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graphicgr8s · 01-23-2009, 11:04 AM

OK I already know I am going to catch he** but the Mamiya dtl 1000 is a pretty nice camera that accepts the M42 mount.

Nesster · 01-23-2009, 11:31 AM

Oh, by all means: there are lots of non Spotmatic M42 cameras out there, I have a couple... um three... of them myself.

The difference is: My ES II meter didn't work, but Eric fixed it. My second Yashica TL Electro-X has the same symptoms: juice goes through but the meter doesn't respond. Who's gonna fix that?

The ES II is only marginally recommendable for a photo class, as the range of manual shutter speeds is limited.

The same observation re. K mount bodies Pentax vs. all else holds: With Pentax Eric's likely to be able to fix it, with the other brands, who knows?

stevebrot · 01-23-2009, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by graphicgr8s

OK I already know I am going to catch he** but the Mamiya dtl 1000 is a pretty nice camera that accepts the M42 mount.

Beat you to it...See my earlier post above...

Steve

UpNorth · 01-23-2009, 11:55 AM

The ME-Super was my first 35mm camera back in the mid-80's. It's a great film camera, and still works great today - lo these 20+ years later. (It can even work w/o batteries, if necessary - no lights in the viewfinder, however.)
I liked it so much that after a few years I bought a second, used body for shooting B&W. That one still works great too.

As k100d suggested, the ZX-5n is another good choice. That's what I "replaced" my ME Super with in the mid-90's, and I think that would be another good "starter" camera for film. I used mine for about 10 years with no issues, up until about a year ago when I finally took the plunge to DSLR.

My point being, both are good, reliable cameras - and I think both fall within your price constraints.

Good luck,

Tim

**gofour3** · 01-23-2009, 12:49 PM

An alternate to a screw mount Spotmatic, is a K-mount KX.

You should be able to get a KX and 55/1.8 for around $200.00. They are a perfect match and the KX will last forever. I bought this combo new in 1975 and they are both still going strong.

graphicgr8s · 01-23-2009, 12:55 PM

Originally posted by Nesster

Oh, by all means: there are lots of non Spotmatic M42 cameras out there, I have a couple... um three... of them myself.

The difference is: My ES II meter didn't work, but Eric fixed it. My second Yashica TL Electro-X has the same symptoms: juice goes through but the meter doesn't respond. Who's gonna fix that?

The ES II is only marginally recommendable for a photo class, as the range of manual shutter speeds is limited.

The same observation re. K mount bodies Pentax vs. all else holds: With Pentax Eric's likely to be able to fix it, with the other brands, who knows?

Well GraphicGr8s knows a guy. A guy in Tampa does my camera repair. He's done my SRT101, K1000 and my Mamiya XE-2 Quartz. When funds allow I will have him look at my DTL1000. The wind is slipping but otherwise fully works. Got it on flebay a couple years ago. Came recommended from a buddy who has about 2000 cameras now.

Blue · 01-23-2009, 01:23 PM

You seem to be serious about your photography. Therefore, skip over the K1000 even though it is a solid camera. For your photo class, look at the KX, K2, and MX Pentax bodies. If I were to go non Pentax, it would be with Mamiya just to stir the pot and because they have some very very good vintage class out there and its a gold mine whether it is m42, CS or Z mount with the MSX or DSX 1000 being a good m42 choice.

graphicgr8s · 01-23-2009, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by Blue

You seem to be serious about your photography. Therefore, skip over the K1000 even though it is a solid camera. For your photo class, look at the KX, K2, and MX Pentax bodies. If I were to go non Pentax, it would be with Mamiya just to stir the pot and because they have some very very good vintage class out there and its a gold mine whether it is m42, CS or Z mount with the MSX or DSX 1000 being a good m42 choice.

I don't know I still love my K1000. It's just a great basic camera that just keeps going. But I will admit they are pricey. And you really need to find one of the older ones. Not the china made.

**ChrisPlatt** · 01-23-2009, 02:55 PM

Don't forget the Pentax KM, IMO a better choice than the K1000.

Chris

Blue · 01-23-2009, 03:10 PM

Then again, WJW could show up to class with a 6x7 with a ttl prism.

EagleEye · 01-23-2009, 04:11 PM

KX. Then again, I haven't actually seen myshots yet, but I got a KX from a fellow forum member and it's great. Just amazing.

Mike Cash · 01-23-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally posted by southy

another weird side effect of spotmatics:
people actually ask you about your photography when you use an old metal camera. no one ever talks to me when I use my dslr, but the spotmatic makes me more approachable I guess

. you decide if that is a plus or a minus

I've experienced the same thing. People have come up and talked to me when I'm out with a TLR who I am positive would studiously ignore me with a modern mainstream camera.

Of course, more and more these days we look like anachronistic oddballs by the mere fact we have our cameras up against our faces instead of two feet away.

stevebrot · 01-23-2009, 05:14 PM

You guys need to quit suggesting the KX!

