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09-30-2022, 09:18 AM   #1
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Choosing an SLR to complement my K70...?

I use a K70, but would like to have a film camera in the bag.
Something rugged and relatively portable that I can stick my K-mount lenses on. Doesn't have to be easy or great to use, of anything it'll be more frustratingly-fun (and teach me more) if there aren't a ton of aids.

The K1000 is easy to find, but a bit bulky for something that'll spend most of its time on the bag. I'm reading up on the cameras, but thought the forum here might have good suggestions?

09-30-2022, 09:33 AM - 1 Like   #2
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The Pentax MX is relatively small. Seem s less prone to problems than the ME from what I gather.
09-30-2022, 10:14 AM   #3
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Hello,

The possibilities are almost endless. If you find the K1000 too big, (but I still recommend it along the KM) the MX is a great option like previously mentioned. The ME Super and Super Program have manual controls as well as some exposure automation. I find the ZX-M (the last manual focus Pentax SLR) surprisingly easy and fun to use. However, be aware that the ZX/MZ series are prone to mirror gear failure. Another model usually overlooked is the P30T. One of my all time favorite pictures was taken with my P30T and a M50 f1.7 on Kodak Gold 100.
Top of the line (and expensive) alternatives are of course the LX and the MZ-S.

Here is a link to the manual focus film SLR database:
Pentax Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Pentax Film Cameras - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

and the autofocus film SLR database:
Pentax Autofocus Film SLRs - Pentax Pentax Film Cameras - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

Whatever you choose, just make sure it is working properly. A good CLA (Clean Lube Adjust) by a specialist can ensure years of enjoyment, but some parts are getting very hard to find now. Like everything else, too good of a bargain can possibly lead to disappointment.
Most importantly, have fun!

Thanks,
Ismael
09-30-2022, 10:50 AM   #4
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While I'm partial to the MX, I think a good compliment to a DSLR would be a body that used PKA or PKAF mount lenses. That way what film lenses you bring will work fully with the K-70 (except auto focus with manual focus lenses obviously ... And yes, you can use PK and M42 mount lenses but you loose some functionality). I'd opt for the Super Program but you options here are vast... On the low price end you have the P30, Program Plus, PZ-20 or an SF-10. You could even get a SF-1n pretty cheap. I'd avoid the MZ/ZX line...though I to have a ZX-5 that works well they are time bombs waiting for the drive motor gear to break.

09-30-2022, 10:56 AM - 1 Like   #5
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I have ME Supers and SuperPrograms. I would go with the Superprogram. It handles K and KA lenses with ease. I have used KFA lenses without a problem as the camera can set the aperture and/or shutter. Mine has been trouble free and going strong.
09-30-2022, 10:56 AM   #6
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+1 Pentax MX

smallest body, largest viewfinder

Last edited by FozzFoster; 09-30-2022 at 11:07 AM.
09-30-2022, 05:08 PM   #7
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I always heartily recommend the Pentax KX.

If you seriously like the K1000 suggest you get a Pentax KM instead.

Either way you will thank me.

Chris

09-30-2022, 06:36 PM   #8
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Thanks for the advice. I see there are almost as many preferences as there are people

I can find a selection of really cheap P30t's - that's very tempting. Reading the reviews confused me a bit, with many referring to them as point and shoot like, which I don't really understand. But a sturdy, relatively light, cheap, fully manual camera sounds like just the thing.
09-30-2022, 06:39 PM   #9
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The K1000 is hard to beat. Avoid the made in China versions. If the K1000 seems bulky to you there are ways to minimize bulk by replacing the 50mm with the M 40/2.8.

I own every K series body and love the K1000 and the K2 DMD, my second-favorite film camera of all time. The MX is my favorite film camera from any brand.

Others have also suggested the Super Program. The K1000 and MX only work with lenses with an aperture ring. The Super Program supports aperture control from the body meaning any K-mount lens would work, aperture ring or not. It would be hard to find a smaller setup than the Super Program and DA 40 XS (I use this combination occasionally). If you want auto focus in a small size, the *ist and DA 40 XS would also work well.
09-30-2022, 07:40 PM   #10
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My dads best friend was a Nikon rep and loved the F. Later he worked for Pentax as a rep and fell in love with the MX. he also shot 6x7 and 645 - but his passion was the MX - this was in the era of the K10D and yet the MX was where his Pentax Soul lived.
10-01-2022, 12:25 AM   #11
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Dont forget about 3rd party cameras (a list so far: Third-Party K Mount Cameras - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications), most of which can be found for cheap
10-01-2022, 12:37 AM   #12
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If weight is a concern … check out the *ist … it's small as well
10-02-2022, 02:47 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by jno Quote
I use a K70, but would like to have a film camera in the bag.
Something rugged and relatively portable that I can stick my K-mount lenses on. Doesn't have to be easy or great to use, of anything it'll be more frustratingly-fun (and teach me more) if there aren't a ton of aids.

The K1000 is easy to find, but a bit bulky for something that'll spend most of its time on the bag. I'm reading up on the cameras, but thought the forum here might have good suggestions?
Personally I think the K1000 is overpriced due to nostalgia -- you're better off with its predecessor, the KM (which has more features), or better yet the KX (so far my favorite Pentax). Then again, these are all-mechanical cameras with clockwork shutter mechanisms, so they are more likely to need service to work properly.

MX is a smaller, lighter alternative; however I'm not nearly as big a fan as most others. I find the shutter dial difficult to turn (it's stiff and hemmed in by other controls) and I don't like the light-meter display (you get the same indication whether you're 1 stop or 5 stops off proper exposure). I much prefer the ME Super, but I don't think it's very good as a manual camera, as I find the buttons to be a slow and awkward way to set shutter speed.

I would also suggest a third-party camera -- Ricoh is my pick. The KR-10 (not KR-10M or KR-10 Super; just plain KR-10) and XR-2 (or XR-2s) are great cameras with a good feature set and electronically-timed shutters. They are smaller than the Ks and have a lighter (though cheaper-feeling) polycarbonate body. And they are *very* affordable. Cheaper still are the Sears-branded version of these cameras, the KSX (again, no Super) and KS Auto. Last KS Auto I bought came with a Sears (Ricoh) 135/2.8 and cost me around $30 including shipping. I own several Ricoh/Sears cameras and don't think I've ever paid more than $40.

(Why no super? They have an LCD meter display that's difficult to see with a dark subject. KR-10 and XR-2 have match-needle meters like the Pentax KX.)

If you want mechanical, that's the Ricoh XR-1 (Sears KS-1000). I own one but it has bad shutter timing, and I'm not sure where to send it to get it fixed (or if I need bother as I have a KX!).

HTH
Aaron
10-02-2022, 04:55 PM   #14
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Chinon CE-4S or Ricoh XR7
10-03-2022, 03:56 AM   #15
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IMO a used Pentax SLR is a better choice than other brands that used the K-mount.
A major reason is the difficulty finding an experienced and affordable repairer for those.

In USA we still have Pentax-trained *specialist* Eric Hendrickson...

Chris
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