http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:54:33 GMT vBulletin 30 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/pentaxforums/misc/rss.jpg http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80768-k-1000-hot-shoe-question.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:40:27 GMT Is the flash hot shoe on the K-1000 powered at all by the camera battery? I have an old Focal DA-200S-CH flash that tests fine, but does not flash when I try it in the shoe with a 400ASA / 60 /f8 setting. ... Is the flash hot shoe on the K-1000 powered at all by the camera battery?

I have an old Focal DA-200S-CH flash that tests fine, but does not flash when I try it in the shoe with a 400ASA / 60 /f8 setting.

I know the camera battery needs replaced, but am curious to know if it even powers the shoe.

Help & advice? I hadn't touched the camera in over 20 years until this week, so am sort of starting out new.

Thanks ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion robieusa http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80768-k-1000-hot-shoe-question.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80767-what-flash-best-pentax-p3n-p30n.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:37:26 GMT Hello from Maine, As titled, I wonder what flash unit is ideal for the Pentax P3N ? Thank you :) Craig Hello from Maine,

As titled, I wonder what flash unit is ideal for the Pentax P3N ?

Thank you :)
Craig ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion spystyle http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80767-what-flash-best-pentax-p3n-p30n.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80751-i-can-only-buy-one-camera-month-kx-k2.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:38:13 GMT Hello all! My wife and my shrinking budget for this month means I can only buy one camera over the next 30 days, haha. So please help me choose between an Asahi Pentax KX or an Asahi Pentax K2. Let me know... Hello all! My wife and my shrinking budget for this month means I can only buy one camera over the next 30 days, haha. So please help me choose between an Asahi Pentax KX or an Asahi Pentax K2. Let me know which one you will go for and why. If possible, also provide a rough estimate of how much one in good working condition should cost.

I already have an Asahi Pentax KM, and I love it. However the temptation of the KX's shutter sound and shutter speed & aperture displayed in the VF is too much for me. :D However, I wonder if upgrading from a KM to a KX is worth it..does the shutter speed & aperture display in the VF justify purchasing it?

I am more severely tempted by the K2, seems to me that the vertical metal focal plane shutter is more robust than the cloth on the KM & KX, and I read somewhere the shutter sound of the K2 is simply sublime. The K2 is more full featured as well..and mirror lock up ability, full manual or Auto Aperture Priority exposure too! BUT therein lies the rub, all the electronics governing the electronic shutter & the K2's dependence on batteries makes me a bit nervous. How well & how long does the electronics last?

So guys, please help me out, I need to decide in 3 days..thanks in advance!

-A guy who is desperately staving off GAS ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion altair http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80751-i-can-only-buy-one-camera-month-kx-k2.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80539-spotmatic-ii-loose-strap-lug-question.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:22:39 GMT I have a spotmatic II that is a bit, er, rough. It seems to work properly, but the stap lug on the winder side of the camera is loose. Does anybody know an easy way to "tighten" it? ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Steve Beswick http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80539-spotmatic-ii-loose-strap-lug-question.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80294-man-i-love-craigslist.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:27:44 GMT I don't normally browse craigslist, living in a pretty small town without a whole lot of Pentax folks. Yesterday I was procrastinating (like I am now!) and came across an ME with M 50/1.4, flash, bag, and a whole bunch of filters for $50. I figured I couldn't lose, even if it was all in crappy shape.

The camera and lens are beautiful! They look brand new, other than the cigarette stink permeating everything. I figure I'll just let it all air out, and I've got some keepers.

Of course, it wasn't anything I actually need. "Going broke saving money" as my stepdad used to tell me! ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Finn http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80294-man-i-love-craigslist.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80210-pentax-mx-question.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:41:03 GMT On Friday I came across two Asahi Pentax MXs, one black and one silver, in eight to eight and an half (out of 10) condition. As I have a preference for the silver models (of any camera), I went for the... On Friday I came across two Asahi Pentax MXs, one black and one silver, in eight to eight and an half (out of 10) condition.

As I have a preference for the silver models (of any camera), I went for the silver and spent some of the weekend attempting to use up a twenty-four exposure Fuji Superia Extra 400 ISO colour-print film. I didn't quite succeed, as we were in the 10th day of a continuous high 30 to low 40 degree heatwave; the temperatures over the weekend hitting 42 degs C.

The one I took came with a 1.7/50 "M" lens (the other with a 2.0/50 lens).

I found the metering display rather unusual (LEDs in three colours , but I'll get used to it).

The manual (off the web) mentions that the meter uses a "GPD" cell. What the hell is that? Can someone enlighten me, please

The camera came with a rather worn but useable "ready case". It is a pity it is made of a rather cheap, plasticised cardboard :( instead of the leather found in earlier models, such as the Spotties and the "K" series.

Also, it appears to me that the gauge of the body material is relatively flimsy:(, as compared to earlier models, as it is relatively rare to find the earlier models with the same dents and buckles (in top plates and prism housings) which seem to plague almost all of the MXs that I have come across in my search for a copy to buy (including this one, though relatively minor)

As I said, it does have some very small dents/buckles in the top plate and around the winder opening, but nowhere near as bad as some copies I have seen.:)

If someone could explain what a "GPD" metering cell is, I would appreciate it.

