Pentax K1000 Reviews

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Pentax K1000
★★★★☆
4.5
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  • Photograph Quality

  • Features

  • Ease of Use

  • Value For Money

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Media Gallery for Pentax K1000

Specification for Pentax K1000

Main characteristics
Image Sensor Type: CCD
Resolution: 6.31 Megapixel
Camera Type: Standard Point and Shoot
Lens
Interchangeable Lens: Not Interchangeable Lenses
Focus Type: Autofocus&Manual Focus
Image Quality
Camera Resolution: 6.31 Megapixel
Image Resolutions: 3008 x 20082400 x 16001536 x 1024
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed: 30 - 1/4000 sec
White Balance: AutoManualDaylight / Sunny (Preset)Cloudy (Preset)Fluorescent (Preset)Tungsten (Preset)Shade (Preset)Flash (Preset)
Frames Per Second: 2.8 Frames
Storage
Memory Type: SD Card
Compression Modes: FineSuperFineNormalUncompressed
Compression Type: JPEGRaw ImageEXIF 2.2DCFDPOF
File Size (High Res.): 6 MB (21 images on 128MB card)
Flash
ISO Speeds: Auto20040080016003200
Flash Type: Built-In&External
Flash Functions: Flash OffAuto FlashRed-eye Reduction FlashForced On
Viewfinder / Display
Viewfinder: Optical (Through-the-lens)
LCD Panel: With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size: 2.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution: 210,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position: Without LCD Protected Position
Interfaces
Interface Type: USB 2.0
Video Interface: Video Out
Power Supply
Battery Type: 4 x AA BatteriesCR-V3
Included Features
Self Timer: 2 Sec.12 Sec.
Built-in Microphone: Without Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speaker: Without Built-in Speaker
Tripod Mount: With Tripod Mount
System Requirements
Operating System: Apple Mac OS XMicrosoft Windows 2000Microsoft Windows XP Home EditionMicrosoft Windows XP Professional
Other
Height: 9.1 cm
Width: 13 cm
Depth: 7.1 cm
Weight: 0.6 kg
Warranty: 1 Year
Exterior Color: Black
Included Accessories: SoftwareUSB CableVideo Cable4 x AA Rechargeable BatteriesStrap
Release Date: July, 2006

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Latest Reviews

“I have a Pentax KX, which is virtually the same as the...”

★★★★☆

written by on 20/08/2010

I have a Pentax KX, which is virtually the same as the K1000, except with a few more features. It was my first SLR and still is the only one I own, even though, eventually I will go digital for the convienence. The biggest winning point to this camera is that wonderful bayonet mount. Pentax still manufactures K Mount (bayonet) lenses, you won't get all you're digital features though ;) If you have the opportunity to buy one of these, DO IT! It's the camera that brought you the haunting images from the Vietnam War and is the longest running camera line in the world for a reason. I managed to get mine through family for free. And though a DSLR will be convienent for those trigger-happy days, this workhorse/tank/bombproof legend will never leave my side. I'd be devastated to loose it. You'll learn how photography works and you'll be satisfied with that assuring 'CLUNK' every time you release the shutter. If you're going into the desert, or the Antartic cirle where it's sub zero temperatures, TAKE THIS CAMERA, it will not fail you. A digital SLR would have the biggest tantrum hissyfit whereas this camera will pack it in and deliver.

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“As soon as I laid my hands on the Pentax K1000 in a...”

★★★★★

written by on 19/04/2010

As soon as I laid my hands on the Pentax K1000 in a photo studio I fell in love with it. I Paid about US$ 70 for it. I started learning the basics with my K1000 & have been enjoying every composition with it for the last 2 years. The all manual options help me give my touch to the picture. The shutter sound is great. Though its very old but its in mint condition & hardly used by previous owner. I am now getting tele & wide lens for it from ebay.

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“What an incredible camera! So solid and easy to use....”

