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01-28-2015, 07:08 PM   #1
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Help me choose a Pentax SLR!

So I'm spending a few weeks in Mexico City, and I happen to be staying in the same place as a whole bunch of camera stores. Anyway, seeing as Mexico is a developing country, they still use a whole lot of film cameras, so as a result most camera places have a wide selection of Pentaxes. So I'm thinking I might grab myself an SLR, and below are the ones that are available - any advice or tips you can give me as I decide would be appreciated!

I'm leaning towards the Spotmatic, just cos they were a revolutionary camera, and cos I have a screwmount converter for my main DSLR (a GH4), but am interested to see what the forum thinks!

Spotmatic F, SP F - $130 USD
Spotmatic II - $150
Pentax K1000 - $120
Pentax KM - $95
Pentax Program A - $122
Pentax K2 - unsure of price
Pentax K1000 - $115

01-28-2015, 07:20 PM   #2
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Well' I think you can find those a bit cheaper online or even here in the forum but I think the original Spotmatic and the K1000 are fun.
01-28-2015, 07:29 PM   #3
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I think those are a bit overpriced. KEH has several dozen Pentax film bodies including Spotmatics and k-1000 going for $25 to 50. And with KEH you get a warranty.
01-28-2015, 07:45 PM - 1 Like   #4
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Seems obvious to me when I went to MX I took my MX . . . +Takumar 17mm f4 fisheye . . .

Airport in Mexico City using Kodak BW400CN



Inside Guarderia San Agustin using Kodak Portra 400



Captain A using Kodak Portra 400


01-28-2015, 08:18 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by sergysergy Quote
Well' I think you can find those a bit cheaper online or even here in the forum but I think the original Spotmatic and the K1000 are fun.
I had a bit of a look on eBay and the prices seemed ok, but that was on Australian eBay so maybe they weren't the best deals. In any case, thanks for the response, I'll look into both!

---------- Post added 01-29-15 at 02:18 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by jatrax Quote
I think those are a bit overpriced. KEH has several dozen Pentax film bodies including Spotmatics and k-1000 going for $25 to 50. And with KEH you get a warranty.
Thanks heaps, had never heard of KEH, will look into them. Cheers!
01-28-2015, 08:51 PM - 1 Like   #6
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Here you go: https://www.keh.com/search/list?m=29&fmt%5B%5D=214&page=4

They have a good reputation many here have bought from them including me.
01-29-2015, 04:41 PM   #7
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I just noticed you didn't have any of the Triple X on your list . . . KX . . . LX . . . MX



01-29-2015, 05:02 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by LesDMess Quote
I just noticed you didn't have any of the Triple X on your list . . . KX . . . LX . . . MX
I was just about to say he missed the best ones. You got it right.
01-30-2015, 04:01 AM - 1 Like   #9
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Read some reviews of the ME super
01-30-2015, 07:03 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by LesDMess Quote
I just noticed you didn't have any of the Triple X on your list . . . KX . . . LX . . . MX
Damn, those are some beautiful looking bodies. Will keep a lookout for one of these!

---------- Post added 01-31-15 at 01:03 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by ChrisPlatt Quote
The KM is a good choice.

Chris
Cheers Chris
02-01-2015, 05:25 PM   #11
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Spottie F is my favourite, I don't know why but it looks less bulky than the K1000, feels smaller.



This is my blackie seen by my LX: it has an original hood, filter and the 50 mm f1.4 Tak.
02-01-2015, 05:30 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChrisPlatt Quote
The KM is a good choice.

Chris
What he said....
02-01-2015, 09:43 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Cuthbert Quote
Spottie F is my favourite, I don't know why but it looks less bulky than the K1000, feels smaller.



This is my blackie seen by my LX: it has an original hood, filter and the 50 mm f1.4 Tak.
Yeah I agree, it's a pretty nice looking body... Thanks for the suggestion. Pic looks great too.
02-02-2015, 04:07 PM - 1 Like   #14
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My first good camera was a Spotmatic...loved it until K mounts came out. Then I got a KX.

The K mount bodies to get (not necessarily in order) are LX, MX, K2, KX. I prefer the all mechanical K2 and KX. They are much better built and don't need batteries to work.
02-02-2015, 04:31 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by jeverettfine Quote
My first good camera was a Spotmatic...loved it until K mounts came out. Then I got a KX.

The K mount bodies to get (not necessarily in order) are LX, MX, K2, KX. I prefer the all mechanical K2 and KX. They are much better built and don't need batteries to work.
I was actually surprised that the K2 is more battery dependent then it's predecessors - the ES & ESII and successor - the LX. The K2 only had bulb mode and 1/125 sync speed available when batteries are dead while the others had sync speed all the way to the top speed.
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