Update: serial number should now be posted here- PentaxForums.com Serial Number Database
The guidelines below still apply, but the above is a dedicated database for serial numbers.
There appears to be quite some interest in how the K1000 model developed over time. If all owners chime in we should be able to figure this out once and for all.
Please post the information about your K1000 as a reply to this thread.
Given enough conclusive data I will later create a database with the information.
Here is what we are looking for (refer my next post for pictures). Feel free to suggest additional data points:
Model: K1000 / K1000 SE
Color of faux leather: Black / Brown
Serial number:
Location of serial number: Top plate engraved / Bottom plate stamped / Bottom plate sticker / Bottom plate insert
Asahi Optical logo on prism housing: Yes / No
Asahi name above Pentax name on prism housing: Yes / No
Asahi Opt. Co. engraved on back side of top cover: Yes / No
"Bump" on top plate near revind crank: Yes / No
Top plate: Metal / Plastic
Bottom plate: Metal / Plastic
Battery cover: Threads / Bayonet
Manufactured/assembled in: Japan, Hong Kong, China, No information
Location of manufacturing/assembling information: Top plate engraved next to Asahi Opt. Co. / Bottom plate engraved / Bottom plate sticker / None
Focusing screen: Microprism / Split screen / Split screen with microprism collar
Weight (without batteries and body cap) (if you know):
Year of original purchase (if you know):
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Results gathered to date (February 20, 2012) are provided in the attached pdf files:
- the first file is sorted by serial number,
- the second file is sorted by (my guess of) production run/year,
- the third file is the data in the order posted
- the fourth file is my guess on the production runs as far as I have been able to derive it from the data.
Comments/corrections are welcome.
Last edited by Adam; 10-21-2010 at 06:41 PM.