shoe | No |
| External sync | X/F |
| Sync speed | 60 |
| Timer | No |
| Battery | N/A |
| Integral flash | None |
| Other |
