Good film camera to start with

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 04:22 PM

I've been using a DSLR for about 6 years now, and have zero experience with film SLR cameras. However, over the past year I've accumulated a rather nice collection of Pentax glass, most of which could be used well with film. I would like to try shooting some film, probably B+W, and was wondering if you guys had a recommendation for a good camera to start with.

For what it's worth, I actually already have a like-new ZX-50 (w/ grip) and a couple of older manual focus cameras, the K1000 and ME (all of these I got when I bought lenses that came with bodies). I ran an old, expired roll of film through the ZX-50 to make sure it worked and other than the color and grain looking a little off, it seems to function fine.

Anyway, I guess my question is are there features on other film bodies beyond what the ZX-50 has that would be worth looking into or should I just stick with it to start? Seeing as the film and processing is going to cost me a couple bucks anyway, I don't mind spending a little more on film body if it offered specific things that would be worth having. Again, I'm pretty uninformed when it comes to film SLR, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Adam · 08-24-2010, 05:08 PM

The ZX-50 is actually a fairly bad choice, as it doesn't support M and K lenses due to an electronic block.

See here: Pentax Camera Reviews - Reviews of Pentax K-x, K-7, 645D other cameras - PentaxForums.com and here The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

I would recommend the Pentax ZX-5n, as it "has it all" (AF, full manual, full auto, built-in TTL flash, 1/125th sync) and has better build quality.

If you want to go a notch above that, the top two Pentax AF film bodies are the PZ-1 and the MZ-S. They support power-zoom lenses, have top shutter speeds of 1/6000s-1/8000s, and several other advanced features. The MZ-S also imprints data directly onto the film.

One last suggestion- if you instead want to go down the manual-focus route, I'd recommend the Super Program, which is (in my opinion) Pentax's best MF film SLR apart from the LX.

Nesster · 08-24-2010, 05:24 PM

I'm in agreement with what Adam says - though I'd add there are some others - Program Plus is a decent lower spec alternative to Super Pgm (though you're in program only with lenses lacking an aperture ring), ZX-L and some of the other non crippled mount af bodies... they all will do the job.

But I'm wondering, what's wrong with your other two bodies - the ME and K1000 both will do you fine, each in its own way, and get you going with film.

My advice: just start shooting with what you got, put in new light seals if you have to, and see what develops... based on your own experience, you are then in a better position to see what features or performance factors you really miss/need.

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The ZX-50 is actually a fairly bad choice, as it doesn't support M and K lenses due to an electronic block.

I wasn't aware of that, thanks. Even though everything I currently own is an "A" type lens, who know what I might pick up in the future

Originally posted by Adam

If you want to go a notch above that, the top two Pentax AF film bodies are the PZ-1 and the MZ-S. They support power-zoom lenses, have top shutter speeds of 1/6000s-1/8000s, and several other advanced features. The MZ-S also imprints data directly onto the film.

The PZ-1 looks like it might be good choice to look into. The MZ-S would probably be overkill for me at this point and a bit more than I'd like to initially spend to try film. Just out of curiosity, when you the Mz-S imprints data onto the film, do you mean things like the shutter speed and aperture type info? Is it visible on the print itself (which wouldn't make sense) or is it on the film outside the part that is made into a print (which would be coll and make more sense).

Originally posted by Adam

One last suggestion- if you instead want to go down the manual-focus route, I'd recommend the Super Program, which is (in my opinion) Pentax's best MF film SLR apart from the LX.

I thought about a MF body as well, but to be honest I've had limited success so far MF on my DSLR bodies (outside of using LV). I'm sure using the stuck focusing screen in my K7/Kx isn't helping matters, but the thought of using my A50/1.2 on film where my in-focus success fate is pitiful sounds like it could be very costly and frustrating

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by Nesster

I'm in agreement with what Adam says - though I'd add there are some others - Program Plus is a decent lower spec alternative to Super Pgm (though you're in program only with lenses lacking an aperture ring), ZX-L and some of the other non crippled mount af bodies... they all will do the job.

But I'm wondering, what's wrong with your other two bodies - the ME and K1000 both will do you fine, each in its own way, and get you going with film.

My advice: just start shooting with what you got, put in new light seals if you have to, and see what develops... based on your own experience, you are then in a better position to see what features or performance factors you really miss/need.