★★★★★

written by on 15/01/2010

What an incredible camera! So solid and easy to use. BOTH 50mm f1.7 and 50mm f2.0 Pentax lenses are great, really very good lenses. I mostly shoot colour negatives and these lenses produce sharp and at the same time -- hard to describe this -- gentle images. Thus, visually very beautiful (of course one needs to find a very good place to print them!).
My K-1000's light meter goes dead when being used in really low light, but it is rarely ever a problem. The camera's shutter sound is a little loud but seems very solid built. I have used the K-1000 for over five years as well as medium format, 5"x4" and various digital cameras, and still value it as a simple, solid camera with really beautiful optics. As well as K-1000, I would equally recommend the Pentax MX model, which is a slightly smaller, has slightly quieter shutter and a depth of field preview button.

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“Stunning 'old school', manual everything SLR. Just...”

★★★★★

written by on 31/12/2009

Stunning 'old school', manual everything SLR. Just make sure that you get an early version. It had a 20+ year production run! Early ones made in Japan (usually badged 'Asahi Pentax'). Later ones are made in China (in a Chinon factory, so I'm told..) and have inferior build quality.

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“The K1000 is a therapeutic camera. You have to feel...”

★★★★★

written by WWreese on 22/12/2008

The K1000 is a therapeutic camera. You have to feel the subject and tweak and adjust to make a terrific photo, but is well worth it. I have old prints from the early 80's taken with the Pentax that simply look better than digital.

I love this camera and, after many moves in the last 18 years, have made a point to hang onto this classic. The case is battered and torn, but this great little unit is still ready to go!! In fact, I am considering new accessories for the camera.

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“First class for the serious photographer. Not for use...”

★★★★★

written by mike taylor on 05/10/2008

First class for the serious photographer. Not for use for the snap happy. Although it's a bit heavy to carry around it's an excellent value for money camera.

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“The Pentax K1000 is an excellent camera, I have had it...”

★★★★★

written by joehanek on 10/09/2008

The Pentax K1000 is an excellent camera, I have had it for many years great for pro's and beginners. I have taken many wonderful photo's with this camera.

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“I have had my Pentax K1000 since 1977 and it has never...”

★★★★★

written by Ros Teuma on 29/07/2008

I have had my Pentax K1000 since 1977 and it has never let me down. Picture quality is superb, especially close-ups, and I haven't yet found a digital camera at a comparable price to match it. It has been up mountains, in the desert, on the beach, on safari, been bounced and jolted - tough as old boots.

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“I really like the camera. It's easy to use and good...”

★★★★☆

written by on 28/07/2008

I really like the camera. It's easy to use and good for starting photographers. The camera is so simple and elegant. The pictures turn out great! It was a good purchase. The camera runs out of batteries quickly because there is no on or off switch. I recommend keeping it in a very dark area so doesn't waste batteries. Overall, it's a very nice camera to have around.

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“This is the best slr camera i have ever used and is...”

★★★★★

written by bobdole on 01/04/2008

This is the best slr camera i have ever used and is built like a tank; it is increadibly robust and has never let me down.
It doesnt have the widest array of features but for a simple slr nothing comes close in my opinion

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“The only problem I've had with my Pentax K1000 was the...”

★★★★★

written by quartermiler660 on 20/12/2007

The only problem I've had with my Pentax K1000 was the TTL light meter quit working after several years of use, and the camera bag, ofcourse containing the Pentax somehow slipped under the air seat in my truck, and the steel scissoring arms that allow the seat to bounce up & down nailed it. Hit the prizm housing and dented it . It never had a light leak and at that point, the meter still worked. I finally got the meter repaired a few years back & the camera works like new. The repair facility, located in Brockton, MA, also fixed the dent in the housing without even being ask to. And for the same quoted price! Awesome!

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“It's a good camera and I have taken good photos, those...”

★★★★★

written by emai on 20/11/2007

It's a good camera and I have taken good photos, those photos I gave to the press. They put my photo on the front page....its my good point of my Pentax k1000.

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“This has been my go-to camera for 3 years now after I...”

★★★★★

written by nautilaz on 18/08/2006

This has been my go-to camera for 3 years now after I moved up from a point and shoot. It's been great to get me acquainted with the use of an all-manual SLR. I've taken it on three different world-travels, though heavy in the bag, it has helped me progress in my overall skill. For travel purposes, the body is fine, but the lenses offered are not as durable (two of three are jammed). Being without batteries, the simple metering system is subject to problems in any kind of indoor situation. That is the limit of this class of camera, I believe.

