Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-28-2014, 01:38 PM
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Functionally, there's not a huge difference. The MX has DoF preview but this can be done on any K-mount SLR in a pinch if you know how. The MX has a lock on the shutter button, which is very useful. Apart from that it really comes down to size. If you have big hands or just like bigger cameras, go for the K1000, if you prefer smaller then go for the MX. I prefer the size and heft of the K1000.
As has been said, a KM is better than a K1000. Much less common but also much less well known, so they tend to go for the same price or less. The KM adds DoF preview to the K1000, not sure about what else. The KX is even better.
Be careful of K1000s though - later versions are plastic and prone to failure. I think they can be identified by the lack of "Asahi" above "Pentax" on the front of the camera.
The most important thing is to make sure it's in good condition and working. Check the light meter. Check that the mirror moves correctly with a lens on the camera and the shutter doesn't fire when it shouldn't.
If you don't see any of the above, the ME, ME Super and P series cameras are very common and can be had very cheaply. They are nice to use and very reliable.
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