What is the best Pentax 35mm film SLR?

I pointed out one of my threads earlier in this thread, I've used the standard 18-55 lens on a P30 body, the camera set the aperture and there were no problems.

From the introduction of the Ka mount(I think) the bodies seem able to set aperture.

I could be wrong

Any of the cameras that have P or Tv modes can operate these lenses. The camera sets the aperture just as it would with any lens with the aperture ring set on "A".

I forgot that bit!

Well spotted John.

LX - no contest.

I thought I had posted here, but I guess I'm going senile along with my manual cameras

I have had my LX since 1981 and just seen one for sale on eBay - body only minus interchageable viewfinder - for £999 and claiming only cosmetic scratches although the pic shows its in much worse condition than mine, which was frequently in its leather case when being transported away from my camera bag.

If I wasn't so sentimental, I might be tempted to sell mine and buy the K7 with the money I get. I have been looking around for used Pentax (digital) bodies for a few weeks now and one thing is certain - good Pentax examples really hold their value and are not much cheaper than buying brand new, and after seeing the K7 yesterday I might just do that (it is such a beauty).

And clearly in the case of the (manual/auto) LX they increase in value due to the fact that it is simply the best 35mm SLR built by any manufacturer ever. Period. (anyone care to argue with me and I'll meet you outside at dawn, SLRs at the ready)

Hmmm methinks I might start taking a lot more film again

Boz did a survey (see link) on 'top Pentax bodies.
I have an ME Super and an MZ5n, both of which I would not part with.


link

The one(s) you have, I guess!

Great thread guys.
A friend of mine just bought an old Monolta SRT101 and after having a go, it really got me wanting to pick up an old film camera.

I'm now on the lookout for a cheapish Pentax body.

Don't know if anybody has mentioned it, but how about the K1000?
Great camera for learning the fundamentals of photography which is why most colleges used it as their teaching aid.

Well, thought I'd better mention what 35mm camera I went for.... just bought a MZ-60 body for £20. I'm quite interested in how it fares with the 50-135.

I'll let you know how I get on when it gets here. Probably better get myself some film in the mean time. . .

Or the ones you don't. The grass is often greener....

G

I hope I don't feel that way! Though I do feel a bit guilty for going with a modern body enabling me to cheat in many areas - but I really want to try my 50-135 on 35mm film, but I know it will hardly be in the same league as an LX or ME super. Please forgive me!

Well....it has arrived!




Just took a couple of snaps with it - I feel very much at home with the MZ-60 and things are'nt too bad at all with the 50-135 attached. There is hardly any distortion around the edges.

Things fare worse with the 18-55 kit lens at the 18mm end, with more distortion which subsides to be on a par with the 50-135 once zoomed in a tad. A great wide angle though at the 18mm end it has to be said.

Just grabbed 5 rolls of cheap ISO 400 film to begin with (for £2.49!!).

I'll post some shots here when I eventually get them developed.

On that subject actually - any recommendations? I'd rather send them off with the option to have them burnt to disc.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a photo lab to develop film and also to put on disc? I've had a look online, and it's a bit of a minefield - would rather go off recomendations.

Tescos did a good job with my prints, charged £6.36 for 36 7x5 prints and 97p to put them onto disc at the same time, its probably not the best place to get them done but I'm happy with them, the first roll I took there, the prints came out with a pile of dust marks on them - i've been told its carelessess with the developement, 2nd time around though 3 rolls came out fine

I wouldn't mind some recommendations on a good place to send them off to have developed.

The MZ that you bought looks like a bargain!, i just bought this Mz-7 off ebay for £39 2 weeks ago - not tried any film though it yet though but its all working and feels like it will be nice and easy to use.

Why is it that the MZ-6 seems to have a much better spec than the the MZ-7? you'd think it would be the other way around

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