Thanks for the reply. Regarding using the K1000 or ME that I have, as I mentioned in my reply to Adam, I am hesitant to start with MF for film because my experience using MF on my DSLR bodies has been less than stellar. I guess I was concerned I would end up with 24 out of focus shots every time I develop a roll of film. Then again, my only MF lens is an A50/1.2 and trying to focus with the razor thin DOF at f/1.2 on a stock DSLR focusing screen was probably setting myself up for failure

As for the ZX-50 I have, I can certainly start shooting with it while I get used to film. I guess I was just wondering what the best options would be since I don't mind spending a little bit of money if there were features and/or reasons to pick something else up.

Nesster · 08-24-2010, 06:06 PM

Just to point out, the MF cameras were built for MF'ing

and have large, focus friendly view finders. Buy a cheap roll of 24 exposure color film, try one of the mf cameras, take the film to a local drugstore lab, have them make a cd for you --- and see what happens.

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 06:15 PM

Originally posted by Nesster

Just to point out, the MF cameras were built for MF'ing

and have large, focus friendly view finders. Buy a cheap roll of 24 exposure color film, try one of the mf cameras, take the film to a local drugstore lab, have them make a cd for you --- and see what happens.

Well I did try to pass off some of the blame for my lack of MF skills on the stock DSLR viewfinder which isn't exactly optimized for MF, nor fast (f/1.2) lenses

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

The K1000 is a great choice, but a KM is even better and usually cheaper.
There is currently a KM body for sale (by a good seller) in The Marketplace.

Chris

I think I'll give the K1000 a try first since I have one. I actually just pulled it out of the closet and mounted a lens up to it for the first time. Holy giant viewfinder! Nice and bright too

Ok, so I think I figured out how to use it. Basically I set the iso of the film within the shutter speed dial, then set the aperture on the ring of the lens and then dial in the shutter speed until the needle on the right side of the viewfinder is in the middle (or set the shutter speed first and then move the aperture to balance the exposure).

Ok, next stupid question, unlike the ZX-50 I tired over the weekend, I assume that I'll have to advance and rewind the film manually. I get how to advance the film, but is there anything I should know to load it and rewind it? I would hate to take a whole roll of shots and then accidently do something stupid and exposure the whole roll because I didn't rewind it right

freedomflashing · 08-24-2010, 06:33 PM

I happened to get a Superprogram body with a set of lenses I bought and I never even used it for six months. I had such a hard time focusing the lenses I had bought on my DSLR I thought for sure I'd need to buy a autofocus film body. Then I decided to try a role. My first roll was a distaster not because the pictures were out of focus, but because I didn't read the manual and wasn't even advancing the film!

When I loaded the camera I was amazed to find that all of my first roll was focused purposely and now I'm so glad I didn't waste the time and money getting one of the cheap plasticky autofocus bodies. If I want to shoot quick and not think about I shoot digital and if I want to manually focus and really think about each shot I just break out my superprogram. Now my white KX and K100D sit idly when I'm not shooting a wedding or something, and I almost exclusively shoot film for pleasure. I'd definitely recommending giving one of those fine manual focus bodies a go round!

Blue · 08-24-2010, 06:36 PM

There are a lot of good mf Pentax bodies out there. However, if you have one of the pre-plastic K000, you are good to go. If you find yourself digging it, look into a K2, KX or KM. I like the ME Super/ME F bodies and the SuperProgram also.

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by freedomflashing

I happened to get a Superprogram body with a set of lenses I bought and I never even used it for six months. I had such a hard time focusing the lenses I had bought on my DSLR I thought for sure I'd need to buy a autofocus film body. Then I decided to try a role. My first roll was a distaster not because the pictures were out of focus, but because I didn't read the manual and wasn't even advancing the film!

When I loaded the camera I was amazed to find that all of my first roll was focused purposely and now I'm so glad I didn't waste the time and money getting one of the cheap plasticky autofocus bodies. If I want to shoot quick and not think about I shoot digital and if I want to manually focus and really think about each shot I just break out my superprogram. Now my white KX and K100D sit idly when I'm not shooting a wedding or something, and I almost exclusively shoot film for pleasure. I'd definitely recommending giving one of those fine manual focus bodies a go round!

