I got a second chance offer on ebay for Asahi Pentax KX

geekette · 04-13-2011, 10:22 PM

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Asahi Pentax KX Camera Body - eBay (item 270735584078 end time Apr-14-11 19:50:57 PDT)

Should I get it? $35. They claim it is 100% functional.. just shows some wear and dings.

joe.penn · 04-13-2011, 10:55 PM

No, you should buy my fully functional KM instead

stevebrot · 04-13-2011, 11:13 PM

Originally posted by joe.penn

No, you should buy my fully functional KM instead

If you are selling a KM, the marketplace is the place to list it

Seriously though...To the OP...The camera on the eBay listing is in pretty rough shape cosmetically based on the description. My expectation is that it will most likely require a full CLA to bring it up to good working condition (another $75 minimum). If you are interested in a price at the low end of the range ($35) a clean KM may well be the better option. You may still need the CLA, but will at least have a pretty camera when the money is spent. (Joe...this is where you PM the OP and suggest that your camera might suit his needs.)

Steve

selar · 04-13-2011, 11:14 PM

Originally posted by geekette

Should I get it? $35. They claim it is 100% functional.. just shows some wear and dings.

As long as you realize its a film camera from the 1970s, and not the digital SLR.

joe.penn · 04-13-2011, 11:20 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

If you are selling a KM, the marketplace is the place to list it

(Joe...this is where you PM the OP and suggest that your camera might suit his needs.)

Steve

Ya, I was thinking earlier this week about putting it up in the marketplace along with a couple lenses, just haven't had time to take any pics of it - maybe i can get it listed over the weekend

geekette · 04-13-2011, 11:29 PM

selar, lol I used to shoot with film back in the 80's on my k1000d :P

selar · 04-14-2011, 02:26 AM

Sorry, I just wanted to help, it was not my intention to put you down.

Nesster · 04-14-2011, 06:20 AM

For $35, if you have the cash, why not? The two worst-case scenarios are that the shutter will need CLA (curtains drag or run unevenly) or that the camera will freeze on you, mid stroke. Both cases should be standard service by Eric.
The next worst is that the meter doesn't work, in which case you can still use the camera, or have it repaired by Eric. I think the meter on these is pretty reliable however.
The most likely thing is you'll have to spend the $11 or whatever it is these days to get a light seal kit, and the hour or less it takes to put the new seals in.

I paid much much more for my KX at a camera store, and it will need a CLA from Eric, though I did get several rolls through it before that point was reached (mine has a sticky aperture follower ring in the mount).

I say: that's an excellent price and even if you decide not to pay for a CLA, I'm certain there are people here who will buy it off you at no loss to you.

stevebrot · 04-14-2011, 08:07 AM

Originally posted by Nesster

I say: that's an excellent price and

Jussi...Did you read the item description for the auction? The camera has been roughly used and the question is always whether it makes sense to CLA a beater. Even if freshly CLA'd, the resale value is not much more than the asking price.

Just my opinion, however

Steve

Nesster · 04-14-2011, 08:32 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Jussi...Did you read the item description for the auction? The camera has been roughly used and the question is always whether it makes sense to CLA a beater. Even if freshly CLA'd, the resale value is not much more than the asking price.

Just my opinion, however

Steve

True it has some dings and wear, but often a well used sample will work better than a pristine-looking one. Also, the seller has 100% feedback and indicates he's a camera dealer, so I would trust the characterization that the camera is operational.

My guess is that it is a good user camera, and that a CLA may be needed sometime down the road, but not necessarily immediately, depending on one's standards when it comes to things like that. I'd buy it with the expectation that I'd get good use out of it right out of the box, at an excellent price that goes a long way to mitigate any risk.

I would not expect to get all my money back after a CLA when selling this camera, but then that tends to be the case for most user bodies.

p.s. this is a lucky post for me, as much to my surprise I also got a second chance offering... for a 1932 Journal of British Photography annual.

PGillin · 04-14-2011, 05:50 PM

That's a really good price for a KX. If the seller is reputable and the cosmetics don't bother you, you're getting a potentially working camera for very little. I would have it CLA'd after a few months, because by then you'll know if you're keeping it and if it needs any special attention during the CLA.

