Originally posted by mikemike The cameras that I see which seem to be worthwhile are:
AF:
MZ-S - $400
SFX - $75
MF:
LX - $300
MX - $100
KX - $50
What is the good stuff, what is the junk?
So if I gave myself a $200 budget, I am looking at yielding about 180-500 exposures: a KX (although MX seems like a more attractive ticket for admission), film, and development
Is this accurate? If so it is not that appealing
IMHO you are low on the camera prices if you take into account buying a recently CLA'ed body or paying to have a CLA done immediately after purchase. Additionally you didn't state whether you care about cosmetics, which can drive the body cost up and down in a 20%-ish range. Here's my restatement for CLA'ed bodies:
MZ-S QD = $275 - $325 with a fresh battery and all hinges, springs and attachments functioning.
SFX / SF1 / SF1n = $25 - $75 with fresh batteries and all accessories (an outdated camera, though - DSims is right about the PZ-1 or PZ-1p. There's a veteran member here who believes the PZ-1p is the ultimate Pentax film camera. Find one with a working onboard flash spring - about $125)
LX = Closer to $400, and more if it includes lugs, strap, Grip B, caps and finder caps, diopter adjustment tool or any of a host of accessories. A good CLA is $200 - $250 and a CLA'ed LX should include something money-wise for the value of that.
MX = $125 CLA'ed is about right - maybe $75 for a clean one without a CLA and $50 for a beater with a stock lens attached.
KX = more like $100 CLA'ed.
K1000's can get north of $100 BEFORE the CLA because buyers are crazy.
Last edited by monochrome; 06-05-2014 at 09:31 AM.