[builttospill]

Given this, are the K1000/MX stil preferred choices if a new model (1980's manufactured) MF focus is available?

Camera's like the Super A/P3N/MZ-M seem just as cheap (if not cheaper) and look mostly in better condition as they are about a decade newer.

Yes, they are the preferred choice over newer cameras. The 80s cameras aren't anything special; the older ones are built better, have less electronics to fail, look better, and have much larger viewfinders.

[ChrisPlatt]

Why is that?

Another case where "less is more".
For learning IMO simpler is better.

Chris

[Eyewanders]

Another case where "less is more".
For learning IMO simpler is better.

Chris

Absolutely, and IMO that applies to much more than just learning.

[ElJamoquio]

Another case where "less is more".
For learning IMO simpler is better.

Chris

The MX is hardly the space shuttle.

[LesDMess]

With some luck, perhaps you can score both . . .



The K1000SE gives you a split screen. Also, later production runs of the K1000 may not be as desirable - not made in Japan, but I never had an opportunity to use one.

[stevebrot]

Why is that?

The KM is a K1000 with a few of the goodies from the Spotmatic retained...depth-of-field preview and self-timer. It is usually less money and a better value overall than the K1000.

The main features that either a KX or MX bring to the table over the KM is the full-information viewfinder showing both shutter speed and aperture as well as a more sensitive meter. The MX is also quite small which can be either a plus or minus feature depending on the size of your hands.

The camera reviews on this site are a good resource for comparing camera features. I would also recommend the user manuals at the Butkus site:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax.htm

The manuals contain full specifications as well as usage guidelines photos etc. You might also want to search by camera name on Flickr to bring up photos of the various cameras. You might even come up with vintage ads such as this one posted by forum member Nesster:




Steve

BTW...I both own and am partial to the KX as far as Pentax film bodies are concerned, but generally shoot with Ricohs of the same vintage.

---------- Post added 04-27-14 at 12:13 PM ----------

This is about the point at which the thread degenerates to nothing but camera porn. Enjoy!

[ravenorxs]

Im doing this from my phone so I don't know if it will show up but here it is! One of the better conditioned ones. Going to clean it up and give it a whirl

Edit: so the Vancouver swap meet was pretty much heaven for me. I wish i had more time and money. Mx's and k1000's were in ample supply but I wanted one that looked aesthetically pleasing and was in good condition. Probably went through 20 among 5-6 different booths. This was the one I ended up with. Most if the mx's were really dirty or damaged.

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Last edited by ravenorxs; 04-27-2014 at 06:34 PM.

[titrisol]

The MX, no doubt
leaving aside all the nostalgia about the Kseries you will have a very capable camera with small size and better lightmeter

[Moe49]

Im doing this from my phone so I don't know if it will show up but here it is! One of the better conditioned ones. Going to clean it up and give it a whirl

SCORE! That is a beauty!

I also bought a K1000 recently, to finally replace the one that was stolen 28 years ago.
I found it right here at PF Marketplace [thanks Colton].

--Moe--
shooting Asahi since 1977

[filoxophy]

Looks to be in great shape! You'll love it.

[PPPPPP42]

I see you already went, but to others in general:
There is nothing more complicated user wise between a K1000 and MX plus it has a better meter and a much better viewfinder in addition to the other really useful features, no reason to start with a K1000 if you plan to go to an MX. I have both because I wanted both.

Make sure the MX has a good focusing screen in it, many used ones seem to be discolored or scratched and nobody seems to have any good ones anymore. I know Eric is out and last I heard Harrow Technical was saving the last few they had for CLA jobs only and they are probably out now anyways. Dunno about any other sources but you will likely pay as much for the screen as the whole used camera if you need one and they rarely if ever show up used, especially the stock microprism and collar screen.
Also make sure the film counter on an MX both winds all the way to 36 without slipping and then resets properly when you open the door. If the light meter is stuck on instead of coming on with a half press that's an easy fix with the bottom cover off, make sure all the lights work and that the shutter indicator dial in the viewfinder moves with the shutter dial, and make sure the aperture display window isn't damaged.

Also bring batteries and a coin when going to inspect cameras, the lamest old excuse in the world for the seller claiming to not know the meter is trashed is "I didn't have batteries", ignoring that they are sold basically everywhere batteries are sold.
And bring a lens with so you can test everything fully.

Nice K1000 btw, a good Asahi one. The trick to add depth of field preview to the K1000 is to just hit the lens release button and turn the lens ever so slightly as if you were going to take it off, the lens will stop down before the bayonet releases though don't let go of it just in case.

[ChrisPlatt]

Most if the mx's were really dirty or damaged.

That's my experience too. MX black bodies often look beat to death.
OTOH many K1000 bodies were purchased for a college photography course then seldom used.

Enjoy your new K1000, and welcome to the world of 35mm film photography!

Chris

[ravenorxs]

Can somebody give a quick rundown in light seal assessment?

I know very little regarding the insides of the camera. Unfortunately I can see that the light seal for the mirror has a slight indentation to the foam (where it should be straight all the way).

Does this means its compromised and needs replacing? Is there a way to check without loading film and taking pictures?

[filoxophy]

Can somebody give a quick rundown in light seal assessment?

I know very little regarding the insides of the camera. Unfortunately I can see that the light seal for the mirror has a slight indentation to the foam (where it should be straight all the way).

Does this means its compromised and needs replacing? Is there a way to check without loading film and taking pictures?

Can you post a pic of the mirror bumper?

Take a long exposure with no lens and observe if the mirror compresses the foam to create a seal.

[Jonathan Mac]

Functionally, there's not a huge difference. The MX has DoF preview but this can be done on any K-mount SLR in a pinch if you know how. The MX has a lock on the shutter button, which is very useful. Apart from that it really comes down to size. If you have big hands or just like bigger cameras, go for the K1000, if you prefer smaller then go for the MX. I prefer the size and heft of the K1000.

As has been said, a KM is better than a K1000. Much less common but also much less well known, so they tend to go for the same price or less. The KM adds DoF preview to the K1000, not sure about what else. The KX is even better.

Be careful of K1000s though - later versions are plastic and prone to failure. I think they can be identified by the lack of "Asahi" above "Pentax" on the front of the camera.

The most important thing is to make sure it's in good condition and working. Check the light meter. Check that the mirror moves correctly with a lens on the camera and the shutter doesn't fire when it shouldn't.

If you don't see any of the above, the ME, ME Super and P series cameras are very common and can be had very cheaply. They are nice to use and very reliable.