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10-05-2010, 06:03 PM   #1
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Pentax K (Tower 29)

The 'S' model, was soon followed by the 'K' model, which improved the top shutter speed to 1/1000s. More importantly, the 'K' model introduced the first version of what was called auto-aperture: With the new Auto Takumar lenses, the camera would stop down the aperture to the shooting value just prior to firing the shutter. One then had to manually open up the aperture again with a lever on the lens. The later Super Takumar lenses solved this inconveniece - their aperture would open up again automatically after the exposure.


Asahi Pentax K
Also marketed as
Tower 29
Asahi Pentar K
Year introduced
1958
Year discontinued
1959
Mount
M42
Automatic aperture stop down
Yes
Metering
No light meter
Exposure modes
Manual, B
Shutter speeds (auto)
Not applicable
Shutter speeds (manual)
T, B, 1 - 1/1000s, X
Shutter speeds (mechanical)
T, B, 1 - 1/1000s, X
Self timer
No
Mirror lock-up
No
Auto bracketing
Not applicable
Multiple exposures
Yes
Winder
Ratchet type rapid wind lever (for film advance and shutter cocking). 10° pre-advance and 160° advancing angle
Flash hot shoe
No
Built-in flash
No
TTL/P-TTL flash
No
Flash sync speed
FP and X terminals - 1/50s?
Flash exposure comp
Not applicable
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism finder with Fresnel lens focusing screen
Diopter correction
No
Exchangeable screen
No
Depth of field preview
None at the time of production. Available through switch on later lenses
Image size
24 x 36 mm
Battery
None
Size (W x H x D)
145 x 92 x 50mm
Weight
570g
Comment
The camera had two shutter speed dials. The one on the top plate sets the fast speeds: 1/1000, 1/500, 1/250, 1/125, 1/60s and X, the one on the front the slow speeds (controlled by a timer): 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 1s.


Attached Images
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PENTAX K-7  Photo 
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PENTAX K-7  Photo 
View Picture EXIF
PENTAX K-7  Photo 
View Picture EXIF
PENTAX K-7  Photo 
View Picture EXIF
PENTAX K-7  Photo 

Last edited by Ole; 10-10-2010 at 04:01 PM.
03-24-2011, 09:06 PM   #2
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Pentax K (Tower 29) Camera Review

Pros Build quality, size
Cons No meter
Rating 8
Price (U.S. Dollars) $400
Years Owned 3 years

I can recommend this camera: Yes

Value, Features, Performance & Size
"Rating" and "Value" will be somewhat subjective to what someone is looking for. This is a legendary camera and very special to own, but obviously it won't outperform many of it's newer counterparts. Asahi Pentax cameras from this era were all small and well balanced. Regarding performance, the winder is smooth, all shutter speeds are reasonably accurate, and the shutter fires solidly.

Camera Review
I hadn't gone looking for this particular camera, but instead came across it and it looked to good to pass up. The camera looked new, came with the original case, zebra 55/1.8 Takumar lens and caps, so I probably paid a bit of a premium.

From the pictures it looked like a nicely made camera, but being a 50+ years old, I expected it to be a little "clunky". When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. The viewfinder was bright and clear and everything worked so smoothly. The next morning I grabbed some film, used my ME Super as a light meter and shot a roll. I presumed I would have ruined half of the roll, but not one shot was under or over exposed. It's a great little camera.

Here is a shot of the camera, and another from the camera.....
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PENTAX K-7  Photo   
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