[BrianCoup]

I have the opportunity to buy what looks like an absolutely mint S1a, immaculate leather case, light meter, 3 lenses, one looks like the Takumar 55mm f2,with a hood and leather case, Hanimex 135mm f3.5 plus case , the third lens can't be made out, plus 7 kodak films.
The asking price is £200 GBP ...is this too steep?

[TwoUptons]

“Looks like” isn’t always the same as “is”

I love my H1a, but without a hands-on, that would be too high...

It would help to know what the other lens is and if the meter works...

If the other lens is the right one, the price could be low... but it’s probably not one of those lenses

But if the camera came with a warranty, the meter worked, and the other lens was a beautiful takumar 35mm f3.5 or something, you’d have something that would be more than I would pay but not ridiculous.

-Eric

[johnha]

It's more than I'd be willing to pay, the camera, meter, case and 55 f/2 are the most interesting items but £200 seems high. If it is mint that might mitigate the price. The meter probably needs a battery and modern solutions aren't really cost effective. The meter reading is likely to wander anyway so defining 'working' isn't straight forward.

[Ranchu]

To high. Half that, if the shutter and 55mm don't need servicing.

[BrianCoup]

Thanks for your responses. The seller has replied, it was her father's kit, he frequently upgraded his pentax kit, hence it is immaculate. The light meter is a fully working Weston Master V, again in an immaculate leather case. I'm still waiting to hear what the third lens is and it is negotiable. Because of the condition alone i will probably have a look.

[johnha]

Sorry. I was assuming the meter was the Pentax clip on one not a handheld.

[nickthetasmaniac]

Thanks for your responses. The seller has replied, it was her father's kit, he frequently upgraded his pentax kit, hence it is immaculate.

This also probably means it hasn’t been used in decades, which almost certainly means it will need a comprehensive service before use (both body and lenses). Factor this into the price.

Unused gear often looks ‘immaculate’, but sitting on a shelf is terrible for mechanical parts...

[BrianCoup]

Cheers for the input everyone about the likelihood of seized parts. In that case I'll wait and see what the 3rd lens is and how much negotiation there is before I decide anything.

---------- Post added 05-02-19 at 07:42 AM ----------

That was what I initially thought

[BrianCoup]

The third lens is a Hanimex 35mm f2.8

[TomB_tx]

The S1a is one of my favorite cameras - it was my first SLR in 1965. Any you buy now is likely to need at least a service, so consider that when looking at the price. If the total cost of the camera (including the service) is worth it to you, considering the condition and how you feel about the camera, don’t worry too much about what others say about the price. I’ve passed on some nice cameras and kicked myself later.

[BrianCoup]

Here are a few pics

[TwoUptons]

I’ve shot with a Hanimex 35mm f2.8 and it was OK. Better with film than digital.

I’ve never been excited by early 135mm lenses, either (though I really like my Super Takumar 135 f2.5). I’d expect the 135 to be a bit smeary wide open but pretty good stopped down a bit.

But it’s a fun-looking kit if you like the price...

-Eric

[johnha]

It looks in great condition cosmetically, I doubt you'd find a better one.