Pentax SF-1 / SFX
The year 1987 saw its fair share of firsts: The Simpsons premiered on television; Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and Starbucks opened its first three coffee shops. There was a first in the camera world, too. The Pentax Corporation produced the first camera that had auto-focus and a built-in flash in the form of the Pentax SF-1. Given that this combination is now almost ubiquitous, it's interesting to think back to when it was a novelty.
The Pentax SF-1's features put it in some very good company. Its auto-focus modes could be switched from single to AI-servo mode, which allowed the focus to be maintained on a moving subject. Additionally, the camera could also be set up for automatic exposure bracketing and had shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/2000th of a second.
But perhaps the most intriguing features are found in how easy it is to customize the Pentax SF-1. A built-in viewfinder diopter allowed the user to choose from -1.5 to +1.5 corrections and user interchangeable focusing screens let photographers select screens specialized for different situations, including macro and landscape work. There are even two additional camera backs that can record information on the film such as shutter speed, aperture, date and time, and even flash percentage used.
All of these features are housed in a solidly built case that has excellent ergonomics. With the ease of use and quality construction of this camera, it's a sure bet that the Pentax SF-1 - like The Simpsons and Starbucks - still has a place in the 21st century.
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