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02-04-2014, 01:42 PM   #1
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A Pentax K1000 fell into my lap and here I am

Yes, um, er... I was getting ready to advance to another level in DSLR photography and my friend gave me this Pentax K1000 SLR film camera with 2 lenses that she has had for years, sitting around. Completely manual, they say. I am intrigued by the simplicity of it and would like to know more history on this particular camera. How can I determine what year it was manufactured? Is it in the serial number? How do I get into the serial number list? How do I determine what it's worth?

02-04-2014, 02:01 PM   #2
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The serial number database is here

Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com

And the K1000 database is here

Pentax K1000 Serial Numbers - Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com

There isn't really a way to tell the exact date of manufacture, but you can get an idea by finding a serial close to what you have. The K1000 was manufactured in several different places over a span of 21 years. Early versions were made in Japan, then in Hong Kong from 1978 to 1990. After 1990 they were made in China.

It became popular as the years went by because it was one of the few fully manual SLRs left in production. It was not a terribly popular camera when it was first introduced, just one of the cheapest.
02-04-2014, 02:07 PM   #3
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Welcome to the world of Pentax

But, yeah, what Boris said.
02-04-2014, 02:14 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by MamasBrownie Quote
A Pentax K1000 fell into my lap
Welcome to the forum, I have just cleared my lap in case anything else comes your way you can't manage.

02-04-2014, 02:22 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by savoche Quote
Welcome to the world of Pentax

But, yeah, what Boris said.
Yes, what Boris said!

QuoteOriginally posted by kerrowdown Quote
Welcome to the forum, I have just cleared my lap in case anything else comes your way you can't manage.
I have an empty lap too, you know...
02-04-2014, 02:32 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Boris_Akunin Quote
I have an empty lap too, you know...
Aye but I asked first...
02-04-2014, 02:38 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by MamasBrownie Quote
I am intrigued by the simplicity of it and would like to know more history on this particular camera
Next thing you know you'll be seeking the Grail.

Of course, like all the Fallen, you won't know the lapis exillis was in your very lap all the time.

Enjoy. Enjoy. Exploring the history is an interesting journey, but it is the journey that matters, not the knowing.


Last edited by monochrome; 02-04-2014 at 02:50 PM.
02-04-2014, 02:46 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by kerrowdown Quote
Aye but I asked first...
Taking a quick look at your signature, your lap should be quite satisfied already...
02-04-2014, 02:52 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Boris_Akunin Quote
your lap should be quite satisfied already...
You have a fair point.
02-04-2014, 03:31 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by MamasBrownie Quote
How do I determine what it's worth?
Welcome to Pentax and Pentax Forums!

Pentax K1000:
- What's it worth in monetary terms? Not a huge amount.
- Owning and using a classic Pentax? Priceless!

Which lenses did you acquire? They may be used on a modern Pentax camera.

- Craig

PS. Don't listen to those other guys - they already have enough lenses and stuff.
02-04-2014, 03:33 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by c.a.m Quote
Don't listen to those other guys - they already have enough lenses and stuff.
Hey, who asked you.
02-04-2014, 04:07 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by c.a.m Quote
enough lenses
What?...I don't even...WHAT???

I don't think those two words can be used together...
02-05-2014, 10:52 AM   #13
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I can think of worse things to fall in ones lap.
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