Over the past half-hour I am coming to the same conclusion. I've been fooling around with the K1000 body I have (also been sitting unused for months after getting with some other lenses) and I have to say manually focusing with it (and a bright MF A50/1.2) doesn't seem nearly as bad as with my K7. Granted I haven't actually taken any shots on film with it yet to see if I'm even close, but it so much easier to see things snap into focus on the screen with the K1000.

Also agree about the plastic AF bodies. I shot a roll this past weekend with the ZX-50. It was ok, but I got to thinking at that point I might as well shoot on the K7. There was something about mounting $1000 pieces of glass to the ZX-50 that just didn't seem right

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by Blue

There are a lot of good mf Pentax bodies out there. However, if you have one of the pre-plastic K000, you are good to go. If you find yourself digging it, look into a K2, KX or KM. I like the ME Super/ME F bodies and the SuperProgram also.

I'm 99% sure I have a "pre-plastic" K1000 as it weight about the same as my K7 (over 600 grams) and feels quite substantial. Everything seems metal except maybe the black grip, not sure if that is too. I attached a picture below, any chance can you tell which K1000 it is from the picture? (didn't know there were "different" K1000 until your post)

EDIT: I checked out the thread with the K1000 serial numbers and determined mine is the metal one (serial number 782xxxx).

freedomflashing · 08-24-2010, 06:54 PM

You'll definitely find it rewarding I think. I find myself taking a camera with me more whether I end up shooting or not. It just feels right carrying such a nice looking solid camera with you.

Blue · 08-24-2010, 07:03 PM

Originally posted by dgaies

I'm 99% sure I have a "pre-plastic" K1000 as it weight about the same as my K7 (over 600 grams) and feels quite substantial. Everything seems metal except maybe the black grip, not sure if that is too. I attached a picture below, any chance can you tell which K1000 it is from the picture? (didn't know there were "different" K1000 until your post)

That looks like one of the pre-Chinese models. Ole has a data base project collecting serial # and characteristics. There are roughly 4 basic K1000. The 1st is the Japanese made ones the first 2 years they were made. After that, they were made in Taiwan or Hong Kong up until 1990 after which they were made in China. Those usually have a plastic bottom plate and some plastic internal gears and weighed 525 grams compared to 620 for the Japanese models. There was also several runs of K1000 SE. The SE have the split prism screen but there are regular k1000 that had that as an option as well. Erik Hendrickson told me that there were at least 3 different K1000 focusing screens.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-manual-focus-film-slr-camera-revie...tax-k1000.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/51190-k1000-se...-database.html

There seems to be a problem with the data base at the moment.

dgaies · 08-24-2010, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by Blue

That looks like one of the pre-Chinese models. Ole has a data base project collecting serial # and characteristics. There are roughly 4 basic K1000. The 1st is the Japanese made ones the first 2 years they were made. After that, they were made in Taiwan or Hong Kong up until 1990 after which they were made in China. Those usually have a plastic bottom plate and some plastic internal gears and weighed 525 grams compared to 620 for the Japanese models. There was also several runs of K1000 SE. The SE have the split prism screen but there are regular k1000 that had that as an option as well. Erik Hendrickson told me that there were at least 3 different K1000 focusing screens.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-manual-focus-film-slr-camera-revie...tax-k1000.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/51190-k1000-se...-database.html

There seems to be a problem with the data base at the moment.

I saw that K1000 sticky right after I posted last time. It seems mine was made in one of the last batches (serial number 782xxxx) before they started replacing parts with plastic (mine weights about 620 grams). Interesting info in there. I don't think I have a split screen, but there is a small circle in the middle that has more texture than the rest of the screen. Not sure what type of focusing screen that is (stock or something else).

