Originally posted by beaumont Thanks for the feedback. Generally speaking, is one more desireable/collectable than the other?...
thx again.
I don't know that there's a real concensus on that. Many Pentax cameras are still purchased by photographers who want to actually get out and take pictures with them. Leicas and Rolleis, especially the older ones, have a much larger "collector" base. Lots of people still use Leica and Rollei cameras, though.
There are a fair number of fans of the M42 screwmount lenses, which the S1 uses. Some of those lenses are second to none in image quality.
The K1000, on the other hand, while incredibly simple by today's standards, at least has a builtin light meter and uses more modern k-mount lenses. Even autofocus lenses will work on a K1000, as long as the lens has an aperture ring.
In short, I think its up to you, which one you like best, if you can only get one. As I said, the question of which one will be a better investment is not relevant. Neither one is an investment.
If you're looking for investments, collect Leica, Rollei, pre-war Kodaks or Nikons, not Pentax. If you collect Pentax, just buy what you like. Its just a hobby and is supposed to be fun. You can probably buy 20 Pentaxes for the price on one Leica.
Both the S1 and K1000 have very similar body sizes/shapes. The controls are in virtually identical positions. In many ways, the K1000 is the direct descendent of the S1/S2/S3 family, which in turn is descended from the earlier models AP, S and K.
There are a few Pentaxes that command higher prices. The LX regularly sells for $400-600. The original AP, from 1957 can be in the hundreds, perhaps as much as $1000, but they don't appear on the market too often. The slightly more common K and S models from the late fifties often get $300-400 on eBay.
Speaking of eBay, don't be fooled by asking prices. I've seen standard, good (not mint) condition K1000's in eBay with starting bids of $400. They don't sell. A K1000, in working condition, with a 50 or 55mm lens should sell for between $50 and $100.