How to determine Date of manufacture for Pentax K1000 ?

brieck · 06-13-2019, 10:38 AM

How does one determine the age (date manufactured) of a Pentax K1000?
Have an extremely clean Pentax K1000 and would like to know how old it is.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
S/N 7835954

jack002 · 06-13-2019, 10:47 AM

Google found this. Looks like there is no definitive answer
Flickr: Discussing How old? in Pentax K-1000 users and lovers (k1000)

Adam · 06-13-2019, 10:57 AM

There's no definitive way to know by the serial number alone, but if you look at some of the camera's features, you'll be able to tell where it was made at least. Over time, production was moved out of Japan.

K1000 Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com

**gofour3** · 06-13-2019, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by brieck

How does one determine the age (date manufactured) of a Pentax K1000?
Have an extremely clean Pentax K1000 and would like to know how old it is.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
S/N 7835954

As Adam mentioned you can narrow the date down if let us know where the s/n is located on your K1000 and where it was made.

Phil.

**boriscleto** · 06-13-2019, 02:49 PM

A 78xxxxx serial is somewhere between 1984 and 1989, the Hong Kong period...

brieck · 06-13-2019, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

A 78xxxxx serial is somewhere between 1984 and 1989, the Hong Kong period...

Thank you for your reply, was very helpful--------

Cuthbert · 06-13-2019, 03:53 PM - **1 Like**

run....from..............to..................years manufactured
1.........7 5xx xxx.....7 7xx xxx....1976 - 1978?
2........6 0xx xxx......6 9xx xxx....1977? - 1982
3........7 0xx xxx......7 4xx xxx....1982 - 1983
4........7 8xx xxx......8 4xx xxx....1984 - 1989?
5........4 xxx xxx......5 6xx xxx....1989? - 1997

So yes 4th series.

Mine is 7567273 therefore from '76 to '78, and with original lens kit, the K55mm f2.0 relatively rare because it was sold just with this camera. Supposedly they were made in Japan in the same production line of the KM and KX, while K2 and K2DMD were different designs.

And one of my first self portraits that I take as first shot to remember camera and lens used for a certain film.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

Last edited by Cuthbert; 06-13-2019 at 04:02 PM.

Tool_Horder · 06-25-2019, 02:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by brieck

S/N 7835954

The 78XXXXX prefix was used at two different periods of production. It was first used during the series I & series I / II transition period on a number of bodies. The 783XXXX prefix featured predominantly in this transition period.

However the 78XXXXX prefix in general was most predominantly used for the series III bodies.

With both of these periods the manufacturing location has nothing to do with the confirming the manufacturing period. K1000's were assembled in both Japan & Hong Kong during both of these periods.
There would be no duplicate serial numbers used in both production periods. There is random blocks of serial numbers with the 78XXXXX prefix in both periods.

Nearest confirmed purchase dates I have

series I -> series II transition period - 786XXXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1978

Series III body - 7779XXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1987

Cuthbert · 06-26-2019, 03:16 PM

Originally posted by Tool_Horder

The 78XXXXX prefix was used at two different periods of production. It was first used during the series I & series I / II transition period on a number of bodies. The 783XXXX prefix featured predominantly in this transition period.

However the 78XXXXX prefix in general was most predominantly used for the series III bodies.

With both of these periods the manufacturing location has nothing to do with the confirming the manufacturing period. K1000's were assembled in both Japan & Hong Kong during both of these periods.
There would be no duplicate serial numbers used in both production periods. There is random blocks of serial numbers with the 78XXXXX prefix in both periods.

Nearest confirmed purchase dates I have

series I -> series II transition period - 786XXXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1978

Series III body - 7779XXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1987

Interesting, where did you get this info?

hlynch81 · 10-30-2020, 01:07 PM

Hi all,

I'm looking at a camera on Etsy and I think it's one of the earlier models, made in Japan. The serial number is 7643953. It comes with a 55mm F2.0 lens. Any ideas when/where this was manufactured?

Photos attached. The price on Etsy is high ($250) but if it's one of the early Japan ones I'd be willing to pay it.

Thank you!

Hayley

**gofour3** · 10-30-2020, 07:47 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Yes it looks like it could be one of the original 1976 MIJ K1000 with the proper K55/2 kit lens.

The only issue I see with the one pictured is in the last photo, the engraving on the top right back should say, "ASAHI OPT. CO. JAPAN".

Phil.

hlynch81 · 10-31-2020, 08:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by gofour3

Welcome to the forum!

Yes it looks like it could be one of the original 1976 MIJ K1000 with the proper K55/2 kit lens.

The only issue I see with the one pictured is in the last photo, the engraving on the top right back should say, "ASAHI OPT. CO. JAPAN".

Phil.

Thanks! I ended up getting a different one, that does have the JAPAN engraved on the back. Also has the 55mm f2 lens. Photos below. I think this is one of the early ones!

**gofour3** · 10-31-2020, 08:59 PM

Looks good, same as the one I have (1976 MIJ) and the s/n is also very close. (7519665)

Phil.

sheridangis · 11-03-2020, 02:54 PM

Thanks to all those who post here, some great info

Astro-Baby · 11-03-2020, 03:30 PM

Https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/413315-just-bagged-sp500-but.html

Theres some pics there of my K1000 MiJ....she is 100% original with a serial of 6490132 and lacks the blanked off battery test button.