I have been looking for a clean one (Ex+) and all this attention is pushing the prices up and the availability down.

Steve

(Will have to be content with my existing two Ricohs (TLS and XR7) plus the recently acquired Ricoh XR2s that just went in for new pads/seals today...)

**monochrome** · 01-23-2009, 06:12 PM

Originally posted by Nesster

You need something that works, quick, no risk. Unless someone on campus will sell you their camera (or let you borrow) I recommed KEH... they have 'packages' already to go.

KEH Camera: Pentax Manual Focus - Camera Outfits

Second - Highly recommend them.

KX body only Pentax KX bodies available from KEH Camera Brokers.

50MM lenses Pentax 50MM lenses available from KEH Camera Brokers.

You can get the kit for right at $200 shipped if you take a M50/2.0 as your lens.

Originally posted by gofour3

An alternate to a screw mount Spotmatic, is a K-mount KX.

You should be able to get a KX and 55/1.8 for around $200.00. They are a perfect match and the KX will last forever. I bought this combo new in 1975 and they are both still going strong.

Originally posted by Blue

You seem to be serious about your photography. Therefore, skip over the K1000 even though it is a solid camera. For your photo class, look at the KX, K2, and MX Pentax bodies.

Originally posted by EagleEye

KX. Then again, I haven't actually seen my shots yet, but I got a KX from a fellow forum member and it's great. Just amazing.

Originally posted by stevebrot

You guys need to quit suggesting the KX!

Go Here KX for technical data and infomration on the KX ( and everything else K-Mount).

I got a KX and 50/1.4 in 1977 - still going strong.

My daughter took it (and 2 other lenses from my signature list) to a six-week college resident landscape photography course in NM that REQUIRED a fully-manual camera due to the cold weather.

The course offered rented Canon F1's and most students used them; the instructor privately told her that her camera and lenses were better for the subject.

And with the proper adapter you can use screwmount Takumar lenses - the best of both worlds.

I recommend a KX kit from KEH.

**WJW** · 01-23-2009, 06:25 PM

Originally posted by Blue

Then again, WJW could show up to class with a 6x7 with a ttl prism.

No, that would a Mamiya RB67 with a metered prism or more likely a chimney finder and spot meter since it sounds like a B&W class.

Or if 35mm is required, same spot meter and a Ricoh TLS with the original 55mm 1.4 and a couple of Series 1 telephotos.

01-23-2009, 06:12 PM	#29
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Recommending the KX Originally posted by Nesster You need something that works, quick, no risk. Unless someone on campus will sell you their camera (or let you borrow) I recommed KEH... they have 'packages' already to go. KEH Camera: Pentax Manual Focus - Camera Outfits Second - Highly recommend them. KX body only Pentax KX bodies available from KEH Camera Brokers. 50MM lenses Pentax 50MM lenses available from KEH Camera Brokers. You can get the kit for right at $200 shipped if you take a M50/2.0 as your lens. Originally posted by gofour3 An alternate to a screw mount Spotmatic, is a K-mount KX. You should be able to get a KX and 55/1.8 for around $200.00. They are a perfect match and the KX will last forever. I bought this combo new in 1975 and they are both still going strong. Originally posted by Blue You seem to be serious about your photography. Therefore, skip over the K1000 even though it is a solid camera. For your photo class, look at the KX, K2, and MX Pentax bodies. Originally posted by EagleEye KX. Then again, I haven't actually seen my shots yet, but I got a KX from a fellow forum member and it's great. Just amazing. Originally posted by stevebrot You guys need to quit suggesting the KX! Go Here KX for technical data and infomration on the KX ( and everything else K-Mount). I got a KX and 50/1.4 in 1977 - still going strong. My daughter took it (and 2 other lenses from my signature list) to a six-week college resident landscape photography course in NM that REQUIRED a fully-manual camera due to the cold weather. The course offered rented Canon F1's and most students used them; the instructor privately told her that her camera and lenses were better for the subject. And with the proper adapter you can use screwmount Takumar lenses - the best of both worlds. I recommend a KX kit from KEH. Last edited by monochrome; 01-23-2009 at 07:59 PM.

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01-23-2009, 11:04 AM	#16
graphicgr8s Guest	OK I already know I am going to catch he** but the Mamiya dtl 1000 is a pretty nice camera that accepts the M42 mount.

01-23-2009, 11:31 AM	#17
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Oh, by all means: there are lots of non Spotmatic M42 cameras out there, I have a couple... um three... of them myself. The difference is: My ES II meter didn't work, but Eric fixed it. My second Yashica TL Electro-X has the same symptoms: juice goes through but the meter doesn't respond. Who's gonna fix that? The ES II is only marginally recommendable for a photo class, as the range of manual shutter speeds is limited. The same observation re. K mount bodies Pentax vs. all else holds: With Pentax Eric's likely to be able to fix it, with the other brands, who knows?