Thanks :) ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Banjo http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80210-pentax-mx-question.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80121-mz-zx-users-battery-pack-fg-deal.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:53:39 GMT Just a heads up that there are several users on Amazon selling the Battery Pack FG for under $10. New, too, in the box with instructions (not that you need them). Usable on almost all of the MZ/ZX cameras,... Just a heads up that there are several users on Amazon selling the Battery Pack FG for under $10. New, too, in the box with instructions (not that you need them). Usable on almost all of the MZ/ZX cameras, they don't have any additional buttons but do add heft/balance that some people like, and allow you to use AAs. I got mine today from Hulagirl too. Whee! ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Nick Siebers http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80121-mz-zx-users-battery-pack-fg-deal.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80075-reliable-repair-u-s.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:28:51 GMT If this is in the wrong forum or has already been addressed ad nauseum please advise. I searched the forums and didn't find an answer.

I have a Pentax PK-A lens that works wonderfully but for one thing; it's missing the tiny bearing that makes in an 'A' lens and thus functions as an 'M'. I bought it that way after being told by one of my local servicers that he could easily handle it. Turns out he doesn't have the part nor do any of my other local servicers.

So, any suggestions for a reliable, reasonably priced servicer in the U.S.? To keep shipping cost down, I prefer to keep it in the U.S.

TIA!/Scottax1 ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion scottax1 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/80075-reliable-repair-u-s.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79990-k1000-shooting-problem.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:27:54 GMT I recently bought a used Pentax k1000 so I could try out some film shooting to see what it's like. I just got the prints back, and all of them turned out very dark and fuzzy :hmm: I know it's not the lens(I used my pentax 50mm f2.8) cause it takes perfect pics on my K20. Any ideas On why the pics would turn out like that? Thanks for your help! ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion fusionimaging http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79990-k1000-shooting-problem.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79896-pentax-m42-bodies.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:49:23 GMT Since we've got all the Takumars covered in the Lens Review Database now, I'm looking to create a comprehensive list of M42 screwmount film bodies to add to the Camera Reviews/Info section as well.

Does anyone have any pointers as to where we should start with a project like this, or would anyone be willing to help contribute to it? ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Adam http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79896-pentax-m42-bodies.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79791-pentax-me-super-screw-mount-glass.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:47:39 GMT I'm currently trying to decide between a Pentax ME Super and a Nikon FE2 for a film SLR set up. However I have one issue, I really want an 85mm lens and Pentax K-Mount 85mm's are hard to come by and usually really expensive when you do find one. Where as there are tons for the Nikon F mount on eBay. One possible solution would be to get one of the old screw mount 85mm's (either the Jupiter or TAK). Are there any issues using one of these via a k-mount adapter on an ME Super?

Are people just hanging onto their K-mount 85's or did Pentax just not make many 85mm's? I was shocked to see so few results on such a popular focal length when scouring eBay. ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Art Vandelay II http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79791-pentax-me-super-screw-mount-glass.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79704-loving-one-youre.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:26:00 GMT Every now and then I see a thread here or on flickr or elsewhere, with people asking what is their favorite, or maybe the best, film body. I start to answer and I get good and stuck, and usually don't post. Does anybody else go through that?

As a collector of Pentax film bodies over the last couple of years -- what an inexpensive and rewarding hobby -- I have to say I love how they are all designed. When I pick one up, load it, and keep it with me a few days, I always think, why am I not shooting with this one all the time? That goes for the lowly P30n as much as for the LX. When using the MX, I sometimes think, here is the perfect SLR. Sometimes I crave the simplicity of a K1000[/SE] - no numbers in the viewfinder, really lets me feel connected with the subject. And great for bulb exposures in the evening, no worrying about the shutter draining the battery. I've recently had brief, pleasant affairs with a ZX-M and a Program Plus... And right now, the ME Super, with its quiet rangefinder-like release, shooting color film through an M35/2.8 lens... mmmm.

Amazing that a lot of these cost $10-$20 or so, although a few have needed minor tinkering to get into shooting condition. The whole collection together so far has been a lot less expensive than many digital shooters spend repeatedly, every year or two, on something that will have lost half its value before they can blink. This is the best time ever to be using film.

Sounds schmaltzy I guess, but my favorite film body really is whatever one is with me today. ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Sluggo http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79704-loving-one-youre.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79628-quiet-film-slr-can-take-da-lenses-too.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:38:51 GMT hi everyone,

I recently acquired a Pentax ZX-7 and it's a great SUPER QUIET camera (even quieter than my k20D!!!) but the viewfinder leaves much to be desired when it comes to manual focussing (Which is what i do).

Can anyone point me to a decent film camera that has the following? I'd love to get a K-7 (that thing is UBER quiet. I make more noise breathing! :lol:) but it's way way way out of my budget.

