Would you buy a new film camera from Pentax?

millsware · 03-15-2014, 06:00 AM

Given how many people seem to still be using film cameras, and how many repair threads there are, I'm wondering whether Pentax could make any money selling new film cameras.

I'm not even talking about developing a new one, just re-releasing an old design, like the ME, K1000, LX...

Respond whether you would pay for one if it was ~$200 or less, and what model you would like to see.

p38arover · 03-15-2014, 06:06 AM

Unlikely. I have a few sitting around already.

brofkand · 03-15-2014, 06:10 AM

If Pentax produced a revision of the MZ-S with a second control dial (for aperture) and support for SDM, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. That's all I really feel like I'm missing with my MZ-S and it isn't a big deal now, but if Pentax produces a full frame DSLR it would be. I wouldn't be able to use the new full frame lenses to their fullest.

It wouldn't be $200 or less, but I'd probably buy it if it was $1K or less.

dansamy · 03-15-2014, 06:10 AM

I think I would, even though I have a couple of film rear lens caps. I also like the smell of new video cards, so maybe there's something a little wrong with me anyway...

**monochrome** · 03-15-2014, 06:16 AM - **3 Likes**

I use film cameras is because they are old.

foto guy · 03-15-2014, 06:20 AM

I agree with brofkand, though I'd add weather sealing to the list.
Ironically, I also agree with monochrome.

Pablom · 03-15-2014, 06:24 AM

If I can get excellent old cameras for cheap why would I buy a new one for 200$?

OTOH I would consider buying a new LX if they decide to make them again.

Of course none of this will happen.

**monochrome** · 03-15-2014, 06:30 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Pablom

If I can get excellent old cameras for cheap why would I buy a new one for 200$?

OTOH I would consider buying a new LX if they decide to make them again.

Of course none of this will happen.

If they added AE-L.

**mattt** · 03-15-2014, 06:32 AM

Pentax cannot control the availability of developing labs - ever dwindling in number. The old cameras appeal because of the metal construction and built to last engineering. The newer plastic ones not so much. I'm with Monochrome.

**ChrisPlatt** · 03-15-2014, 06:41 AM

I'm not holding my breath. In the unlikely event Pentax ever offered a new film camera
I expect it would be another "plastic fantastic", or priced for the luxury/collector market.

Chris

**boriscleto** · 03-15-2014, 06:45 AM - **1 Like**

I would not buy a new film camera, but i would love to see Ricoh make parts for the older cameras. Especially the LX, bring the CLA cost down.

millsware · 03-15-2014, 06:53 AM

My thought was that it costs $60-100 dollars to get an old camera CLA'd in most cases, and as boriscleto pointed out, parts are going to become harder to come by as time goes on. So, as more and more old cameras get tossed out or scavenged for parts, they will become harder to come by. At least with a new model, it would probably come with a warranty, and you would have a big head start on longevity.

To clarify, you can buy a 'for parts' ME super for ~$20 inc. shipping on ebay, get it CLA'd for ~$70 (shipping?). So $90 for an old one or $200 for a brand new one with warranty.

Almost definitely not going to happen, just curious as to the responses.

---------- Post added 03-15-14 at 09:55 AM ----------

Also, just about any film student needs to take B&W as a first class. If you were buying a film camera for class, wouldn't you rather buy one that you knew was under warranty in case it broke right before your final project?

**monochrome** · 03-15-2014, 07:05 AM

Originally posted by millsware

or $200 for a brand new one with warranty.

For $200 they wouldn't waste their time. That would be less than $100 out the factory door, so $60 parts and labor cost. It would have to be entirely plastic. For $200 you can get a mint cosmetic condition Pentax manual focus film camera CLA'ed to like new. With an M50/2 thrown in,

I really can't believe Nikon does the FM10 (a fully manual camera - non-TTL flash) for $319. It must be plastic.

LesDMess · 03-15-2014, 07:29 AM

$200 for a factory fresh LX body . . . I would buy at least 2 more!

Leica still produces a new an all metal and glass body but rangefinder - the MP, with practically the same specs as a K1000. Apparently it's sustainable to keep making it but they do charge a pretty penny. Actually quite a few pennies . . .

**boriscleto** · 03-15-2014, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

I really can't believe Nikon does the FM10 (a fully manual camera - non-TTL flash) for $319. It must be plastic.

Nikon doesn't make it. It's basically a Cosina CT-1 with a F-mount. You can get the Vivitar V3800N for $250 new, and it has a K-mount. And yes, it's mostly plastic.

This review points out that a K1000 would be a $500 camera these days.

