[Dartmoor Dave]

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My very first K1000 came with the M50mm/2.0 in 1980. It was the only lens I used for the first couple of years, and now when I look at Kodachromes taken with that lens I've got no complaints.

Later on, I realised that I instinctively see wide and began to use the M35mm/2.8 as my "normal" lens.

Nowadays when I'm using that same 34 year old K1000 I usually use the M24-35mm/3.5. An excellent and quite under-rated lens.

[IHS]

I am selling a K1000 SE 98% condition with a 1.7M lens on eBay as we speak. What a coincidence.
I also have a listing for a list for a mint 1.7M on right now. Mint Pentax 50mm F1 7M Lens for Film Amp Digital | eBay

I think I've bought from you before!!! If not, I've definitely bid on stuff...In fact, I've got an item of yours on my watch list right now!

[Dangermouse]

Is there a good 35-70mm out there ? It'll be great not to have to multiply those numbers by 1.5 !

Yep, there are three:

There's the M 35-70mm f2.8-3.5

The A 35-70mm f4

and the A 35-70mm f3.5-4.5.

Interestingly the final one was also sold as a "Profile", "MC Cosmicar-A" and "MC-Finex-A". The Profile seems to have been bundled with later P30s, while the latter two were presumably more common in the USA as I've never seen either for sale here. Optically I think they're identical to the SMC Pentax A version but for simplified coatings - they are multi-coated, just not Super Multi Coated.

Talking of which, if someone offers you a Takumar Bayonet or Takumar-A 28mm f2.8 for cheap then grab it. It's optically the same as the late Pentax-M 28mm f2.8 (which in turn is the same as the A series lens), just with the non-SMC multi coating. Said lenses were also offered as CPC Phase 2 and Cosmicar-A. Most of the Takumar Bayonet/Takumar-A lenses have a lousy reputation but this one isn't bad at all.

[hjoseph7]

Yep, there are three:

There's the M 35-70mm f2.8-3.5

The A 35-70mm f4

and the A 35-70mm f3.5-4.5.

Interestingly the final one was also sold as a "Profile", "MC Cosmicar-A" and "MC-Finex-A". The Profile seems to have been bundled with later P30s, while the latter two were presumably more common in the USA as I've never seen either for sale here. Optically I think they're identical to the SMC Pentax A version but for simplified coatings - they are multi-coated, just not Super Multi Coated.

Talking of which, if someone offers you a Takumar Bayonet or Takumar-A 28mm f2.8 for cheap then grab it. It's optically the same as the late Pentax-M 28mm f2.8 (which in turn is the same as the A series lens), just with the non-SMC multi coating. Said lenses were also offered as CPC Phase 2 and Cosmicar-A. Most of the Takumar Bayonet/Takumar-A lenses have a lousy reputation but this one isn't bad at all.

I just bid on a M 35-70mm f2.8-3.5 seems like a pretty good lens according to Pentax reviews.

[ChristianRock]

Or just get the A 35-105mm.

Yes it's quite a bit bigger than a 35-70 but it's got the extra range, constant aperture and most people love the optics.

The only downside is, it'll cost you a bit more. People know how good it is so it's hard to get one very cheap these days! But maybe a pic will convince you: https://www.flickr.com/photos/35895126@N06/13638716784 (K1000 + A 35-105)

[xwxobs]

I have the Pentax-F 35-70mm and it is a great lens! If you are mounting one to a K1000, you might want to pick up the "A" version, which I hear is optically identical?

[hjoseph7]

I have the Pentax-F 35-70mm and it is a great lens! If you are mounting one to a K1000, you might want to pick up the "A" version, which I hear is optically identical?

Too late, I bid on a M35-70 and won, it only costs 20 bucks so it's no big deal.

[Arjay Bee]

K45-120

[hks_kansei]

Too late, I bid on a M35-70 and won, it only costs 20 bucks so it's no big deal.

I think you still did well, $20 for a lens is dirt cheap.

[hjoseph7]

Just purchased a Pentax K1000 from eBay for $41 in very good condition. What lens do you recommend, I was thinking the 50mm f1.7 to start ?

My K1000 came in the mail a few days ago. Other than a tiny nick on the film advance lever there is not a scratch on it, not even at the bottom of the camera where the tripod screw is located ! The camera came with a manual and two booklets on Lenses & Accessories from the 1980's. The receipt for the camera is dated 1988. Unfortunately, from what I can tell the light meter is not working correctly. When I point it at a light source, it jumps up then it moves back down again. I put a new battery in there and it works better than the old battery but the meter is still erratic. Some times it works and sometimes it doesn't.

[Dangermouse]

Try turning the film speed selector back and forth, and also turning the aperture ring on the lens back and forth. It may well be that one or both of the variable resistors these parts move have become corroded or gunked up over time, moving them might be enough to clean them.

[lushdimple11]

The M-50/f2 is the most common, cheapest, and is a good lens
The M-50/f1.7 and K-55/1.8 are even better.
You probably don't need f1.4 or 1.2, but they are available for more money.

When I mount the K-55/1.8 on the K1000, it seems I cannot adjust the aperature anymore (the elements don't move). When I remove the lens from the camera and check the aperture ring, the elements move as I adjust the value. Can you please advise on what the possible reason is, and how to make it work? Many thanks.

[tonyzoc]

Killer lens setup for cheap:

SMC-M 50 1.7 or 1.4
SMC-M 75-150 f4 or SMC-A 70-210 f4
Rikenon XR 28 2.8 or Auto Sears 28 2.8

I like the 75-150 over the 80-200. While it doesn't have the little extra reach, it's a sharper lens. The Pentax-M 28 is usually 1/2 the price of the M 35 so I'd stick with Pentax at 28mm. If you need 200mm the 200/4 is also usually found under $50.



---------- Post added 09-21-20 at 10:25 AM ----------

Is there a good 35-70mm out there ? It'll be great not to have to multiply those numbers by 1.5 !

Yes, the 35-70/2.8-3.5 M is a very good lens. Not always easy to find but I got one for about $50 last year.

[Lord Lucan]

When I mount the K-55/1.8 on the K1000, it seems I cannot adjust the aperature anymore (the elements don't move). When I remove the lens from the camera and check the aperture ring, the elements move as I adjust the value.

I don't know how familiar you are with how these cameras work, but there may be nothing wrong. What you describe is what I would expect. Have you taken any pictures with it and seen the results?

When mounted on the camera, the aperture is designed to remain wide open even when you turn the ring. It will only close down to the value that you set when you actually take the picture, and then only momentarily. This is to make the scene in the viewfinder as bright as possible while you are framing and focussing for the shot. It is a feature, not a bug

[womble]

When I mount the K-55/1.8 on the K1000, it seems I cannot adjust the aperature anymore (the elements don't move). When I remove the lens from the camera and check the aperture ring, the elements move as I adjust the value. Can you please advise on what the possible reason is, and how to make it work? Many thanks.

As was said, it is probably fine. To check, with no film in the camera, set the aperture to f/22, the shutter speed to as slow as it goes, then open the back and hold the camera up to the light. Fire the shutter whilst watching the shutter. You should see the shutter open and the aperture will be closed down.

K.