Great thread! My personal, totally unbiased suggestion, (right!) is that the K1000 while a classic, lacks certain features which will soon really bug you! For example, no on/off switch, no centerweighted metering, no depth of field preview, no motor/winder. You get the picture. It is a fine basic tool, but overpriced today. For example, I found an Olympus OM-10 in virtually like new condition with the f1.8 AND an everready case at a local shop for ... $35.00! Have a look at used K1000 prices at KEH or other reputable dealers.
My suggestion? Okay, the LX is the ultimate film MF Pentax. But...it ain't cheap. Watch for a MX. You'll get: a rugged, mechanical body. Full viewfinder info: shutter speed, f stop. What else do you need? Center weighted metering. Interchangeable viewfinder screens. Depth of field preview. Try shooting macro without that! A winder good for 2 fps. Interchangeable backs, 250 frame bulk film back - but if this is your bag go for the LX, although the data backs are obsolete. A huge, bright viewfinder! Its like a picture window.
One member thought the camera was too small for his hands: get the winder. Not expensive, two frames per second (how many do you really need?) and adds just the needed bulk, makes shooting vertical format much easier and just looks cool. Not too hard or expensive to find.
BTW. While the 50mm f2 is okay, it seems that the f1.7 or f1.4 is better. And of course, if you got lotsa money, go for the f1.2. But look for the A version, so you can use it on your DSLR.
What's not to like? Its an oooold camera! Pentax offers no support, but Brother Eric Henderson
Home is the best in the US. Slow flash sync 1/60. I think the top ASA supported is 1600, but is that a problem?