Pentax K2 DMD

K2 DMD
Year introduced 1976	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 Yes	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 External	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 685 g
Comment Compared to the K2, the K2 DMD accepts a motor drive, a data back, and has an exposure lock button

[TDN]

I picked this one up for a bargain together with some lenses.
Haven't done much shooting with it, I'll update this when I have.

Pros:

Seems like a very sturdy and rugged camera. I'm pretty confident this thing would survive a war

A lot of features, especially for a camera this old. Things like DOF preview, self-timer, X-sync socket, manual as well as automatic lighting, ... (see chart above)

Winder available, yet hard to find. Once you attach it it'll give you 2 fps.

These aren't as easily found as some other models, so if you see one definitly check it out. Also, this one came with a 50mm 1.4 as standard lens, which only shows that this camera was aimed at the more advanced photographers. So if you see one 2nd hand, be sure to check out the lens.

cons:

The ASA dial is extremely awkward to use. It's positioned around the lens mount, which is a very illogial place, especially if you compare it to the ease of the mechanism on the K1000 (at the shutter dial).
Takes a while to get used to, and always seems to block when you're in a hurry

Compared to models as the K1000, it's pretty heavy. I can imagine that combined with the grip, this thing might get a little too heavy for some people.

Doesn't have a TTL flash mechanism, but I'm not an expert in flash photography with film, which is why i avoid it, so this doesn't bother me.
Conclusion:

Nice, sturdy camera, which is built to last. Apart from some weird design choices that were corrected in later models, this is a camera that'll be a pleasure to use even after so many years.


These were just my initial impressions, but I'll update this once I have some more experience with this camera after this summer.

[monochrome]

The Asahi Pentax K2 DMD follows in the line of the K1000, KM, KX and K2 as somewhat large, sturdy, nearly indestructible cameras, introduced just as Olympus set the world on its ear with their small camera body.

I prefer the size and heft of this camera body style to the M-series, since I have size 10+ hands. The heavy, brass and aluminum K-series lenses balance well on this camera and make a nice, integrated package. The mass of a 135/2.5 mounted on this body offers a very stable platform for hand held shooting - I can't prove it, but I swear I gain a stop if I manage breath control.

The K2 DMD is a complete package for the enthusiast film shooter today:

• when desired it can be a fully-mechanical camera
• when desired it can be an Automatic Av camera with a stepless, electronic Seikosha shutter
• when necessary it offers Exposure Lock
• it offers mirror lock, self-timer and DoF preview

Pros: The large, bright viewfinder comes standard with a split-image focusing reticule, surrounded by a micro-prism ring and the matte screen. The oversized mirror prevents any kind of image impairment due to lens length.

If you can find them, there is a fairly complete suite of system accessories for action shooting - data back, including a mechanical clock to imprint date and time on images, 250 shot bulk film back, motor drive / grip (1/2 - 2 FPS and single) powered by either a rechargeable NiCad battery pack (the bateries usually need to be replaced now) or a long handle holding 12 penlite battereis (AA). A 3 meter and 10 meter power cable were available for remote shooting, usually of skittish fauna on a tripod from a blind, or hazardous-area shooting. There was even an AC power source similar to the LX studio power source (maybe the same item).

Viewfinder information (mechanically linked) incudes the aperture setting through a backlit Judas Window, shutter speed, match needle meter and exposure comensation indicator. The ASA ring never bothers me - just another thing to become accustomed to, then it is fine.

There really isn't much on a modern digital camera that a K2 DMD didn't have in analog form - except ASA (sensitity) control (without changing film!!).

Oh, and for a machine-lover like me, the feel and sound of the Seiko shutter firing is sublime - nothing in the ACT of taking a photograph is more satisfying to me (unless it is the KX shutter firing).

Cons: I can imagine it would be tiring to shoot with this heavy camera all day long - while carrying a bag full of K-series lenses. I rarely use it for more than an hour or two at a time so that doesn't affect me.

1/125 Flash Sync

[Spock]

Great camera with a old-world pro-quality feel about it.

Yes it is built like a tank but its achilles heel is the electronics.

My camera developed a problem with the electronically-controlled shutter speed. I was told that it was irrepairable as the problem was in the circuit board and parts are no longer available for this camera - let alone new circuit boards.

In the end I had to sell it to someone who wanted it for spare parts. A very sad end for a great camera.