Review: Vivitar V3800N manual film camera (120studio.com)

View Poll Results: Would you buy a new film camera?
Yes	39	32.77%
No	59	49.58%
Depends on price	21	17.65%
Voters: 119. You may not vote on this poll

03-15-2014, 06:00 AM	#1
millsware Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 70	Would you buy a new film camera from Pentax? Given how many people seem to still be using film cameras, and how many repair threads there are, I'm wondering whether Pentax could make any money selling new film cameras. I'm not even talking about developing a new one, just re-releasing an old design, like the ME, K1000, LX... Respond whether you would pay for one if it was ~$200 or less, and what model you would like to see.

03-15-2014, 06:16 AM - 3 Likes	#5
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I use film cameras is because they are old. Last edited by monochrome; 03-15-2014 at 06:37 AM.

03-15-2014, 07:29 AM	#15
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by monochrome I really can't believe Nikon does the FM10 (a fully manual camera - non-TTL flash) for $319. It must be plastic. Nikon doesn't make it. It's basically a Cosina CT-1 with a F-mount. You can get the Vivitar V3800N for $250 new, and it has a K-mount. And yes, it's mostly plastic. This review points out that a K1000 would be a $500 camera these days. Review: Vivitar V3800N manual film camera (120studio.com) Last edited by boriscleto; 03-15-2014 at 07:43 AM.

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03-15-2014, 06:06 AM	#2
p38arover Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,084	Unlikely. I have a few sitting around already.

03-15-2014, 06:10 AM	#3
brofkand Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 836	If Pentax produced a revision of the MZ-S with a second control dial (for aperture) and support for SDM, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. That's all I really feel like I'm missing with my MZ-S and it isn't a big deal now, but if Pentax produces a full frame DSLR it would be. I wouldn't be able to use the new full frame lenses to their fullest. It wouldn't be $200 or less, but I'd probably buy it if it was $1K or less.

03-15-2014, 06:10 AM	#4
dansamy Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,450	I think I would, even though I have a couple of film rear lens caps. I also like the smell of new video cards, so maybe there's something a little wrong with me anyway...

03-15-2014, 06:20 AM	#6
foto guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vernon, Connecticut Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 292	I agree with brofkand, though I'd add weather sealing to the list. Ironically, I also agree with monochrome.

03-15-2014, 06:24 AM	#7
Pablom Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Usa Posts: 1,940	If I can get excellent old cameras for cheap why would I buy a new one for 200$? OTOH I would consider buying a new LX if they decide to make them again. Of course none of this will happen.

03-15-2014, 06:30 AM - 1 Like	#8
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Pablom If I can get excellent old cameras for cheap why would I buy a new one for 200$? OTOH I would consider buying a new LX if they decide to make them again. Of course none of this will happen. If they added AE-L.

03-15-2014, 06:32 AM	#9
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	Pentax cannot control the availability of developing labs - ever dwindling in number. The old cameras appeal because of the metal construction and built to last engineering. The newer plastic ones not so much. I'm with Monochrome.

03-15-2014, 06:41 AM	#10
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	I'm not holding my breath. In the unlikely event Pentax ever offered a new film camera I expect it would be another "plastic fantastic", or priced for the luxury/collector market. Chris

03-15-2014, 06:45 AM - 1 Like	#11
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	I would not buy a new film camera, but i would love to see Ricoh make parts for the older cameras. Especially the LX, bring the CLA cost down.

03-15-2014, 06:53 AM	#12
millsware Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 70 Original Poster	My thought was that it costs $60-100 dollars to get an old camera CLA'd in most cases, and as boriscleto pointed out, parts are going to become harder to come by as time goes on. So, as more and more old cameras get tossed out or scavenged for parts, they will become harder to come by. At least with a new model, it would probably come with a warranty, and you would have a big head start on longevity. To clarify, you can buy a 'for parts' ME super for ~$20 inc. shipping on ebay, get it CLA'd for ~$70 (shipping?). So $90 for an old one or $200 for a brand new one with warranty. Almost definitely not going to happen, just curious as to the responses. ---------- Post added 03-15-14 at 09:55 AM ---------- Also, just about any film student needs to take B&W as a first class. If you were buying a film camera for class, wouldn't you rather buy one that you knew was under warranty in case it broke right before your final project?

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03-15-2014, 07:05 AM	#13
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by millsware or $200 for a brand new one with warranty. For $200 they wouldn't waste their time. That would be less than $100 out the factory door, so $60 parts and labor cost. It would have to be entirely plastic. For $200 you can get a mint cosmetic condition Pentax manual focus film camera CLA'ed to like new. With an M50/2 thrown in, I really can't believe Nikon does the FM10 (a fully manual camera - non-TTL flash) for $319. It must be plastic.

03-15-2014, 07:29 AM	#14
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	$200 for a factory fresh LX body . . . I would buy at least 2 more! Leica still produces a new an all metal and glass body but rangefinder - the MP, with practically the same specs as a K1000. Apparently it's sustainable to keep making it but they do charge a pretty penny. Actually quite a few pennies . . .