[builttospill]

There is at least one missing - Pentax K10D - the best CCD DSLR out there !!

Agreed. This camera was a game-changer and is a must have, especially for the unbeatable ISO 100 shooting.

So, side note: If I get myself a MX, do I go silver or black?

The MX is also a must have camera, so get one of each color . I sold my silver one a while ago, but I couldn't let me black one go.

My list would contain the above two cameras, along with:
K1000
K1000 SE in brown
K2 DMD
Super Program (for use with DA lenses, such as the DA 40 XS mounted to it now)

[Moe49]

+1 SV

Took my 48 year old SV out to the Salinas Air Show last month. Also shot with the much newer auto-focus MZ-3 that day.
When the developed film came back from Kansas(Dwaynes Photo) I could not at first tell which photos came from which camera


lens: Takumar SMC 28/3.5
camera: Pentax SV
sensor: Kodak Ektar 100
developing & scans: Dwaynes Photo In Kansas

[adpo]

Another vote for the MX, my black MX is my most used film body on the merits of it's light weight, solid build and reliability.
K2DMD and the LX are also good picks.
If you don't mind the heft, the 67II with a 105mm mounted produces some gorgeous shots.
For digital, just get a gripped K-3 silver edition and never worry about technology ever again (until full frame )

[grhazelton]

Good morning all! I am a long time Pentaxian and ever since my dad brought home a brand new K1000 when I was a kid, I have become obsessed. I own several Pentax cameras, but I was wondering what everyone thought of as the Pentax "Must Haves"?

Right now, my collection consists of:
Spotmatic
ME Super
K1000
ZX 50
K200d
K20d
K5

Do I have any glaring holes in my collection that anyone can think of?

MX
LX
And if you want to go medium format: 645n or even a 67.

Warning: Medium format is a whole 'nother ball game!

[Mistral]

So, side note: If I get myself a MX, do I go silver or black?

Go for black (I have 3 silver and a black one).

[Vendee]

So, side note: If I get myself a MX, do I go silver or black?

Black

[gofour3]

KX
MX
LX
6x7

Phil.

[Johnyb3000]

I am saying the LX is a pleasure to run. I would include it in the must have. I was just fondling mine and snapping off some shots today thinking to myself, while I was doing so, how nothing digital brings me as much joy. Attach it's fa-1w view finder for a couple hours then switch to the fb-1 with fd-1 attached for a kick. Then take it up a notch with the fb-1 / fc-1 combination. I had about 7 or 8 frames left in a roll that I went out to shoot off to empty the camera. Intentions were to empty the camera to take photos of the LX to put her up for sale and raise money for a DA 50-135 lens that I think I want for ski season. After shooting those 7 frames plus another roll I have decided to keep her and maybe even put the k5iis on the auction block and go film only for a while till the k3 goes on sale. So in my own self interest I am going to say that the k5iis is a must have. Let me know if you need a slightly used copy.

[grhazelton]

I am saying the LX is a pleasure to run. I would include it in the must have. I was just fondling mine and snapping off some shots today thinking to myself, while I was doing so, how nothing digital brings me as much joy. Attach it's fa-1w view finder for a couple hours then switch to the fb-1 with fd-1 attached for a kick. Then take it up a notch with the fb-1 / fc-1 combination. I had about 7 or 8 frames left in a roll that I went out to shoot off to empty the camera. Intentions were to empty the camera to take photos of the LX to put her up for sale and raise money for a DA 50-135 lens that I think I want for ski season. After shooting those 7 frames plus another roll I have decided to keep her and maybe even put the k5iis on the auction block and go film only for a while till the k3 goes on sale. So in my own self interest I am going to say that the k5iis is a must have. Let me know if you need a slightly used copy.

If you sell the LX the Great Pantheon of Pentaxian Gods will rise in righteous indignation!

[grhazelton]

Black

Agreed, if you can find a black MX that is affordable! I lucked into a black ME-Super at a good price. With a fast 50 or 28 and the winder it is an excellent street shooter. Lovely camera, I do wish it had DOF preview....

[p38arover]

I'd add the SFx/SF1 which, I believe, was the first Pentax SLR with in body AF and auto in-body flash. They are now incredibly cheap to buy.

I bought mine in January 1989.

[alan_smithee_photos]

I love my LX, K-5 IIs, and can seem to part with my K10D. Must haves? I'd say a perfect Spotmatic and a 67 with the wood handle. Iconic.

[on9ye]

Are you a collector? I am, and my must have list:

MX both black & silver
LX and all the finder (and if you can, go for black titanium)
MZ-3 if you can find one
Mz-S
Pz-1 silver that come with the FA 28-70mm f2.8
k-x Limited edition color "kore ja nai"
k-30 because you will never find camera with that design again, in yellow with matching DAL 35mm f2.4 (I hope Ricoh/Pentax will produce colorful choice for DAL 50mm f1.8 too)

[GibbyTheMole]

The Q, It's a blast to use and will make you look at stuff in new way. It's so different you can't compare it to anything else. And it's awesome. :-)

[patrick9]

Not just any 645D. You need the red version!

That is one gorgeous camera