08-24-2010, 04:22 PM	#1
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Good film camera to start with I've been using a DSLR for about 6 years now, and have zero experience with film SLR cameras. However, over the past year I've accumulated a rather nice collection of Pentax glass, most of which could be used well with film. I would like to try shooting some film, probably B+W, and was wondering if you guys had a recommendation for a good camera to start with. For what it's worth, I actually already have a like-new ZX-50 (w/ grip) and a couple of older manual focus cameras, the K1000 and ME (all of these I got when I bought lenses that came with bodies). I ran an old, expired roll of film through the ZX-50 to make sure it worked and other than the color and grain looking a little off, it seems to function fine. Anyway, I guess my question is are there features on other film bodies beyond what the ZX-50 has that would be worth looking into or should I just stick with it to start? Seeing as the film and processing is going to cost me a couple bucks anyway, I don't mind spending a little more on film body if it offered specific things that would be worth having. Again, I'm pretty uninformed when it comes to film SLR, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

08-24-2010, 05:08 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	The ZX-50 is actually a fairly bad choice, as it doesn't support M and K lenses due to an electronic block. See here: Pentax Camera Reviews - Reviews of Pentax K-x, K-7, 645D other cameras - PentaxForums.com and here The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart I would recommend the Pentax ZX-5n, as it "has it all" (AF, full manual, full auto, built-in TTL flash, 1/125th sync) and has better build quality. If you want to go a notch above that, the top two Pentax AF film bodies are the PZ-1 and the MZ-S. They support power-zoom lenses, have top shutter speeds of 1/6000s-1/8000s, and several other advanced features. The MZ-S also imprints data directly onto the film. One last suggestion- if you instead want to go down the manual-focus route, I'd recommend the Super Program, which is (in my opinion) Pentax's best MF film SLR apart from the LX. 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:

08-24-2010, 06:51 PM	#12
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blue There are a lot of good mf Pentax bodies out there. However, if you have one of the pre-plastic K000, you are good to go. If you find yourself digging it, look into a K2, KX or KM. I like the ME Super/ME F bodies and the SuperProgram also. I'm 99% sure I have a "pre-plastic" K1000 as it weight about the same as my K7 (over 600 grams) and feels quite substantial. Everything seems metal except maybe the black grip, not sure if that is too. I attached a picture below, any chance can you tell which K1000 it is from the picture? (didn't know there were "different" K1000 until your post) EDIT: I checked out the thread with the K1000 serial numbers and determined mine is the metal one (serial number 782xxxx). Last edited by dgaies; 08-24-2010 at 07:00 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What does it take to start a photography or camera website?	jct us101	General Talk	25	07-09-2009 10:18 PM
Ritz Camera NA to close 300 stores, liquidation to start April 4, 2009	eclipsed450	General Talk	28	04-25-2009 07:15 AM
favourite film camera and other film cameras?	k100d	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	54	03-25-2009 09:13 PM
What you care more on shopping digital camera, good quality or or good looking?	emilyy	General Talk	19	12-12-2008 07:35 PM
Looking to build a small aresenal for K100D, is this a good start?	Shogo	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	27	04-14-2008 11:18 AM

08-24-2010, 05:24 PM	#3
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	I'm in agreement with what Adam says - though I'd add there are some others - Program Plus is a decent lower spec alternative to Super Pgm (though you're in program only with lenses lacking an aperture ring), ZX-L and some of the other non crippled mount af bodies... they all will do the job. But I'm wondering, what's wrong with your other two bodies - the ME and K1000 both will do you fine, each in its own way, and get you going with film. My advice: just start shooting with what you got, put in new light seals if you have to, and see what develops... based on your own experience, you are then in a better position to see what features or performance factors you really miss/need.

08-24-2010, 05:24 PM	#4
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The ZX-50 is actually a fairly bad choice, as it doesn't support M and K lenses due to an electronic block. I wasn't aware of that, thanks. Even though everything I currently own is an "A" type lens, who know what I might pick up in the future Originally posted by Adam If you want to go a notch above that, the top two Pentax AF film bodies are the PZ-1 and the MZ-S. They support power-zoom lenses, have top shutter speeds of 1/6000s-1/8000s, and several other advanced features. The MZ-S also imprints data directly onto the film. The PZ-1 looks like it might be good choice to look into. The MZ-S would probably be overkill for me at this point and a bit more than I'd like to initially spend to try film. Just out of curiosity, when you the Mz-S imprints data onto the film, do you mean things like the shutter speed and aperture type info? Is it visible on the print itself (which wouldn't make sense) or is it on the film outside the part that is made into a print (which would be coll and make more sense). Originally posted by Adam One last suggestion- if you instead want to go down the manual-focus route, I'd recommend the Super Program, which is (in my opinion) Pentax's best MF film SLR apart from the LX. I thought about a MF body as well, but to be honest I've had limited success so far MF on my DSLR bodies (outside of using LV). I'm sure using the stuck focusing screen in my K7/Kx isn't helping matters, but the thought of using my A50/1.2 on film where my in-focus success fate is pitiful sounds like it could be very costly and frustrating

