[dbmayur]

Hi All,
I currently have a K100d with three lenses - 18-55, 50, and 70-300. I am looking to add another film camera into my bag. Due to the limited availability of equipment in my city, I have the following choices:

Pentax Spotmatic F (M42 mount) ~ 110USD
Pentax SP II (M42 mount) ~ 90USD
Pentax SV (M42 mount) ~ 110USD
Pentax MX + Pentax 50mm f1.4 SMC ~150USD (excellent condition)
Pentax MX + Pentax 50mm f1.4 SMC ~50USD (slightly moldy)
Pentax K1000 ~ 80-100USD

What do you think should be a good buy. I am leaning towards getting one that can use my current lenses. However, if the Spotmatics are superior ones, I can live with a different set of lenses for them.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Mayur


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[edl]

I would choose this one:

Pentax MX + Pentax 50mm f1.4 SMC ~150USD (excellent condition)

[thibs]

Buy an MX, or if you can't, a KX (which is just a bulky MX after all).

[quickiekuchen]

Get the mx!!!

[k100d]

get the mx

[Mike Cash]

Either the Spotmatic F (can do open aperture metering with SMC or S-M-C series Takumars) or the SV (no meter, but a very fine-n-fun camera).

[Jonson PL]

Get the MX. If not possible, then get the SV

[séamuis]

if you are specifically looking to stay within the world of K mount lenses. get the MX, period. for 150 USD, make sure the camera has had a recent CLA (make sure the light seals and mirror foam are in good shape. and that the shutter speeds are correct. make sure the LED's in the viewfinder work and that the hot shoe flash works. make sure the film advance, and film counter work. if the camera is 150 USD all of these should check out. if they don't then it is overpriced and you will need to send it for a CLA. which will cost you an extra 65-70 USD to get it back in tip top shape. most will say that the Spotmatics are 'superior' but that is just opinion. film SLR's all do the same thing. the MX is your best option and an excellent camera. and if you need or want a winder/grip for the MX I can sell you one for 40 USD.

if you don't mind going m42 then I suggest the Soptmatic F. don't go the SV route unless you have an external (handheld) lightmeter. because the SV has no built in meter. the SpotF has a meter and does open aperture metering. a much better choice for someone just getting into a film SLR.

do not buy a K1000.

[Nick Siebers]

Oh a K1000 isn't SO bad, Seamuis. There is a certain simplicity there that is refreshing after operating these complex DSLR machines. But I would go with the MX & 50/1.4 as well.

I recently shot a roll with a Nikon F with no light meter - just guessing, going off the sunny 16 rule for a cloudy day. It was fun, and the more or less decent pictures were a total joy.

[Ratmagiclady]

You can see the Sightseeing Screwmount thread for some of what an SV can do. But, yes, it's meterless and not as refined in some ways. An MX is lovely.

[dbmayur]

Thanks everyone...I think I'll go get the MX. Thanks again!



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[jordieb213]

I've got a great K1000 that I would sell for $80. It has a 50mm f/2 Pentax SMC 'A' lens attached to it.

[quickiekuchen]

Surely, the K1000 is a nice and popular camera with a very long production run. But she has the old CdS-Lightmeter, no self-timer, no DOF-preview, no LED-Indikator in the viewfinder (may be at the later production?)) and no longlife metal-blade focal plane shutter.

[Jimfear]

Buy an MX, or if you can't, a KX (which is just a bulky MX after all).

I'd turn that one around. Buy a KX, or if you can't, a MX. The MX is nice, but the KX is better IMO.

[séamuis]

Oh a K1000 isn't SO bad, Seamuis. There is a certain simplicity there that is refreshing after operating these complex DSLR machines. But I would go with the MX & 50/1.4 as well.

I recently shot a roll with a Nikon F with no light meter - just guessing, going off the sunny 16 rule for a cloudy day. It was fun, and the more or less decent pictures were a total joy.

nothing wrong with a k1000. I have owned three myself. but considering the other cameras in consideration and the prices being asked, I think the K1000 is the worst choice.