Pentax K1000 Review

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Pentax K1000
4.4 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.4 out of 5

From 5 ratings and 27 reviews

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Hart Cleeson.'s Review of Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera

4th Jul 2003

Overall Rating

2 stars
  • Value for money
    3 stars
  • Features
    1 stars
Good Points

Inexpensive, fairly durable


Bad Points

Slow Flash sync
No TTL flash
Light meter not sensitive at very low light levels


General Comments

The K1000 is an older manual focus camera that dates from the 1970s. Once the favorite of the student photographer because of its cost and simplicity, most examples are showing their age these days, somewhat offsetting the camera's strongest point - durability. The Pentax K used a lot of rubber and foam in the design and this usually needs replacing after 10-20 years to prevent light leaks and sticking shutter/mirror mechanisms.

The main disadvantage of this camera lie in the fact that its design does not contain any of the improvements gained over the last 25 years - things like more reliable vertical metal shutters with higher speeds, fast flash sync and TTL flash, and light meters that are sensitive in very dim light. For these reason I would not recommend this camera for the average buyer.

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Members' Comments onHart Cleeson.'s Review

  • Persia3d. on 9th Jul 2003

    Yes, I completely agree... I have recently unearthed my brother's K1000 w/SMC Pentax M 1:2 50mm, and had it refurbished to see how it might perform. After shooting a roll of color and a roll of B&W, I must admit I wasn't impressed with my results. I feel there is a point when you have to bury a good thing... And in the case of the K1000, it's served it's purpose and should take it's place in the SLR hall of fame.

  • brianog on 26th Jan 2008

    I agree with much of what you are saying except I have some doubts about what you say about the abscence of a vertical shutter. I own a Super ME which has the vertical metal shutter and it seems I can get sharper images at lower shutter speeds on my K1000 than on my Super ME. I have always put this down to the horizontal rubber shutter of the K1000 which gives less vibration. However I accept there could be other reasons like the K1000 being more solid and heavier etc.