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“Maybe it is a matter of getting used to it, but I...”

★★★★★

written by Sol on 04/01/2006

Maybe it is a matter of getting used to it, but I think that the Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera's exposure meter scale (in a viewfinder) is much simpler (no different flashing lights, etc, etc.), and that's why it is easier to use. Very handy!

Also, compared to other brands manual cameras, I would choose Pentax because their manual focus lenses have got half a stop aperture bracketing, i.e. f5.6, f5.6 and a half, f8, f8 and a half, etc, which is an essential feature if you shoot slides and need to be exact in exposing light.

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“The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera was one of 3 cameras...”

★★★★☆

written by Steve Andrews on 14/12/2005

The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera was one of 3 cameras introduced by Pentax with the new K fitting lens. It was the most basic model in the range, but is simple and a joy to use. I have owned 2 of them. The first I bought new after using one of the college loaned K1000's. I traded it for a P50 (big mistake), and 10 years later found another K1000 cheap in a pawnbrokers shop.

The parts are available for repairs, and there is a vast assortment of lenses, both secondhand and new that will fit it. The owners manual can even be downloaded for free from Pentax's web site.

Look for the made in Japan models! Pentax stopped production in the early nineties, only demand meant they had to bring it back, they "revised" it making the body top and base plate out of chrome plastic, and assembling it in China; still worth having, but not as tough as the original metal bodied one. Think also about the Pentax MX and LX.

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“I am a beginner manual photography student, and the...”

★★★★★

written by RY9 Team EMS on 01/10/2005

I am a beginner manual photography student, and the Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera is a great beginner camera to learn the basics on. I am only 18 years old, and even though this camera is older than me, the quality and reliability is great!

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“Pentax K1000: I love this camera so much that I own...”

★★★★★

written by chrisshufordphotography on 06/12/2004

Pentax K1000: I love this camera so much that I own two of them and own 9 different lenses for them. I have shot hundreds of weddings with these cameras over the years and refuse to give them up (even though I have 2 eos 50s and a nikon n65) The K1000 are still the cameras I would have if I could only pick one.

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“To talk about the features of the Pentax K1000 in this...”

★★★★★

written by GANDALFcmk on 15/09/2004

To talk about the features of the Pentax K1000 in this age of bells and whistles probably misses the point. Since it burst on the scene in the early 70's, the attraction of the K1000 is that it's feature-less. Thousands of photography students for more than 25 years have been taking their first serious pictures with this camera. A quality camera? Reliabe? Durable? How many other camera models can you name that have been continually manufactured for a quarter of a century? Pentax produced its last K1000 in 1997. If you are seriously considering learning how to take good pictures or are just bored with your point-and-shoot and want more involvement, launch an immediate search for a K1000. You won't be sorry.

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Phillip Stephenson's Response to 170275_GANDALFcmk's Review

Written on: 27/01/2006

I can only agree. I bought my K1000 in 1981 and it has never been repaired and has never given a problem. My camera has not had hard use, but it has had a fair bit of use in any case. My previous camera was a Praktica with a Pentax screw mount and I was able to buy an adaptor so I could still use my old lenses, although I have bought a couple of bayonet mount lenses over the years. The fact that the camera is all manual means you can be a little more creative than with modern cameras that boast of being able to "point and shoot". I believe that for all-round use, the K1000 is excellent value for money.

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“The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera has a basic, simple...”

★★★☆☆

written by Rath69 on 28/11/2003

The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera has a basic, simple design. So much so, it was made for twenty-plus years. Imitated by others for it's design. If you want to shoot time exposures, astrophotography, artistic capture of light and motion, or just plain weird stuff, this is your choice.
I've owned one for twenty years, now have a second one, have bought three more for other people, and plan on getting third for myself in near future.
Even one in need of repair is worth the time and repair cost.
Use of manual SLR cameras is becoming a dying art, which should be preserved, before we forget
the art.

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“If you want to learn the basics about photography go...”

★★★★☆

written by chevron2003 on 01/11/2003

If you want to learn the basics about photography go and find one of these. Mine has lasted twenty plus years and I am only selling it because I have been seduced by digital photography but my digital pictures will be all the better for having owned a K1000. A crying shame that they don't make them any more.

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