I was wandering round a car-boot sale (fleamarket) yesteryday when I spotted a dirty old K1000 with a long lens attached. I was interested in the lens so I had a closer look. The K1000 shutter was locked solid. It wouldn't fire and it wouldn't cock. It really was in a dirty condition. The lens was a Vivitar 70-210 f/4.5 macro and was also a bit grubby. The guy only wanted 3 uk pounds ($4.95) for them so I had them. I already have an ME Super which I love but I quite liked the idea of taking the K1000 to bits.
When I got home, I cleaned the lens and found a bit of fungus on the inside of the last element but the biggest surprise was the K1000. After a quick Google I found that removing the baseplate (3 screws) and manually cocking the mirror tensioning lever, it was working perfectly. I then started cleaning it up and now I've got a fantastic new body for less than $5. My first SLR was a K1000 back in 1980 so I'm quite pleased to own one again.
I'll probably try and strip the lens down and clean the fungus. I've got nothing to lose.