K1000

Hi to all. I was just given an old Pentax K1000 when I mentioned to someone that I wanted to get into non-digital photography. It didn't come with much, just a remote trigger (I guess that is what you might call it), and the writing on the lens says SMC Pentax-A 1:2 50mm.

I don't know much of anything about these cameras, or really, cameras at all. I browsed this forum for a while and learned a little, but not much. It's a pretty weighty camera (the metal camera is desirable over the plastic, I understand. Makes sense).

I wonder if someone might take the time to tell me a little about this camera.
Thanks!

-Daniel

You have a fully manual, solid camera that will perform extremely well if you can get to grips with it. It will teach you much more about photography than an auto-everything camera, and for this reason it was for many years the camera of choice in colleges everywhere.

You really need an instruction book, a basic book on photography, some film and then lots of picture-taking.

Film: If you use slide film, you will be able to judge the accuracy of your exposures, and see the untampered with results of any special effects you might try.

Cautions: Check the battery in the baseplate is OK, and always put the lens cap on when not taking shots as there is a photo-electric switch that turns the meter on at around EV3. If this is left on the battery will exhaust quite quickly.
If you have a cable release, do use it very gently as many have very long plungers that will damage the camera if used over-enthusiastically. Only gently press just far enough to trip the shutter and no further.

But above all else, have fun learning to use your new camera!

Here's the place to get a manual, courtesy of a member of this forum:

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/mf/mfmanuals.htm

Put a new battery in the battery compartment, and check that the meter is working. The simplest way is to compare it with the meter readings of another camera, or with a light meter. If it is defunct or inaccurate you will need a separate meter which can be obtained very cheaply on Ebay. Any working meter will do; a light meter is a light meter is a light meter. They simply measure light.

There is a lot of useful information here:

http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/

If you have a duff meter, and can't wait to get going, most films give a guide to exposure on the leaflet that comes in the box.

Good luck

George

Thanks very much for the prompt replies. I will check the battery, and I was going to pick up a book or two as it is.
John, thank you for telling me about the quality of the camera and a touch of history. Your caution for the cable actuator is appreciated.
George, I think those links will be invaluable.

I wonder if anyone has any suggestions if I wanted to pick up another lense or two, for non-specific photography. I think I will try to find some basic filters, as well.

-D

Cool!

Lenses are a very personal choice, depending on your style of photography, but the classic choice would be 28mm/50mm/135mm.

I prefer 24mm/50mm/100mm because I like wide angle photography, and because the SMC Pentax-M 100mm f2.8 lens is compact and utterly superb...You might substitute a 100mm f4 Macro lens if your interests include close up work.

The A series zooms work well with your camera, and my favourites are:
SMC Pentax-A 24-50mm f4
SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f4

The outsanding M series zoom is
SMC Pentax-M 24-35mm f3.5

Just my opinion, so look for others to make suggestions as well, and bear in mind your own photographic style will dictate what suits best.

Hi M30m20, Not much more to tell you, I think the K1000 is a great camera. Personally I would use K "A" lenses, as you will be able to use them on more modern pentax cameras in future.
You will find lots of lenses available on ebay, I'll be putting a couple on there soon too (to keep the wife happy).

Good information here. Seems like a friendly community. One final question:
Wil any A-series lense work be compatible?

The K1000 is compatible with all manual focus K lenses, including the A series. All atofocus lenses with an aperture ring can also be used in manual focus mode, so the only lenses excluded are the latest J and DA lenses that have no aperture ring.

The M and A lenses are the most useful in this case, IMHO!

Thanks for all of your help, guys. This should get me started. Now, to buy some film...

-D