04-13-2011, 10:22 PM	#1
geekette Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 528	I got a second chance offer on ebay for Asahi Pentax KX Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Asahi Pentax KX Camera Body - eBay (item 270735584078 end time Apr-14-11 19:50:57 PDT) Should I get it? $35. They claim it is 100% functional.. just shows some wear and dings.

04-14-2011, 08:32 AM	#10
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Originally posted by stevebrot Jussi...Did you read the item description for the auction? The camera has been roughly used and the question is always whether it makes sense to CLA a beater. Even if freshly CLA'd, the resale value is not much more than the asking price. Just my opinion, however Steve True it has some dings and wear, but often a well used sample will work better than a pristine-looking one. Also, the seller has 100% feedback and indicates he's a camera dealer, so I would trust the characterization that the camera is operational. My guess is that it is a good user camera, and that a CLA may be needed sometime down the road, but not necessarily immediately, depending on one's standards when it comes to things like that. I'd buy it with the expectation that I'd get good use out of it right out of the box, at an excellent price that goes a long way to mitigate any risk. I would not expect to get all my money back after a CLA when selling this camera, but then that tends to be the case for most user bodies. p.s. this is a lucky post for me, as much to my surprise I also got a second chance offering... for a 1932 Journal of British Photography annual. Last edited by Nesster; 04-14-2011 at 10:08 AM.

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04-13-2011, 10:55 PM	#2
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	No, you should buy my fully functional KM instead

04-13-2011, 11:13 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by joe.penn No, you should buy my fully functional KM instead If you are selling a KM, the marketplace is the place to list it Seriously though...To the OP...The camera on the eBay listing is in pretty rough shape cosmetically based on the description. My expectation is that it will most likely require a full CLA to bring it up to good working condition (another $75 minimum). If you are interested in a price at the low end of the range ($35) a clean KM may well be the better option. You may still need the CLA, but will at least have a pretty camera when the money is spent. (Joe...this is where you PM the OP and suggest that your camera might suit his needs.) Steve

04-13-2011, 11:14 PM	#4
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Originally posted by geekette Should I get it? $35. They claim it is 100% functional.. just shows some wear and dings. As long as you realize its a film camera from the 1970s, and not the digital SLR.

04-13-2011, 11:20 PM	#5
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by stevebrot If you are selling a KM, the marketplace is the place to list it (Joe...this is where you PM the OP and suggest that your camera might suit his needs.) Steve Ya, I was thinking earlier this week about putting it up in the marketplace along with a couple lenses, just haven't had time to take any pics of it - maybe i can get it listed over the weekend

04-13-2011, 11:29 PM	#6
geekette Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 528 Original Poster	selar, lol I used to shoot with film back in the 80's on my k1000d :P

04-14-2011, 02:26 AM	#7
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Sorry, I just wanted to help, it was not my intention to put you down.

04-14-2011, 06:20 AM	#8
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	For $35, if you have the cash, why not? The two worst-case scenarios are that the shutter will need CLA (curtains drag or run unevenly) or that the camera will freeze on you, mid stroke. Both cases should be standard service by Eric. The next worst is that the meter doesn't work, in which case you can still use the camera, or have it repaired by Eric. I think the meter on these is pretty reliable however. The most likely thing is you'll have to spend the $11 or whatever it is these days to get a light seal kit, and the hour or less it takes to put the new seals in. I paid much much more for my KX at a camera store, and it will need a CLA from Eric, though I did get several rolls through it before that point was reached (mine has a sticky aperture follower ring in the mount). I say: that's an excellent price and even if you decide not to pay for a CLA, I'm certain there are people here who will buy it off you at no loss to you.

04-14-2011, 08:07 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Nesster I say: that's an excellent price and Jussi...Did you read the item description for the auction? The camera has been roughly used and the question is always whether it makes sense to CLA a beater. Even if freshly CLA'd, the resale value is not much more than the asking price. Just my opinion, however Steve

04-14-2011, 05:50 PM	#11
PGillin Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southern Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 343	That's a really good price for a KX. If the seller is reputable and the cosmetics don't bother you, you're getting a potentially working camera for very little. I would have it CLA'd after a few months, because by then you'll know if you're keeping it and if it needs any special attention during the CLA.