1) Big viewfinder. The one in my SF1n is fantastic. but the SF1n wakes up the neighbors... 10 blocks down the road :o

2) Film camera that has aperture priority (Av) mode atleast.

3) This is optional, but I'd like to find one that can take my DA lenses also.

Right now, I'm gunning for a ZX-5n/MZ-5n. but would like to know any other suggestions! ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion dugrant153 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79628-quiet-film-slr-can-take-da-lenses-too.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79616-mx-lens-how-much.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:13:07 GMT On a recent trip to Melbourne I wandered around a few used camera places just to see what might catch my eye, even though I wasn't in the market for anything in particular.

The only 2 places with realistic prices for their gear (Camera Exchange and Camera Lane) didn't have anything to warrant me getting my credit card out, so I wandered down past Michaels. There were some bits and pieces in the window, including an MX with an A 50/1.7.

The price - $649 :eek:. That works out at about $US 600. They did have another one without a lens for only $500 (bargain!!!!).

I had no idea MX's were so valuable!!!!! ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion carlb http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79616-mx-lens-how-much.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79552-back-focusing-af-lens-issue-mf-film-bodies.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:11:29 GMT My FA35 has a pretty serious case of back focusing. It needs +10 adjustment on my K20D. Could this be an issue with a MF film body? My FA35 has a pretty serious case of back focusing.
It needs +10 adjustment on my K20D.

Could this be an issue with a MF film body? ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion RichyX http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79552-back-focusing-af-lens-issue-mf-film-bodies.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79472-kodak-400-bw-c41.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:55:15 GMT OK, I guess I did not realize there were two flavors of Kodak C41 Black and White film - 400BWC and BW400CN. The latter is maybe 30-40% more expensive so what is the performance or quality differences? The... OK, I guess I did not realize there were two flavors of Kodak C41 Black and White film - 400BWC and BW400CN. The latter is maybe 30-40% more expensive so what is the performance or quality differences? The ad I saw doesn't say new so I guess I have just missed this along the way? ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Pentastic http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79472-kodak-400-bw-c41.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79458-cheap-av-m42-body-suggestions.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:46:00 GMT I've recently put some presssure on my dad to pick up his 35mm SLR after many years of absence. The problem is, his camera is an M42 Zenit EM. The most manual camera a person can imagine with a Selenium light meter to boot. Long story short, he's not into photography enough for this to not become a chore.

My thought is to get him a new body to go with his existing lenses - a 50mm Helios and a 135mm Soligor.

The problem is I know NOTHING about M42 bodies. I want to buy something cheap... say $30 shipped to the UK (Where my dad is). it would need to have aperture priority AE for convenient use.

Beyond this, I have no stipulations.

Do you think that this is acheivable for this kind of price? If so, what models should I be looking at? ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion keyser http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79458-cheap-av-m42-body-suggestions.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79440-what-does-auto-mean-older-manual-focus-lens.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:41 GMT I have an "Auto Chinon 1:1.9 50mm" and a "Focal MC AUTO 1:2.8 135mm: lens in Pentax k Mount.
My question is- what is auto about them? I've used both on my k1000 in manual (of course) for years but on my recently acquired ZX-50, nothing special seems to happen.
Since I haven't a clue, I am posting this note:confused:.
Thank You ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion jonhock http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79440-what-does-auto-mean-older-manual-focus-lens.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79254-trying-date-my-spii.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:41:41 GMT List members,
I've been all over the internet trying to date my Honeywell SPII. I think I have a '71 model, but I am not for sure. I have "guestimates" in that regard, because I have found cameras with serial numbers higher than mine here and there, with later production dates mentioned in the description.

In any case, my serial number is 5007825. If anyone can give me a definite heads up on this one, that would be great!

This camera is in great shape, and I am going to run some film through it this week to see how everything works. The seals are bad on the mirror box and along the door, so I will need to get a kit to fix that problem. The lens is a silky smooth SMC Takumar 55 f2. Shutter sounds great, w/o any wrinkles in the curtain etc.

My favorite camera to shoot with is a late '60's vintage Ricoh TLS, also with a M42 mount. So I look forward to adding this camera to the lineup.

Thanks in advance,
Steve ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Steve Ingram http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79254-trying-date-my-spii.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79249-spotmatic-sp-meter.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:22:04 GMT I've got a Spotmatic SP with an odd meter. When the meter is off, the needle sits lower than centered. It also indicates a stop overexposed with the needle centered, at least according to what I've seen so far.

Now, I just read in a period book (the Revised Fifth Edition of Pentax and Single Lens Photography by Robert Fuhring) that Spotmatics available since mid-1966 are built such that the needle remains lower than the centered position when the meter is off, exactly how mine does (and it came with a manual copyrighted July 1969). But if that's the case, shouldn't it still meter properly? Mine indicates a stop over with the needle centered.

So, long question short, do I have a Spotmatic with a mis-adjusted meter, or is that how it's supposed to be? ]]> Pentax Film SLR Discussion Stevopedia http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/79249-spotmatic-sp-meter.html