[ehinter]

Hey all! My name is Eric, I just recently acquired a K1000. There is a black cloud within the viewfinder and after a ton of research and taking it into the shop I came to find out that it is the PENTAPRISM. I am in need to replace this part which I am fairly confident I can do myself, but I am not sure where to get the replacement part.

Can anyone help??

Thanks!

[sergysergy]

You can get another broken K1000 and replace it, but it is not worth it IMO. K1000s are not that expensive.

[ehinter]

You can get another broken K1000 and replace it, but it is not worth it IMO. K1000s are not that expensive.

But I have already purchased one. I would have wasted what I paid for it. It still takes pictures and everything. Its just the viewfinder. Should I just sell this one and buy a new one that works?

[LesDMess]

Not likely you can buy just parts and more likely you will have to buy another one sold as parts only. Or perhaps one in better shape than yours and swap parts around as needed.

[tvdtvdtvd]

There must be at least 40,234,399 K1000s floating around the planet. Maybe more. Good looking, working
copies can easily be had for less the $50. None working or otherwise 'rough' looking copies can be found
for $5. If your copy is in really good shape, good enough to want to repair it rather than replace, your best
bet is to find a beater K1000 and swap out the prism.

[grhazelton]

Have a look for a KX. It was introduced along with the K1000 and is far more capable: a meter switch, depth of field preview, mirror lockup, etc. And, since it isn't suggested by photo instructors, it can be found at the same price as a K1000, or perhaps even cheaper. Here's a review: Pentax KX - Pentax Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications The only problem is that it is not as common.

[TomB_tx]

Many cameras of that era develop prism issues as the foam pads around the prism eat away the coating on the glass. Canon FT and even Leicaflex SL are especially known for this. I've bought "parts" cameras on eBay very cheaply just for the prisms.

[Johnny Rod]

What is making the cloud on it?

[arnold]

What is making the cloud on it?

Most likely it is the silver coating on the prism degrading.

[photolady95]

I have the same problem and am going to send mine to Eric to repair. Just read this thread and send Eric a PM, give him your email address in the PM and he'll reply to you via your email.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/273314-change-address-eric.html

He used to work for Pentax and he's very good and very reasonable in prices.

As others have commented that K1000s are easily picked up for about $50, I have found good working ones are a lot more than that. I've been hunting for one for less than a $100 but have yet to find one.

So don't mess around, just contact Eric.

[mltain]

Check shopgoodwill.com there are usually several K1000's listed that usually go for pretty cheap.

[photolady95]

Check shopgoodwill.com there are usually several K1000's listed that usually go for pretty cheap

I have, but not lately. But the thing I don't like about ShopGoodWill.com, is they are an auction site. Who knows what they sell them for after original price.

[grhazelton]

If you look at this link to KEH http://www.keh.com/search/list?s=pentax+kx you will find a black KX in "Bgn" condition. Might be worthy of consideration.....

[ChrisPlatt]

This is a simple repair for a trained technician, and there's none better than Eric Hendrickson.
He should have a replacement prism in stock or will be able to get one.
For reasonable cost Eric will return your K1000 in excellent working condition.

Chris