Pentax P30 question !

Rmspar72 · 08-18-2009, 12:16 PM

I just picked up a pentax P-30 35mm film camera to horse around with film again...it didn't come with a manual ..anyone know how to set the Iso film speed on that camera..I want to shoot some kodak portra 160 and 400 speeds but don.t know nor see anywhere to set the film speed???....unless my glasses need changed..Lol...thanks..any ideas will be appreciated...thanks Mark

SOldBear · 08-18-2009, 12:28 PM

Nope, can't do that.

The P30 (and bunch of other cameras of the same era) is DX-coding only.

If your film cartridge is not DX-coded, the camera defaults to 100 ISO. If the film is not really 100 ISO, you'll need to shoot in manual mode and adjust the exposure setting accordingly.

If the camera has exposure compensation setting, you can set it and forget it for a whole roll. But I don't think the P30 has that capability.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-20-2009, 04:23 PM

Your camera automatically sets film speed for DX-coded cartridges.
Exposure memory lock used with substitute metering can provide
all the exposure compensation you might need shooting handheld.

Chris

08-18-2009, 12:16 PM	#1
Rmspar72 New Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Rochester, New York Posts: 21	Pentax P30 question ! I just picked up a pentax P-30 35mm film camera to horse around with film again...it didn't come with a manual ..anyone know how to set the Iso film speed on that camera..I want to shoot some kodak portra 160 and 400 speeds but don.t know nor see anywhere to set the film speed???....unless my glasses need changed..Lol...thanks..any ideas will be appreciated...thanks Mark

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08-18-2009, 12:28 PM	#2
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Nope, can't do that. The P30 (and bunch of other cameras of the same era) is DX-coding only. If your film cartridge is not DX-coded, the camera defaults to 100 ISO. If the film is not really 100 ISO, you'll need to shoot in manual mode and adjust the exposure setting accordingly. If the camera has exposure compensation setting, you can set it and forget it for a whole roll. But I don't think the P30 has that capability.

08-20-2009, 04:23 PM	#3
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Your camera automatically sets film speed for DX-coded cartridges. Exposure memory lock used with substitute metering can provide all the exposure compensation you might need shooting handheld. Chris