[extravagrant]

I have a K-5 as my main camera and I have a K1000 for back-to-basics film, but I'd like to get a film camera with autofocus that I can use my FA 50/1.4 and Tamron 28-75 with.

I've never shot film that wasn't all manual (and I can't replace the battery on my K1000, so I don't even have a meter), so I don't know what bells and whistles I might be missing out on, but I'm leaning towards the most bare-bones model I need (read: super cheap), but I'm a little overwhelmed by the options.

Suggestions? Warnings?

Thanks in advance

[Adam]

A zx-5n would probably be a good choice, as it's automatic while still allowing you to switch over to any of the 3 other modes.

There are a few slr's that won't take manual or even A lenses, so stay away from those. There's a comparison chart on mosphotos.com listing those bodies.

[extravagrant]

Is this what you're referring to?

http://www.mosphotos.com/PentaxLensCompatibility.html

Thanks for the input

[Swift1]

You might want to check out the PZ-1P, Z1-P.
Also check out the MZ-L, ZX-L. All thes bodies give you Av mode with DA lenses.

[PGillin]

I've never shot film that wasn't all manual (and I can't replace the battery on my K1000, so I don't even have a meter), so I don't know what bells and whistles I might be missing out on, but I'm leaning towards the most bare-bones model I need (read: super cheap), but I'm a little overwhelmed by the options.

Suggestions? Warnings?

Thanks in advance

Suggestion-
Replace the K1000 battery. If you're thinking the battery is irreplaceable due to mercury battery or voltage issues, you're wrong. Modern 1.5v batteries work in ALL Pentax cameras.

I think the body suggestions already given are sound.

Best of Luck!

[GeneV]

I also found the ZX-L to be the easiest transition from AF DSLRs. They do have a gear that is reputedly a weak spot, but fortunately, they are cheap.

[Nesster]

If you can compromise on the af, I'd suggest a Super Program or Program Plus as having a nicer feel than the AF bodies, with the ability to shoot any digital/af lenses in at least program mode.

In AF I have the ZX-L and the ZX-10, both for their non crippled mount; the L is noticeably better in some important parameters: adjustability, metering range...

[extravagrant]

Suggestion-
Replace the K1000 battery. If you're thinking the battery is irreplaceable due to mercury battery or voltage issues, you're wrong. Modern 1.5v batteries work in ALL Pentax cameras.

I think the body suggestions already given are sound.

Best of Luck!

No, the battery is irreplaceable because I think the battery in there corroded and I can't open the compartment. I also picked up a Mamiya 645 and I don't have the metering prism for that, so I'm probably just going to get a light meter one of these days. For now, I kind of like the challenge of training my eye to figure out the right exposure value.

[builttospill]

I've never done this, but have read many others' experiences with removing a corroded battery after soaking the base of the camera in vinegar for a while.

[Nesster]

I've never done this, but have read many others' experiences with removing a corroded battery after soaking the base of the camera in vinegar for a while.

it works but don't soak it too long as that starts to damage the chrome. Go ahead, ask me how I know

Another thing that might be worth a try is a WD40 soak.

Also, if you have a spanner wrench where you can get the needles in the battery cover, you can use that to twist if the coin slot is ruined...

[builttospill]

it works but don't soak it too long as that starts to damage the chrome. Go ahead, ask me how I know

That's too bad about the damage. I figured someone with more experience (good or bad) would chime in and give us more info.

[Nesster]

As it did not loosen the crud, I let it soak over a day as far as I can recall. A couple of hours is fine.

[extravagrant]

Thanks for the advice, all. I picked up a ZX-L from KEH