[pickles]

I'm new here, & so I appreciate that this question has probably been asked many times before.....so, I've searched the forum, but couldn't find a definitive answer.
So, there's Ebay, this forum, & I've noted Kevin's Cameras, & a few other shops etc, but nothing really special, such as a Pentax Screw "specialist"!
Anyone have any thoughts?
Cheers, Pickles.

[tuco]

keh.com has a selection of Pentax screw mounts worth checking out

[Steinback]

I've picked up most of mine (cheap) at local camera shows over a number of years - 50mm, 105mm, 135mm, passed on a couple of 28mm, 35mm and specialty lenses. Occasionally something interesting shows up in the local classified ads, though most offerings are a body and one or more of the common kit lenses (28mm, 55mm, 135mm). Most of the pawn and thrift shops in my area are pretty heavily picked over but you may have better luck. Small camera stores that stock used gear will usually have something M42 around.

If you want to have a selection and buy off the shelf then Keh is a good choice, though they don't seem to have as many screwmount lenses as they used to in stock.

[Fl_Gulfer]

I trust the people in here more than the Craigs list and Ebay for my gear.

[Mechan1k]

I find KEH has a decent amount. I haven't bought from them though ... but if they have something i can't get that is old ... I'd buy from them as their descriptions regarding item quality is spot on.

All mine I have purchased through the forums here ... except my 28/3.5 i got off eBay.

[Lowell Goudge]

I purchased all but 2 from either local camera stores or second hand shops where I found a few bargins. My E-Bay purchases have been hit and mis One good lens one not so good, but that is the way it goes when you are purchasing old and poorly documented things.

Sadly, in the last 6 months 2 local stores I frequent have closed. One, I know the owner was retiring, and he had a good selection of used equipment, all of which is now gone (but which I did scour through and this is where I got my SMC Tak 35F2, my super tak 50 F1.4, and 85F1.9 as well as my takumar preset 200F3.5)

The other store I got an SMC Tak 50F4 macro, as well as my K10D and K7D bodies (and my KX back in the early 1980's). It simply closed with no warning

I liked dealing with small local stores, but am still blessed in toronto with many good camera stores, (Henrys, downtown camera, Aden Camera, Vistek...) but they don't really deal in M42 equipment. Most put all their used equipment on EBAY only and don';t make it available instoors because they are getting better prices from european purchasers than local ones.

[jzietman]

I just bought an SMC Takumar 35/3.5 from KEH, but they sent me a Super-Takumar version instead. Guess they mislabeled it when they got it, and not in my favor. They're giving me a refund to cover the difference, though. It's still a beautiful lens. It was marked as bargain (BGN), and apart from a little scuffing, it's in perfect shape.

[PGillin]

The M42 stuff is tank-like. It's amazing the abuse some of the old equipment can take.
I've never bought from KEH, how did everything go? Are they worth buying from?

[jzietman]

Very easy. I just got the $11 refund. They were very nice and helpful when I called about the mix-up. I think the shipping was a little slow, but then again FedEx's slowest is slower than USPS', and I've been using USPS for ages, so I guess it's just a matter of comparison.

[fractal]

You can check out Cash Converters. They don't always have Pentax gear, but they have plenty of stores. Just don't buy up all the bargain glass in SE burbs

[PGillin]

I saw that KEH sells rear caps. I need some, but 8$ for a rear cap seems kinda... pricey. Is this about normal price for these, or do other places have them cheaper?

[straightshooter]

I saw that KEH sells rear caps. I need some, but 8$ for a rear cap seems kinda... pricey. Is this about normal price for these, or do other places have them cheaper?

Camerafilters.com has them for $1.50 per cap. I've bought from them before and they are good people. They ship fast and the items are good quality, just not Pentax original. Rear Lens Caps and Body Caps

CW

[xjjohnno]

Peony Gardens in Little Lonsdale Street between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets. It's a second hand camera and lens shop open between 1-2pm weekdays and run by an eccentric elderly Chinese couple.
Their pricing is fair as the propritor is quite savvy on the value of his stock. You'll also find quite a few Russian and East German lenses there on the right day. I've bought from them on several occassions and will again.