| While I agree that the K1000 was "utilitarian" when it came out, it was far from "cheap". It was a "K mount Spotmatic" to name it what it really was. But with the years to come, it proved to be the "Volkswagen" of all SLR's ever made. Not as in "cheap" but as in "reliable".
One of the very few cameras that could work flawlessly without a battery (minus light meter of course). And the prime choice as recomendation (still today) for almost every photography school around the world.
Of course, the K1000 had no bells or whisltes, but it was a very reliable, trustworthy tool for anyone LEARNING photography.
I pisses me off when I see photo students hauling N, C and even P gear, and never care about using them in full manual mode. I honestly think that the Program mode, as well as any auto mode (aperture or shutter) makes people lazy.
Back in the old days, we had to THINK on what we are doing with the camera. We were forced to produce the results we wanted. Today, its more of a "gadget race" and the gear, which has been always cosidered as a "tool" for achieving a purpose, has turned into the main purpose.
Yes, I do have an ist*D, a K20D, a PZ1P and believe it or not, any of those rarely see the program or auto mode. |