I know the title is best film body to get, and obviously it would be either the LX or the MZ-S. But these are either rare, or expensive.

So, looking at Bojidar's rather wonderful K-mount web page, it lists all the bodies ever made. However it does not really advise which K and M (even P) body is the best without digging deeper, and even then....

So, I am thinking of getting a nice MF body to partner my digital and my AF film bodies.

I want something more than the K1000. It is a great camera and built like a tank, but I want something more than the K1000.

So, which K, M or P body would you suggest?
Is the MG better than the MX? Is the KX the best K body? etc......P30? or P30n? You get the idea.

And if anyone suggests a Z body I shall shoot them! LOL

The advantage of a studio is that you are not going anywhere, so carrying camera gear is not an issue. Take as much as possible, and have fun

I have now picked up my lenses, for the cost of a bottle of Wine
But what do people think?

I will start with the prime, which is the SMC-M 50mm F1.7
No answer needed on this lens, as we all know that it is excellent!
But the others? It will be interesting to know peoples thoughts.

SMC-M 75-150mm F4

Vivitar 80-200mm F4.5 M42 screw mount.

Praktica M42 mount 2x converter.

The Vivitar will be a replacement to my Halina 80-200mm F4.5 M42 lens as it is full of fungus (blame my nephew), so will be fun to use

I already have a 2x M42 converter, but I like the idea of stacking

But the 75-150? Never used one. is it any good?

Just do it!
The 55 1.8 is magical! You will kick yourself if you don't buy one.

I had some fungus on my Siggy 170-500. I left it looking at the sun for a few days. Not all of the fugus has gone, but it has reduced it a lot. Worth a try before getting it repaired or taking it apart. Mind you with the current weather, that may take it a while.......

Good question, and in all honesty, yes. Why? It is to do with the optical makeup of each lens. A 1.4 is different to a 1.7, and 2.0. The common consensus is that the 1.7 is the sweetest of all. Same with the 55mm in 1.8 and 2.0 versions.

The best with manual lenses, is to buy one of each, and being cheap, that is normally not a problem, and then decide for yourself.

Personally, I don't have the 50 1.7 yet (I get it tomorrow), but extensive reading up has indicated that it is better than my FA 1.4 in contrast, bokeh and CA. I am looking foarward to compare.

I have started to go back to film, not as a replacement to digital, but as a compliment to it. Even now in these sharp crystal clear digital age, there is something about film that you cannot quantify.
In the studio, a friend of mine, who uses film a lot, had a point by saying shoot digital to get all the shots you want, then switch to film, slow down and then get the shots that you REALLY want, one shot at a time. You still have the digital as a backup anyway.
This is what I do with my film, especially my MF camera.

Amama, if you are on a student budget, then consider the Takumars and early K-mount lenses. Amazingly cheap and superb quality. I am talking about the 55mm F1.8, the 35mm F3.5 135mm F3.5 etc etc. check them out, you will be astounded. I think I put them in my original post

Neither for me I am afraid, I am doing sound effects for the Next theatre production, so the next two weekends are out.
However the next local meet I would be interested in.

Shame LCE in Manchester is rubbish! Not a nice place to visit. They used to have a reasonable amount of Pentax gear, but not anymore. In fact, the inside of the shop is not welcoming anyway.

As for Jessops, I do feel for most of the staff, as recently they were beginning to staff the shop in Manchester with people who actually knew their gear, even Pentax! But for Jessops itself? nope.

The good news is that a couple of the guys from Jacobs in Manchester, who are togs, and great people, have found themselves at Stephens instead. Good for them. As for Stephens, they only do Leica, but having a talk with my friends in there, and within earshot of the owner, I did suggest why not stock pentax as well (well the DSLR's, the MX-1 and Q) as the brand would compliment the expensive Leica gear, as both brands focus on small light premium lenses, fine premium compacts and medium format. So, who knows? We may have a place in Manchester for Pentax as well.

In the meantime it is either SRS or Mathers for me.