Pentax K500?

Nesster · 04-08-2010, 02:44 PM

Well the guy who says he bought his in 1974 has the model wrong - should be SP500 - the K cameras didn't go on sale till 1976 - this is the most amazing introductory ad I've seen, from February '76:

The K cameras were not for sale in '75 in the USA as I checked two different mail order listings.
As late as Nov '76 47th St Photo was still selling Spotmatics alongside the K cameras. There is a K1000 but no K500 listed. By March '78 only the K2, KX and K1000 were left, the MX and ME were for sale.

Nesster · 04-08-2010, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Errors, confusion, or failing memories? Quite possibly. But an interesting possibility nevertheless.
I like a mystery. Some here apparently do not. However until I see a picture of one, I'm not buying...

Chris

Chris, this is fun, I like these puzzles... I'm occupied with one about Bessa 66 dates, as someone is saying they may have built them post-war, using pre-war bits. AFAIK post war, the Bessa 66 became the Perkeo.

Meanwhile, here's a real chimera from the '79 Photokina, SMC-M Flexi 35/2.8 - a 33 to 39mm zoom!

**ChrisPlatt** · 04-08-2010, 03:01 PM

According to the Pentax Timeline the Pentax K series was introduced in 1975.
The SP500 debuted in 1971 and the SP1000 in 1974.

Chris

**gofour3** · 04-08-2010, 03:42 PM

This is the Thai website I found that mentioned the K500, I translated it with Google:

Google Translate

lithos · 04-10-2010, 02:22 AM

Originally posted by unixrevolution

I have never heard of a K500. The K1000 was already an economy model...it was obsolete before it was introduced in 1975.

And yet it moved...for 21 years.

J.Scott · 04-10-2010, 04:22 AM

Danilo Cecchi does not mention it in his his very thorough book, "Asahi Pentax and Pentax SLR 35mm Cameras 1952 - 1989".

Likewise for Carl Shipman and his book, "How to Use and Select Pentax SLR Cameras".

Without physical evidence I shall remain skeptical.

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04-08-2010, 02:44 PM	#16
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Well the guy who says he bought his in 1974 has the model wrong - should be SP500 - the K cameras didn't go on sale till 1976 - this is the most amazing introductory ad I've seen, from February '76: The K cameras were not for sale in '75 in the USA as I checked two different mail order listings. As late as Nov '76 47th St Photo was still selling Spotmatics alongside the K cameras. There is a K1000 but no K500 listed. By March '78 only the K2, KX and K1000 were left, the MX and ME were for sale.

04-08-2010, 02:49 PM	#17
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Errors, confusion, or failing memories? Quite possibly. But an interesting possibility nevertheless. I like a mystery. Some here apparently do not. However until I see a picture of one, I'm not buying... Chris Chris, this is fun, I like these puzzles... I'm occupied with one about Bessa 66 dates, as someone is saying they may have built them post-war, using pre-war bits. AFAIK post war, the Bessa 66 became the Perkeo. Meanwhile, here's a real chimera from the '79 Photokina, SMC-M Flexi 35/2.8 - a 33 to 39mm zoom!

04-08-2010, 03:01 PM	#18
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694 Original Poster	According to the Pentax Timeline the Pentax K series was introduced in 1975. The SP500 debuted in 1971 and the SP1000 in 1974. Chris

04-08-2010, 03:42 PM	#19
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	This is the Thai website I found that mentioned the K500, I translated it with Google: Google Translate

04-10-2010, 02:22 AM	#20
lithos Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Brisbane, QLD, AUS Posts: 3,261	Originally posted by unixrevolution I have never heard of a K500. The K1000 was already an economy model...it was obsolete before it was introduced in 1975. And yet it moved...for 21 years.

04-10-2010, 04:22 AM	#21
J.Scott Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,675	Danilo Cecchi does not mention it in his his very thorough book, "Asahi Pentax and Pentax SLR 35mm Cameras 1952 - 1989". Likewise for Carl Shipman and his book, "How to Use and Select Pentax SLR Cameras". Without physical evidence I shall remain skeptical.