08-24-2010, 05:31 PM	#5
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917 Original Poster	Originally posted by Nesster I'm in agreement with what Adam says - though I'd add there are some others - Program Plus is a decent lower spec alternative to Super Pgm (though you're in program only with lenses lacking an aperture ring), ZX-L and some of the other non crippled mount af bodies... they all will do the job. But I'm wondering, what's wrong with your other two bodies - the ME and K1000 both will do you fine, each in its own way, and get you going with film. My advice: just start shooting with what you got, put in new light seals if you have to, and see what develops... based on your own experience, you are then in a better position to see what features or performance factors you really miss/need. Thanks for the reply. Regarding using the K1000 or ME that I have, as I mentioned in my reply to Adam, I am hesitant to start with MF for film because my experience using MF on my DSLR bodies has been less than stellar. I guess I was concerned I would end up with 24 out of focus shots every time I develop a roll of film. Then again, my only MF lens is an A50/1.2 and trying to focus with the razor thin DOF at f/1.2 on a stock DSLR focusing screen was probably setting myself up for failure As for the ZX-50 I have, I can certainly start shooting with it while I get used to film. I guess I was just wondering what the best options would be since I don't mind spending a little bit of money if there were features and/or reasons to pick something else up.

08-24-2010, 06:06 PM	#6
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Just to point out, the MF cameras were built for MF'ing and have large, focus friendly view finders. Buy a cheap roll of 24 exposure color film, try one of the mf cameras, take the film to a local drugstore lab, have them make a cd for you --- and see what happens.

08-24-2010, 06:15 PM	#7
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917 Original Poster	Originally posted by Nesster Just to point out, the MF cameras were built for MF'ing and have large, focus friendly view finders. Buy a cheap roll of 24 exposure color film, try one of the mf cameras, take the film to a local drugstore lab, have them make a cd for you --- and see what happens. Well I did try to pass off some of the blame for my lack of MF skills on the stock DSLR viewfinder which isn't exactly optimized for MF, nor fast (f/1.2) lenses

08-24-2010, 06:22 PM	#8
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt The K1000 is a great choice, but a KM is even better and usually cheaper. There is currently a KM body for sale (by a good seller) in The Marketplace. Chris I think I'll give the K1000 a try first since I have one. I actually just pulled it out of the closet and mounted a lens up to it for the first time. Holy giant viewfinder! Nice and bright too Ok, so I think I figured out how to use it. Basically I set the iso of the film within the shutter speed dial, then set the aperture on the ring of the lens and then dial in the shutter speed until the needle on the right side of the viewfinder is in the middle (or set the shutter speed first and then move the aperture to balance the exposure). Ok, next stupid question, unlike the ZX-50 I tired over the weekend, I assume that I'll have to advance and rewind the film manually. I get how to advance the film, but is there anything I should know to load it and rewind it? I would hate to take a whole roll of shots and then accidently do something stupid and exposure the whole roll because I didn't rewind it right

08-24-2010, 06:33 PM	#9
freedomflashing New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: IL Posts: 23	I happened to get a Superprogram body with a set of lenses I bought and I never even used it for six months. I had such a hard time focusing the lenses I had bought on my DSLR I thought for sure I'd need to buy a autofocus film body. Then I decided to try a role. My first roll was a distaster not because the pictures were out of focus, but because I didn't read the manual and wasn't even advancing the film! When I loaded the camera I was amazed to find that all of my first roll was focused purposely and now I'm so glad I didn't waste the time and money getting one of the cheap plasticky autofocus bodies. If I want to shoot quick and not think about I shoot digital and if I want to manually focus and really think about each shot I just break out my superprogram. Now my white KX and K100D sit idly when I'm not shooting a wedding or something, and I almost exclusively shoot film for pleasure. I'd definitely recommending giving one of those fine manual focus bodies a go round!

