[Biro]

I was scanning through KEH's website today and noticed some K1000's in excellent condition. If I could use my modern (as in since 2008) K-mount lenses on the camera, it might be fun to pick up a K1000. Mind you, I understand the lenses would all be manual focus (just as the old lenses were on that camera) But what about aperture control? I also understand only some of my modern lenses with cover a full-frame image circle. But I have a few. I started serious photography in the mid-1970's with a 100% manual Minolta SRT-200 that I still own (but with only one lens: the Rokkor-X 50mm f/2.0).

[Dangermouse]

If the lens has no aperture ring (and I think the FA50 and the FA Ltds are the only lenses with this still in production?) then it'll be stuck at the smallest aperture.

There are some film bodies which can control the aperture from the camera body, or you could buy some manual lenses to go with a K1000.

The P30 can work with modern lenses but you'll be stuck in program mode with no idea of what aperture the camera has picked, it will tell you the shutter speed though.

[6BQ5]

Like Dangermouse said above, I think your best bet is to get a slightly more modern film body with some sort of aperture control. The ZX-60 has Av mode. I use my DA 35mm f/2.4 as a FF lens and it works well.

Alternatively, you could make sure whatever lenses you get for this application have aperture rings. The FA Ltds, the D-FA 50mm, and the FA 50mm f/1.4 are examples.

Otherwise, you have to step back to discontinued primes and zooms. That's not a bad thing. Those lenses can be very good.

[robthebloke]

Mz7, mz6, z1p. Those are the best bodies for da lenses. All da primes from 40mm and up work. The da 35 f2.4 also works. Some zooms can be used in some of the zoom range.

[Biro]

Okay, then. That's good information. I'll check out some of the more-modern Pentax film bodies.

[ChristianRock]

Or, you can get some old primes. A setup with the M 28 2.8, M 50 1.7 and M 135 3.5 will be pretty cheap and give you great pictures Go full manual and rediscover the joy!

[ramseybuckeye]

One other thing to watch is some of the lenses that cover full frame may have a hood designed for digital, so it could appear in the frame.

[kchamber4]

I have a PZ-10 camera with a 28-80 AF lens that I don't use at all. The eye cup is missing, but the rest of the camera is in great shape. Send me a PM with a price you would be will in to purchase it for including shipping and I probably will sell it to you. Just don't use it. No need to keep it around.

[Dangermouse]

Of the options listed I'd go for the PZ-1/Z-1.

The MZ/ZX series bodies seem to have a fundamental flaw in the form of a plastic gear on the drive motor. This splits, leaving the camera making pained whirring noises. Obviously it can be replaced (and there are replacement motors with a metal gear) but it's a swine of a job. Tried it on an MZ-7 with no success!

[Pioneer]

I think everyone should mount a DA lens to their K1000 and experience the challenge it creates. You may be surprised what you learn if you spend a bit of time doing it. Limitations can be good.

[robthebloke]

If you like shooting everything at f22, then mount a DA to your k1000. Otherwise, use a body that lets you control the aperture.

[ChristianRock]

The kit lens (18-55) goes down to like f45 or something. What would it do when mounted to the K1000, I wonder? Probably f22 I think...

[stevebrot]

The kit lens (18-55) goes down to like f45 or something. What would it do when mounted to the K1000, I wonder? Probably f22 I think...

f/45

The body will move the lever full travel.


Steve