PETRI PENTA II

The Petri Penta II is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera made by Kuribayashi Shashin Kōgyō (marketed as Petri) from 1961 to 1964. It is an updated version of the original Petri Penta, with changes to the lens mount and the mechanical design.

Overview

Petri introduced the Penta II in 1961. It was part of the company's short run at the SLR market, and it was priced as a mid-tier camera for professionals and advanced amateurs. It succeeded the original Petri Penta (1959) and added several mechanical improvements aimed at lens interchangeability and shutter reliability. Nikon, Canon, and Minolta were laying the foundation for Japan's dominance in 35mm SLR systems at the time. Petri was better known for its rangefinders and compact cameras, and it tried to compete in this growing segment by leaning on its experience in precision mechanics.

The Penta II kept the core layout of its predecessor: a fixed pentaprism, a focal-plane shutter, and a proprietary bayonet lens mount. It did bring an improved version of the Petri bayonet system - often called the "Penta II mount" - which held lenses more securely and gave better electrical contact transmission for stop-down metering (on compatible models). The revision answered user complaints about lens wobble and inconsistent electrical connections in the original Penta. The camera came 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.

The Penta II was solidly built and had innovative features for the time, but it never gained much market traction. It faced stiff competition from more established SLR systems with broader lens ecosystems and better marketing. Production ended by 1964, and the Penta II was discontinued without a direct successor. Today it is regarded as a rare and historically significant model.

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 Penta II came out in 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 was known for its compact rangefinders and the Petri 7S twin-lens reflex, and it aimed to take a niche in the enthusiast SLR market. The Penta II was a strategic attempt to modernize the brand's image and compete with emerging models from Minolta (SR-2), Topcon (RE), and Fujica (Frontex).

The Penta II had limited third-party support and a sparse lens ecosystem. Unlike Nikon or Canon, Petri lacked the infrastructure to develop a full range of accessories, motor drives, or dedicated flashes. Its marketing reach outside Japan and West Germany was minimal. The proprietary bayonet mount was mechanically sound, but it cut the camera off from the growing pool of M42 and other universal-thread lenses. Reviews were favorable for build quality and handling, yet the Penta II remained a marginal player in the SLR revolution.

Collectibility & Value

The Petri Penta II is now a rare collector's item, especially 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 buying a Penta II, check the shutter at all speeds. The cloth curtain tends to stick or tear after decades of disuse. The diaphragm linkage in the bayonet mount is another weak spot, so make sure the stop-down lever moves freely and returns with spring tension. The pentaprism housing may show haze or separation, and the split-image microprism can degrade. The camera has no built-in metering, so it is largely mechanical, and a skilled technician familiar with vintage Japanese shutters can repair it. Replacement parts are extremely scarce, though, so a working example is worth hunting for.

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 needs no batteries. It is a fully mechanical camera with manual shutter cocking and no integrated light meter, which makes it reliable in long-term storage, though mechanical wear is still a concern. Common problems are sluggish shutter speeds (especially 1/500 and 1/1000 sec), sticky focal-plane shutter curtains, and failure of the diaphragm coupling lever. A regular CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) by a technician experienced in vintage Japanese SLRs is recommended. The leatherette and light seals often degrade and should be replaced to prevent light leaks and improve handling. Spare parts are rare, so preventative maintenance is strongly advised for anyone planning to use the camera regularly.

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