06-13-2019, 10:38 AM	#1
brieck New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 19	How to determine Date of manufacture for Pentax K1000 ? How does one determine the age (date manufactured) of a Pentax K1000? Have an extremely clean Pentax K1000 and would like to know how old it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated. S/N 7835954

06-13-2019, 10:57 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	There's no definitive way to know by the serial number alone, but if you look at some of the camera's features, you'll be able to tell where it was made at least. Over time, production was moved out of Japan. K1000 Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-30-2020, 01:07 PM	#10
hlynch81 New Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 2	Hi all, I'm looking at a camera on Etsy and I think it's one of the earlier models, made in Japan. The serial number is 7643953. It comes with a 55mm F2.0 lens. Any ideas when/where this was manufactured? Photos attached. The price on Etsy is high ($250) but if it's one of the early Japan ones I'd be willing to pay it. Thank you! Hayley Attached Images

10-31-2020, 08:31 PM - 1 Like	#12
hlynch81 New Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 2	Originally posted by gofour3 Welcome to the forum! Yes it looks like it could be one of the original 1976 MIJ K1000 with the proper K55/2 kit lens. The only issue I see with the one pictured is in the last photo, the engraving on the top right back should say, "ASAHI OPT. CO. JAPAN". Phil. Thanks! I ended up getting a different one, that does have the JAPAN engraved on the back. Also has the 55mm f2 lens. Photos below. I think this is one of the early ones! Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
k1000 manufacture date	Glenn Mayher	Welcomes and Introductions	6	12-09-2018 04:23 PM
How to Determine a Lens Date of Manufacture?	Glen	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	12-22-2017 12:39 AM
K-500 Manufacture Date	paulpines	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	12-15-2015 01:53 PM
How-to: Check Pentax camera shutter count and manufacture date online	Adam	Pentax DSLR and Camera Articles	54	07-24-2014 06:44 PM
K-5 Date of Manufacture	IIGQ4U	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	6	09-21-2011 01:56 PM

06-13-2019, 10:47 AM	#2
jack002 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Missouri Photos: Albums Posts: 727	Google found this. Looks like there is no definitive answer Flickr: Discussing How old? in Pentax K-1000 users and lovers (k1000)

06-13-2019, 12:13 PM	#4
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Originally posted by brieck How does one determine the age (date manufactured) of a Pentax K1000? Have an extremely clean Pentax K1000 and would like to know how old it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated. S/N 7835954 As Adam mentioned you can narrow the date down if let us know where the s/n is located on your K1000 and where it was made. Phil.

06-13-2019, 02:49 PM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	A 78xxxxx serial is somewhere between 1984 and 1989, the Hong Kong period...

06-13-2019, 03:32 PM	#6
brieck New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 19 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto A 78xxxxx serial is somewhere between 1984 and 1989, the Hong Kong period... Thank you for your reply, was very helpful--------

06-25-2019, 02:07 PM - 1 Like	#8
Tool_Horder Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Newcastle Posts: 44	Originally posted by brieck S/N 7835954 The 78XXXXX prefix was used at two different periods of production. It was first used during the series I & series I / II transition period on a number of bodies. The 783XXXX prefix featured predominantly in this transition period. However the 78XXXXX prefix in general was most predominantly used for the series III bodies. With both of these periods the manufacturing location has nothing to do with the confirming the manufacturing period. K1000's were assembled in both Japan & Hong Kong during both of these periods. There would be no duplicate serial numbers used in both production periods. There is random blocks of serial numbers with the 78XXXXX prefix in both periods. Nearest confirmed purchase dates I have series I -> series II transition period - 786XXXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1978 Series III body - 7779XXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1987

06-26-2019, 03:16 PM	#9
Cuthbert Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,740	Originally posted by Tool_Horder The 78XXXXX prefix was used at two different periods of production. It was first used during the series I & series I / II transition period on a number of bodies. The 783XXXX prefix featured predominantly in this transition period. However the 78XXXXX prefix in general was most predominantly used for the series III bodies. With both of these periods the manufacturing location has nothing to do with the confirming the manufacturing period. K1000's were assembled in both Japan & Hong Kong during both of these periods. There would be no duplicate serial numbers used in both production periods. There is random blocks of serial numbers with the 78XXXXX prefix in both periods. Nearest confirmed purchase dates I have series I -> series II transition period - 786XXXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1978 Series III body - 7779XXX - Confirmed purchase date of Dec 1987 Interesting, where did you get this info?

10-30-2020, 07:47 PM	#11
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Welcome to the forum! Yes it looks like it could be one of the original 1976 MIJ K1000 with the proper K55/2 kit lens. The only issue I see with the one pictured is in the last photo, the engraving on the top right back should say, "ASAHI OPT. CO. JAPAN". Phil.

10-31-2020, 08:59 PM	#13
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Looks good, same as the one I have (1976 MIJ) and the s/n is also very close. (7519665) Phil.

11-03-2020, 02:54 PM	#14
sheridangis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Sheridan, WY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 97	Thanks to all those who post here, some great info

11-03-2020, 03:30 PM	#15
Astro-Baby Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Reigate, Surrey Posts: 764	Https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/413315-just-bagged-sp500-but.html Theres some pics there of my K1000 MiJ....she is 100% original with a serial of 6490132 and lacks the blanked off battery test button.