Pentax K2

K2
Year introduced 1975	Mount K	Meter range 1 - 18 EV	Meter pattern c
ISO range 8 - 6400	DX ISO range No DX coding	Exposure modes Av, M, B	Exposure compensation +/-2 EV
Exposure lock No	Shutter speeds (auto) 8 - 1/1000s	Shutter speeds (manual) 8 - 1/1000s, B	Shutter speeds (mechanical) 1/125s, B
Self timer Yes	Mirror lock-up Yes	Auto bracketing No	Multiple exposures Yes
Winder No	Built-in flash No	TTL flash No	P-TTL flash No
Sync speed 1/125s	Flash exposure comp No	Autofocus No	Autofocus sensitivity Not applicable
Power zoom No	Viewfinder 0.88x, 95%	Viewfinder type Pentaprism	Diopter correction No
Exchangeable screen No	Depth of field preview Yes	Image size 24 x 36 mm	Panorama format No
Battery 2 x S76	Battery grip/pack No	Size (W x H x D) 144 x 92 x 57 mm	Weight 680 g

[8540tomg]

As the flagship of the Pentax K series of the mid to late 70s, the K2 boasted most of the features one would expect from a “professional” camera or “professionally oriented” camera of its vintage. These features included: mirror lockup, depth of field preview, +/- 2 (1 EV steps) over/under exposure compensation, a vast range of ASA from 8 ~ 6400, self timer 5~9 seconds, flash sync 125th of a second, automatic shutter priority and full manual match needle mode. Metering is center-weighted, accurate and reliable. I tend to think of the K2 as a K1000 on steroids. The K2DMD variant of this camera featured a motor drive, data backs as well as an aperture window. I can’t imagine why anyone would buy a K1000 if a K2 were available. You just get so much more. To my mind one of the best features is you get AE with old those great K and M series lenses.

The K2 is built like a tank and was built to last. I find it suits my hand far better than my diminutive Pentax MX. I purchased a K2 used in 1992 and continue to use it to this day. The foam was recently replaced as it was in for a cleaning, lube and adjustment. It should be good for another 20 years. It will probably outlast me.

One area many have found problems with is the ASA setting. Initially, setting the ASA was a bit difficult. Over time the lubrication in this area dries out and becomes stiff. Like any other mechanical device proper maintenance will take care of the problem. Once you figure out how it works it is actually quite simple to set.

One thing the K2 has in spades is a “quality feel.” It is a substantial well-made camera. The same can be said of the K series lenses that were introduced with this series of cameras. Many of these lenses shared the same optical designs of the highly regarded Takumars, which they replaced. The brass and glass construction of these lenses shout quality. Pentax optics have always been highly regarded and with good reason. If both the lab and I do our jobs properly this camera and lenses deliver remarkable images. That is the true test of any camera.

[Ole]

If I want an easy-to-use, manual focus work horse camera I may still grab my K2. The only feature I miss is exposure lock so I tend to use manual exposure mode so that I avoid fiddling with the cumbersome exposure compensation.

On the plus side counts the generously sized mirror which means that there is no darkening of the top part of the viewfinder with super telephoto lenses.

[gofour3]

The K2 was released in 1975 as part of the new “K” series line of film cameras & lenses, featuring the new bayonet mount. The K2 was the top of the line.

The K2 is technically the best of the 1975-77 “K” series film bodies and has these extra improvements over the KX:

- Extra shutter speeds of 2, 4 & 8 seconds.
- Automatic shutter option.
- Dedicated mirror lockup button.
- Improved film pickup and advance system.
- Exposure Control dial.
- Faster flash sync of 1/125 sec.

On the negative side the K2 does not have Aperture-reader window and has the infamous dreaded ASA film speed dial.

I bought two K2s in 2008 and enjoy them very much. I use them mostly in specialty situations, like indoor macro work & night shooting, when I need the extra camera features. I still prefer my KX for everyday use and travel.

I would rate the K2 a 9 out of 10, if it had an ASA dial like the KX, it would get a 10.

[monochrome]

Originally Posted by Ole

If I want an easy-to-use, manual focus work horse camera I may still grab my K2. The only feature I miss is exposure lock so I tend to use manual exposure mode so that I avoid fiddling with the cumbersome exposure compensation.

On the plus side counts the generously sized mirror which means that there is no darkening of the top part of the viewfinder with super telephoto lenses.

Of course, that was offered on the (later) K2 DMD

[Ole]

Originally Posted by monochrome

Of course, that was offered on the (later) K2 DMD

Yes, which is hard to find (lucky you for having one!)!