Would like to get into film, what Pentax can you recommend?

soccerjoe5 · 09-07-2008, 04:43 AM

Hi. I want to get into film and I have a max of $300 to spend.

(please understand i don't have experience shooting film, but i love film photographs)

I want a camera body that is:

-light
-durable and will last
-compact (don't want a huge camera, i have a K20 for that)
-accurate metering
-large viewfinder
-fast max shutter speed (1/4000) if possible, least would be 1/2000

I don't need:

-AF
-aperture/shutter priority
-flash
-auto film whatever. i don't mind rewinding the film or whatever you call moving the film forward.

I saw a Nikon F3 with a 50mm f/1.2 for about $250, but I'd like to know what Pentax has to offer

I also want a fast 50mm with it, with an aperture of about 1.4 with good MF handling

You recommendations please

soccerjoe5 · 09-07-2008, 05:07 AM

i'm still researching but it seems that most pentax manual cameras have shutter speeds up to only 1/1000.

the MX seems to be quite popular and looks real good. but isn't having a max speed of 1/1000 gonna be a problem? i like using a big aperture not only for speed but for shallow DOF and i won't be able to use that with with bright conditions

pentkon52 · 09-07-2008, 05:36 AM

First off, why do you need 1/4000 shutter speed.

I shot action with film for many many years and 1/1000 was perfect.

If you don't need AF, i would look for a K1000, a real basic, but reliable camera, or maybe a Super Program. Both MF cameras, but the SP offers a few more bells and whistle's.

Dave

soccerjoe5 · 09-07-2008, 05:46 AM

Originally Posted by pentkon52

First off, why do you need 1/4000 shutter speed.

for shooting with large apertures in bright conditions, for shallow DOF and blurring out backgrounds.

Originally Posted by pentkon52

I shot action with film for many many years and 1/1000 was perfect.

If you don't need AF, i would look for a K1000, a real basic, but reliable camera, or maybe a Super Program. Both MF cameras, but the SP offers a few more bells and whistle's.

Dave

i was looking at the K1000 but people are saying it's quite a lot bigger and heavier than the MX. would like a small camera.

thanks for your input

pasipasi · 09-07-2008, 06:06 AM

Super A / Super Program is great and has 1/2000 as the fastest shutter speed. You can use ND filters to limit the light that gets in, that way you can use larger apertures.

Boucicaut · 09-07-2008, 06:49 AM

Pentax LX Camera Film Bodies

*Mike Cash* · 09-07-2008, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by soccerjoe5

for shooting with large apertures in bright conditions, for shallow DOF and blurring out backgrounds.

Use an ND4 filter and it will be just like the difference between 1/1000 and 1/4000 as far as allowing you to open up the apertures is concerned.

soccerjoe5 · 09-07-2008, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by Mike Cash

Use an ND4 filter and it will be just like the difference between 1/1000 and 1/4000 as far as allowing you to open up the apertures is concerned.

true. oh well, wanted to avoid having to bring ND filters but i guess that'll do

*Marc Langille* · 09-07-2008, 08:24 AM

I have two, and it needs a home. No eye cup. Includes a MF 50mm F/2.8.

$25 plus shipping to your location. It's AF, and does up to 1/2000 sec. Please PM me if interested. Otherwise good luck in your search!

Cheers,
Marc

DAP · 09-07-2008, 08:51 AM

Just to change direction a bit.....You might want to look at either Canon FD mount bodies or Konica bodies. Both are abandoned systems so prices of cameras and particularly lenses are going to be much better than prices for pentax manual focus gear. IMHO konica lenses are some of the best ever made.

Back on topic....If you want small go with a MX. They are nice little cameras that tend to have inflated prices because of popularity. You might want to consider a KX. It is a bit bigger than the mx but I have found it to be more durable and better made. If you need a higher shutter speed and don't mind electronics the LX is a good option (consider it the leica of the pentax world, but maintaining them can be a PITA not to mention expensive).

Jimfear · 09-07-2008, 09:23 AM

I'd say you'r looking for a Pentax ME Super, samll as the MX, and has 1/2000 as the fastest time. Should be able to find one quite cheap, so you can spend the rest of your budget on some nice fast glass.

If you don't mind a bulkier camera I'd also recomend the KX, it feels very solidly built.

The LX is great also, but more expensive and can have problems so with your budget I'd leave it for later.

soccerjoe5 · 09-07-2008, 09:33 AM

i read that the LX has problems, a "sticky" something. is the KX a lot bigger than the MX?

soccerjoe5 · 09-07-2008, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

It's true, most of the best Pentax models have a top shutter speed of 1/1000,
but this usually does not pose a problem using normal speed film, i.e. ISO 400 or less.

Do not look at a K1000. You might fall in love and forget about your checklist of requirements.
The MX is small. It's too small for me to use easily. The controls are placed too close together...

Chris

saw the K1000 and i agree that there are a lot of features but i want all manual, small and cheap hehe

soccerjoe5 · 09-07-2008, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Marc Langille

I have two, and it needs a home. No eye cup. Includes a MF 50mm F/2.8.

$25 plus shipping to your location. It's AF, and does up to 1/2000 sec. Please PM me if interested. Otherwise good luck in your search!

Cheers,
Marc

wow $25 with a lens? that's a nice budget for a film camera

thanks, i'll think about it!

*Blue* · 09-07-2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by pasipasi

Super A / Super Program is great and has 1/2000 as the fastest shutter speed. You can use ND filters to limit the light that gets in, that way you can use larger apertures.

I was going to suggest this body also. There is a nice LX in the market place now that is ready to go.