One of my favorite cameras. Solid but small, with the M42 screw mount, and a range
of Super-Takumar lenses "to die for". I bought my S1a in 1961 to replace the Practica IV.
What a relief to get an instant return mirror, and automatic stop-down lenses instead
of pre-sets. This model was actually the fifth in the series - S S2 S1 and S3 then S1a.
They were all runaway best sellers for the era in Japanese brands. When Pentax decided
to make a less expensive version than the S3, they opted against retooling. Instead, they
removed the 1/1000 off the shutter speed dial, and launched the S3 as the S1a. Of course,
all I needed to do was turn the dial the extra click for 1/1000, because they didn't change
the shutter, just the dial face. This camera has a f2 55mm Super-Takumar coated lens. The
28mm f3.5 is also a gem. In the 'hold me feel me' category, I rate this up there with the M3.
(The North American version of this camera was a Honeywell Pentax.)