PENTAX Asahi ESII - ref B5312
Revised camera - Sold with a 3-month warranty
The Asahi Pentax ES II is a 35 mm (24×36 mm format) reflex camera made in Japan by Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. under the Pentax brand, and was released around 1973-1975.
It is recognised as one of the very last models with an M42 screw mount at Pentax, while offering automatic exposure functions.
Main technical specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Film format | 35 mm (24×36 mm) |
| Lens mount | M42 screw (“Pentax-mount”) |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism, screen with microprism + split image (≈ 93% coverage) |
| Shutter | Focal plane with fabric curtains, horizontally running |
| Shutter speeds | Automatic mode (aperture priority): 8 s → 1/1000 s (continuous)
Manual mode: B, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 s |
| Film sensitivity (ISO/ASA) | 20 – 3200 ASA |
| Flash | Hot shoe + PC socket, X sync at 1/60 s |
| Film advance and rewind | Rapid advance lever, rewind crank |
| Weight | 678 g body only |
| Power supply | 4 × “S76E” batteries (or similar) under the body (≈ 6 V) |
| Other functions | Depth of field preview, self-timer 5-11 s |
Features & highlights
The ES II model improves upon the previous ES model by adding an automatic shutter speed range of up to 8 s, a redesigned battery compartment, and an automatic viewfinder cover to prevent stray light.
Although the mount is M42 screw, the body allows for automatic exposure with a wide range of compatible lenses (with some limitations depending on the lenses).
A very good compromise between the mechanical quality of a classic body and modern automatic functions for the time.
For whom / recommended use
For enthusiasts of film photography and well-made vintage equipment.
For those who already own M42 lenses or wish to explore this mount while benefiting from a body with automation.
For collectors interested in an iconic body from the end of the M42 era at Pentax.
In conclusion
The Pentax ES II is a very well-made 35 mm film body, featuring a classic M42 mount but with true exposure automation — an excellent compromise between vintage and automation. It deserves to be carefully inspected before purchase, but it can prove to be an excellent companion for film photography.