08-24-2010, 06:36 PM	#10
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	There are a lot of good mf Pentax bodies out there. However, if you have one of the pre-plastic K000, you are good to go. If you find yourself digging it, look into a K2, KX or KM. I like the ME Super/ME F bodies and the SuperProgram also.

08-24-2010, 06:38 PM	#11
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917 Original Poster	Originally posted by freedomflashing I happened to get a Superprogram body with a set of lenses I bought and I never even used it for six months. I had such a hard time focusing the lenses I had bought on my DSLR I thought for sure I'd need to buy a autofocus film body. Then I decided to try a role. My first roll was a distaster not because the pictures were out of focus, but because I didn't read the manual and wasn't even advancing the film! When I loaded the camera I was amazed to find that all of my first roll was focused purposely and now I'm so glad I didn't waste the time and money getting one of the cheap plasticky autofocus bodies. If I want to shoot quick and not think about I shoot digital and if I want to manually focus and really think about each shot I just break out my superprogram. Now my white KX and K100D sit idly when I'm not shooting a wedding or something, and I almost exclusively shoot film for pleasure. I'd definitely recommending giving one of those fine manual focus bodies a go round! Over the past half-hour I am coming to the same conclusion. I've been fooling around with the K1000 body I have (also been sitting unused for months after getting with some other lenses) and I have to say manually focusing with it (and a bright MF A50/1.2) doesn't seem nearly as bad as with my K7. Granted I haven't actually taken any shots on film with it yet to see if I'm even close, but it so much easier to see things snap into focus on the screen with the K1000. Also agree about the plastic AF bodies. I shot a roll this past weekend with the ZX-50. It was ok, but I got to thinking at that point I might as well shoot on the K7. There was something about mounting $1000 pieces of glass to the ZX-50 that just didn't seem right

08-24-2010, 06:54 PM	#13
freedomflashing New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: IL Posts: 23	You'll definitely find it rewarding I think. I find myself taking a camera with me more whether I end up shooting or not. It just feels right carrying such a nice looking solid camera with you.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

08-24-2010, 07:03 PM	#14
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by dgaies I'm 99% sure I have a "pre-plastic" K1000 as it weight about the same as my K7 (over 600 grams) and feels quite substantial. Everything seems metal except maybe the black grip, not sure if that is too. I attached a picture below, any chance can you tell which K1000 it is from the picture? (didn't know there were "different" K1000 until your post) That looks like one of the pre-Chinese models. Ole has a data base project collecting serial # and characteristics. There are roughly 4 basic K1000. The 1st is the Japanese made ones the first 2 years they were made. After that, they were made in Taiwan or Hong Kong up until 1990 after which they were made in China. Those usually have a plastic bottom plate and some plastic internal gears and weighed 525 grams compared to 620 for the Japanese models. There was also several runs of K1000 SE. The SE have the split prism screen but there are regular k1000 that had that as an option as well. Erik Hendrickson told me that there were at least 3 different K1000 focusing screens. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-manual-focus-film-slr-camera-revie...tax-k1000.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/51190-k1000-se...-database.html There seems to be a problem with the data base at the moment.

08-24-2010, 07:11 PM	#15
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blue That looks like one of the pre-Chinese models. Ole has a data base project collecting serial # and characteristics. There are roughly 4 basic K1000. The 1st is the Japanese made ones the first 2 years they were made. After that, they were made in Taiwan or Hong Kong up until 1990 after which they were made in China. Those usually have a plastic bottom plate and some plastic internal gears and weighed 525 grams compared to 620 for the Japanese models. There was also several runs of K1000 SE. The SE have the split prism screen but there are regular k1000 that had that as an option as well. Erik Hendrickson told me that there were at least 3 different K1000 focusing screens. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-manual-focus-film-slr-camera-revie...tax-k1000.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/51190-k1000-se...-database.html There seems to be a problem with the data base at the moment. I saw that K1000 sticky right after I posted last time. It seems mine was made in one of the last batches (serial number 782xxxx) before they started replacing parts with plastic (mine weights about 620 grams). Interesting info in there. I don't think I have a split screen, but there is a small circle in the middle that has more texture than the rest of the screen. Not sure what type of focusing screen that is (stock or something else).