Pentax K1000

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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