[Redcoat]

Glad to finally be part of this forum. It's been very helpful in helping me choose my 'new' Pentax K1000...
Originally learned the basics of photography and developing in art college in the UK back in the mid 90's with my Pentax P30t. Such a great starter SLR that I sold three years later to buy some weed (like an moron).
My wife and I are expecting our first child in five months and I decided that I would like to archive her first years in glorious b&w film, so I decided that a working K1000 would fit the bill nicely. After scouring Craigslist, I secured a beautiful example with all working components (no chips, dings or dents / foam looks good and even the light meter works) in its original Pentax case with a SMC 50mm M1:1.7 lens. All for $60, which is about average, I suppose. The only flaw is that the very outer edge of the lens is bent in slightly. Does this render the lens useless? It seems to work beautifully. Any advice as to what one feels is the ideal lens for portrait shots with this camera would be much appreciated.
I'm looking forward to getting started and hopefully showing off some work soon!
Gavin

[Ratmagiclady]

There's some of the old town.

If that lens gives you sharp photos, the filter ring can be figured out later. If you can't put a clip-on hood there to do you, it can be banged out sraight enough with a dowel and a piece of wood to lean that ring on. Just make sure no force applied bears on anything *but* that filter ring.

If whatever gave that lens the dent in the first place didn't bend anything important, though, you're good.

[fractal]

I used an extremely dodgey method of pliers and a peice of cloth to bend the outer edge in slightly. Although, I only did this to fit on a UV filter.

Welcome to the forum and we look forward to seeing some of your work. No more pawning of Pentax gear for temporary mind expansion please

[Ash]

A bent filter ring (which I suppose is the flaw on your lens) does nothing to the quality of the images you'll get from the M 50/1.7. Go ahead and enjoy shooting your prodigy with your gear.
And welcome here - hope you enjoy your time on the forum.

[Iris]

Hi welcome Gavin,

Hope you will enjoy the forum and your K1000!

[Redcoat]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.

I guess I'll leave the lens as it is and just get started by enjoying the whole setup. The only downside to the bend in the outer ring (it's about 1cm long) is that I won't be able to fit a lens cap on to it and as a result, the battery will run down...

I don't think I'll employ the method you did, Carl. From here on, I'll use what's left of my mind for learning how to take some nice images!