Farewell to *ist

Our last film camera purchase was the *ist...sadly it has now developed a fault and is unrepairable due to a lack of parts. Everyhthing is in as-new condition, but the second pressure on the shutter release does not release the shutter.

I am told by both Harrow Technical and Asahi Photo that this is a component failure, and there are no parts.

I only mention it as it's something to be aware of when looking at eBay purchases. Some of these cameras are quite old now and unless they were very successful there may be few parts to be had. One of the earlier models might well be a better bet as the *ist was not around long before the digital revolution really hit home.

John, sorry to hear of the demise of your *ist, it's such a great little camera.

I have one which requires a couple of 'external parts', would you be willing to sell yours for spares ...if so how much?

Regards, Michael

I'll drop you a PM Michael.

The *ist is a model I've never had and, as a collector would like to try.

Thanks for the timely warning that parts are no longer available John and commiseration on the passing of your camera.

My condolences on the sad loss of your *ist.
I have one and like the camera a lot. Unfortunately even when it was being designed by Pentax, I am sure that they knew that it would be their last new film SLR camera. Which is a shame they did not make it a little bit more robust. My MZ5n seems to be taking the knocks a lot better.

Regards

Graham

It will be on its way to Michael in the morning.

The pity is that it's in such beautiful condition...c'est la vie.

Sorry to hear it John. I never bought an *ist, but with hindsight I should have at the time, with its AF points. I will have to keep an eye on my MZ-5n and MZ-50 as a result.

RIP *ist

Sadly, I think there was a slow decline in build quality. Not all that surprising IMO - everyone else was building products down to a price, and Pentax would have had to follow suit to remain competitive. The MZ series in particular have that infamous drive gear, while this can be replaced it's a scarily complicated job for an amateur and getting it done professionally will outweigh the value of the camera.

My SFX feels much better built than my MZ-7, to compare two upmarket bodies of their respective generations. I should probably hunt down an SFXn before they all disappear!

Before tearing it apart, check if the component is the same as the istDS. It is repairable. The component is a standard membrane switch. There are plenty of links on the web to repair the switch.

Matt, if you really want one you're welcome to one I have sitting around. Acquired in the usual way, buy a lens and get a free body

Simon.

Off topic I know, but does anyone have a list of the differences between the SFX and SFXn?

Thanks, K.

"The SFX was succeeded by the SFXn in 1989, adding automatic exposure bracketing, as well as a few other improvements such as 1/4000sec maximum shutter speed." (Quoted from Asahi Pentax and Pentax SLR 35mm Cameras 1952-1989 by Danilo Cecchi)

I don't use the SFX anything like as much as I should, so I suspect it'd just go from sitting on your shelves doing nothing to sitting on mine doing even less! Thanks for the offer anyway.

I just find I prefer the KX/MX handling. I have two MXs which seem perfect and a KX which is nearly so aside from a self timer which sets itself off rather than waiting for you to pull the trigger lever down after winding.

Thanks John.

K.

Arrived well packed, thanks John.

Now....where's that toolbox?

Michael