I bought my Pentax K1000 in 1978 when I first started out in photography. The comprehensive manual got me off to a good start and very soon I was taking some really good photos. All the controls are foolproof and the meter simple to use. The camera is very forgiving and has survived being dunked in the sea and dropped down a cliff. After 25 years it has now had a new lease of life from my partner who seems to have adopted it and pours heaps of film through it, only using the Nikon F65 I bought her as a back up. K1000-fantastic!

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.

I purchased my first K1000 in 1982. (It was HIGHLY recommended by my college photography teacher) About five years later, I had discovered a complete tune-up and a new K1000 body were about the same price so I purchased a second body (with no regrets). Fortunately they have the metal casings on the top and bottom as they both have hit pavment and concrete on several occasions without any damage at all. I have tried other cameras that were more sophisticated, but have remained true to my K1000 bodies. Constant advances in technology unfortunately placed an end to such an amazing camera.

The shutter is loud (which I like--makes me feel like each shot was a substantial commitment), the camera is pretty hefty (which means it's solid and dependable), the controls are idiot-proof, and with the lens adapters, it's one of the most versatile cameras ever made. What more can one ask from a camera? Like I said, they don't make'em like this anymore.

I have owned a K1000 since 1975, the first year of production. I have taken literally hundreds of pictures with the camera; have hauled it across the country stashed in the luggage compartment of a motorcycle on 5 occasions; and have taken it canoeing, hiking, and climbing on numerous occasions. Throughout all it has performed almost flawlessly. I say "almost," because on a few occasions the film has failed to catch (or stay caught) on the take-up reel. Most likely this is "operator error" caused by not advancing the film enough before closing the back. Otherwise, performance has been outstanding. e-bay is flooded with accessories for the K1000 at reasonable prices. The camera itself isn't cheap, however. I paid $200 in '75 for mine. I good example today will set you back about $150 which is probably actually an increase in price when you compare 1975 dollars to 2002 dollars. Nevertheless, the K1000 is a good value assuming you can find one that hasn't been worn out or abused. (Mine isn't for sale!)

I have a Pentax K1000 I believe the 1977 version. Don't know much about it. My dad bought it for me 10 years ago when I started photography. I would like more info on and where can I get info on the exact model I have?? Do I sell it or not? How much? How do I know what condition its in?

A fabulous "learner" or entry level camera that has been a dependable partner for (can it be) 25 years! It has had 0 problems or breakdowns, which cannot be said for later Pentax products I've owned... Will be used to teach the kids the basics of photography in a few years. Not many consumer products can be expected to perform as well, and for as long, as my K1000 (SE).

This Pentax K1000 35mm SLR camera never stops, have had mine for over 11 years and i still use it for infrared photography, one of the few these days than can produce a true light-tight IR tight environment for your film. Dropped it a few years back and watched in horror as it tumbled down the hill, picked it up, had it checked out, nothing needed fixing at all, try that with a nikon....

This Pentax K100 35mm SLR camera has got to be one of the "most" popular manual camera ever made. A great starter camera, but also a quality multi_level camera. A real creative tool, which does what you want it to. It grows with your creativity. The camera gains value, as it ages. Hard 2 believe, huh? This is a solid camera. Built for punishment. But it is a simple to use tool. I have (5) Nikon SLR's, which I Love 2 death. But my K_1000 is my "dream camera". I bought it 2nd hand, and it is immaculate in and out. It is my "dream come true" camera. I love pulling it out and just load it and get'ta fun. This is a great camera and if you can get hold of one "DO IT". It is worth the investment. U will see, what I mean. Later!!!!

The Pentax K1000 is a great 35mm SLR camera. As my first 'proper' camera, I have used it for the past 3 years with absolutely no trouble at all and taken some very nice photographs.
Extremely simple to use, and is a great 'entry level' camera for those who want something that works well, but don't want to pay the world for it.
It's metal casing makes for an extremely durable camera, which is a joy in these days of cameras that will break the moment you drop them.
The only thing I can find at fault is that (as far as I know) they are not made any more, which means if you want one, join the waiting list for a second hand one! Age and reliability really isn't important though, as there is so little to go wrong on them.

The Pentax K1000 is a wonderful second 35mm SLR camera for any professional, and a good camera for an amateur. It is relatively durable, and easy to use. I would not recommend this camera to anyone who likes all the bells and whistles, seeing that it is a bare bones camera. As for those who like a back to the basic camera, the Pentax K1000 is a very good choice.