01-23-2009, 11:48 AM	#18
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by graphicgr8s OK I already know I am going to catch he** but the Mamiya dtl 1000 is a pretty nice camera that accepts the M42 mount. Beat you to it...See my earlier post above... Steve

01-23-2009, 11:55 AM	#19
UpNorth Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minnesota, U.S.A. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 714	The ME-Super was my first 35mm camera back in the mid-80's. It's a great film camera, and still works great today - lo these 20+ years later. (It can even work w/o batteries, if necessary - no lights in the viewfinder, however.) I liked it so much that after a few years I bought a second, used body for shooting B&W. That one still works great too. As k100d suggested, the ZX-5n is another good choice. That's what I "replaced" my ME Super with in the mid-90's, and I think that would be another good "starter" camera for film. I used mine for about 10 years with no issues, up until about a year ago when I finally took the plunge to DSLR. My point being, both are good, reliable cameras - and I think both fall within your price constraints. Good luck, Tim

01-23-2009, 12:49 PM	#20
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	An alternate to a screw mount Spotmatic, is a K-mount KX. You should be able to get a KX and 55/1.8 for around $200.00. They are a perfect match and the KX will last forever. I bought this combo new in 1975 and they are both still going strong.

01-23-2009, 12:55 PM	#21
graphicgr8s Guest	Originally posted by Nesster Oh, by all means: there are lots of non Spotmatic M42 cameras out there, I have a couple... um three... of them myself. The difference is: My ES II meter didn't work, but Eric fixed it. My second Yashica TL Electro-X has the same symptoms: juice goes through but the meter doesn't respond. Who's gonna fix that? The ES II is only marginally recommendable for a photo class, as the range of manual shutter speeds is limited. The same observation re. K mount bodies Pentax vs. all else holds: With Pentax Eric's likely to be able to fix it, with the other brands, who knows? Well GraphicGr8s knows a guy. A guy in Tampa does my camera repair. He's done my SRT101, K1000 and my Mamiya XE-2 Quartz. When funds allow I will have him look at my DTL1000. The wind is slipping but otherwise fully works. Got it on flebay a couple years ago. Came recommended from a buddy who has about 2000 cameras now.

01-23-2009, 01:23 PM	#22
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	You seem to be serious about your photography. Therefore, skip over the K1000 even though it is a solid camera. For your photo class, look at the KX, K2, and MX Pentax bodies. If I were to go non Pentax, it would be with Mamiya just to stir the pot and because they have some very very good vintage class out there and its a gold mine whether it is m42, CS or Z mount with the MSX or DSX 1000 being a good m42 choice.

01-23-2009, 02:47 PM	#23
graphicgr8s Guest	Originally posted by Blue You seem to be serious about your photography. Therefore, skip over the K1000 even though it is a solid camera. For your photo class, look at the KX, K2, and MX Pentax bodies. If I were to go non Pentax, it would be with Mamiya just to stir the pot and because they have some very very good vintage class out there and its a gold mine whether it is m42, CS or Z mount with the MSX or DSX 1000 being a good m42 choice. I don't know I still love my K1000. It's just a great basic camera that just keeps going. But I will admit they are pricey. And you really need to find one of the older ones. Not the china made.

01-23-2009, 02:55 PM	#24
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,701	Don't forget the Pentax KM, IMO a better choice than the K1000. Chris

01-23-2009, 03:10 PM	#25
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Then again, WJW could show up to class with a 6x7 with a ttl prism.

01-23-2009, 04:11 PM	#26
EagleEye Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 35	KX. Then again, I haven't actually seen myshots yet, but I got a KX from a fellow forum member and it's great. Just amazing.

01-23-2009, 04:28 PM	#27
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	Originally posted by southy another weird side effect of spotmatics: people actually ask you about your photography when you use an old metal camera. no one ever talks to me when I use my dslr, but the spotmatic makes me more approachable I guess . you decide if that is a plus or a minus I've experienced the same thing. People have come up and talked to me when I'm out with a TLR who I am positive would studiously ignore me with a modern mainstream camera. Of course, more and more these days we look like anachronistic oddballs by the mere fact we have our cameras up against our faces instead of two feet away.

01-23-2009, 05:14 PM	#28
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	You guys need to quit suggesting the KX! I have been looking for a clean one (Ex+) and all this attention is pushing the prices up and the availability down. Steve (Will have to be content with my existing two Ricohs (TLS and XR7) plus the recently acquired Ricoh XR2s that just went in for new pads/seals today...)

01-23-2009, 06:25 PM	#30
WJW Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 383	Originally posted by Blue Then again, WJW could show up to class with a 6x7 with a ttl prism. No, that would a Mamiya RB67 with a metered prism or more likely a chimney finder and spot meter since it sounds like a B&W class. Or if 35mm is required, same spot meter and a Ricoh TLS with the original 55mm 1.4 and a couple of Series 1 telephotos.

Film SLR for intro photography class

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