PETRI PENTA II

Name: Petri Penta II
Brand: Petri

The Petri Penta II is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera produced by Kuribayashi Shashin Kōgyō (marketed as Petri) from 1961 to 1964. An updated version of the original Petri Penta, the Penta II features refinements in its lens mount and mechanical design, representing Petri’s early commitment to the SLR format during a period of rapid innovation in Japanese camera engineering.

Overview

Introduced in 1961, the Petri Penta II was part of Petri’s short-lived but technically ambitious foray into the SLR market. Positioned as a mid-tier professional and advanced amateur camera, it succeeded the original Petri Penta (1959) and incorporated several mechanical improvements aimed at enhancing lens interchangeability and shutter reliability. The Penta II was designed during a transformative era in Japanese photography, when manufacturers such as Nikon, Canon, and Minolta were establishing the foundation for Japan’s dominance in 35mm SLR systems. Petri, better known for its rangefinders and compact cameras, sought to compete in this growing segment by leveraging its experience in precision mechanics.

The Penta II retained the core architecture of its predecessor: a fixed pentaprism, focal-plane shutter, and a proprietary bayonet lens mount. However, it introduced an improved version of the Petri bayonet system—often referred to as the "Penta II mount"—which allowed for more secure lens attachment and better electrical contact transmission for stop-down metering (on compatible models). This revision addressed user complaints about lens wobble and inconsistent electrical connections in the original Penta. The camera was offered with a range of Petri-branded lenses, including the Color Petri Auto 1:1.8 f=50mm, Color Petri Auto 1:2.8 f=35mm, and telephoto variants up to 135mm.

Despite its solid build quality and innovative features for the time, the Penta II failed to gain significant market traction. It faced stiff competition from more established SLR systems with broader lens ecosystems and better marketing. Production ceased by 1964, and the Penta II was discontinued without a direct successor. Today, it is regarded as a rare and historically significant model, reflecting Petri’s brief but earnest attempt to enter the professional SLR arena.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1961–1964
Lens Mount	Petri Penta II bayonet (improved 44mm diameter bayonet with automatic diaphragm coupling)
Shutter	Focal-plane cloth shutter, speeds 1 sec to 1/1000 sec + B; flash sync at 1/60 sec
Metering	None (body-integrated); stop-down metering via external match-needle meter (e.g., coupled Petri Auto Meter)
Exposure Modes	Manual only
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with ground-glass focusing screen, central split-image rangefinder
Dimensions	Approx. 145mm (W) × 95mm (H) × 55mm (D); weight approx. 680g (body only)

Key Features

Improved Petri Bayonet Mount: Enhanced 44mm bayonet system with more secure locking and reliable stop-down diaphragm coupling, enabling accurate metering with external light meters.
High-Speed Focal-Plane Shutter: Offers shutter speeds up to 1/1000 sec—a competitive spec for its time—facilitating action photography in daylight conditions.
Integrated Split-Image Focusing Aid: Ground-glass screen with central split-image rangefinder prism for precise manual focusing, a feature uncommon in budget SLRs of the early 1960s.
Flash Synchronization at 1/60 sec: X-sync terminal on shutter speed dial allows electronic flash use, with compatibility verified at the 1/60 sec setting.
Interchangeable Lens System: Supported a small but functional lineup of Color Petri Auto lenses with coated optics and preset aperture rings.

Historical Context

The Petri Penta II was released at a pivotal moment in photographic history—the early 1960s, when Japanese manufacturers were rapidly advancing SLR technology. Cameras like the Nikon F (1959) had set new standards for modularity, durability, and system expandability. Petri, traditionally known for its compact rangefinders and the Petri 7S twin-lens reflex, aimed to capture a niche in the enthusiast SLR market. The Penta II was thus a strategic attempt to modernize the brand’s image and compete with emerging models from Minolta (SR-2), Topcon (RE), and Fujica (Frontex).

However, the Penta II suffered from limited third-party support and a sparse lens ecosystem. Unlike Nikon or Canon, Petri lacked the infrastructure to develop a comprehensive range of accessories, motor drives, or dedicated flashes. Its marketing reach outside Japan and West Germany was minimal. Additionally, the proprietary bayonet mount—though mechanically sound—hindered compatibility with the growing pool of M42 and other universal-thread lenses. As a result, despite favorable reviews for its build quality and handling, the Penta II remained a marginal player in the SLR revolution.

Collectibility & Value

The Petri Penta II is now a rare and sought-after collector’s item, particularly among enthusiasts of obscure Japanese SLRs and camera historians. Fewer than 10,000 units are estimated to have been produced, and complete examples with original lenses and accessories are uncommon. In the current collector market (2024), a fully functional Penta II body with a Color Petri 50mm f/1.8 lens typically sells for $300–$500, depending on condition and provenance. Models with original boxes, manuals, or rare lenses (e.g., 135mm f/3.5) can command higher prices, especially in Europe and North America.

When purchasing a Penta II, collectors should inspect the shutter operation across all speeds, as the cloth curtain is prone to sticking or tearing after decades of disuse. The bayonet mount’s diaphragm linkage mechanism is another potential failure point—ensuring that the stop-down lever moves freely and returns with spring tension is critical. The pentaprism housing may also exhibit haze or separation, and the split-image microprism can degrade. As the camera lacks built-in metering, functionality is largely mechanical, making it repairable by skilled technicians familiar with vintage Japanese shutters. However, replacement parts are extremely scarce, increasing the importance of acquiring a working example.

Similar Cameras

Nikkormat FT (1965) – Nikon’s budget SLR with F-mount, robust build, and mechanical reliability.
Minolta SR-2 (1958) – One of Japan’s first advanced SLRs with rapid-wind lever and pentaprism.
Fujica Frontex (1962) – Fujifilm’s early SLR with M39 and M42 mount options and through-the-lens metering.
Topcon RE Super (1963) – Renowned for its bright viewfinder and high-quality RE. Auto-Takumar lenses.
Praktica FX3 (1966) – East German SLR with M42 screw mount and durable mechanical design.

Repair & Maintenance

The Petri Penta II requires no batteries for operation, as it is a fully mechanical camera with manual shutter cocking and no integrated light meter. This makes it highly reliable in long-term storage, though mechanical wear remains a concern. Common issues include sluggish shutter speeds (especially 1/500 and 1/1000 sec), sticky focal-plane shutter curtains, and failure of the diaphragm coupling lever. Regular CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) by a technician experienced in vintage Japanese SLRs is recommended for consistent performance. The camera’s leatherette and light seals often degrade and should be replaced to prevent light leaks and improve handling. Due to the rarity of spare parts, preventative maintenance is strongly advised for collectors intending to use the camera regularly.