Pentax K1000 35mm Film Camera

The K-1000 35mm SLR from venerable Pentax is built like a tank! The early Japanese models are the all metal one's. These are the K-1000's with "ASAHI" stamped above the Pentax name in front on the prism housing. The latter Chinese models included plastic body parts and don't say Asahi.
The K-1000 is totally manual; adjust the lens aperture, adjust shutter speed, make sure the light meter needle in the viewfinder is in the middle or close to it and fire away. The light meter battery is the common LR44 and will last years.
Lens choices include the famous Pentax "K" mount or "Bayonet" mount lenses. (and with the proper adapter even "M-42 Screwmount" lenses) Pentax "SMC" lenses were made for this camera. The "SMC" lenses feature excellent optics and are becoming more scarce to get. The "SMC" lenses are a bit larger at the outer ring than the more common "SMC-M" lenses. Match the K-1000 with the SMC-M 50mm F1.7 and you'll have no disappointments. A renowned lens...a fantastic combo!



6/06 update: Need the perfect flash unit? Check out the Pentax AF 200S. The AF 200S will almost always give you a perfect exposure in AUTO mode. Pentax hit a homerun with this little dude. Looks good on the camera, too. They come with a soft case and it takes 4 AA's. AF200S Flash Unit.

I was walking through the Goodwill, which I like to do for bargains now and then, and among a sea of the cheapest plastic cameras ever made on this planet was a little larger and heavier looking camera. I picked it up expected it to be one of those cheap 35mm imitations. But as soon as I touched it and picked it up, the memories of my early days as a yearbook photographer with my CanonTX came rushing back. It was a Pentax K1000 in dusty but relatively good shape. A manual SLR 35mm like my old Canon, it was like riding a bike. My hand flew over the camera, manually adjusting the shutter speed and flying through the F-stops , squeezing out a few shots and easily popping the lens off the body even though I had never working with a Pentax before. But like an old rider getting on a skittish sideshow horse, this camera knew it was being handled by someone who knew what he was touching and how to use it. The camera CRIED OUT , "PLEASE! HELP! I don’t belong here with this decrepit pile of junk!!" As I ran her through the motions, all the function were there and was nothing wrong with her except the missing lens cap and battery. Even the lens, though dusty, was perfect. I knew nothing about her but I knew was that a camera of this quality deserved a better resting place than the open shelves of this Goodwill, in fact she appear to still be a fitting of a second wind. So knowing zero about it’s pedigree I never put her back down. I paid the 9.99 on the blue sticker unceremoniously place it her front partially covering the PENTAX name and walked out the door. When we got home and placed a new battery in the empty housing, the light meter needle spiked and the Camera full awoke. She spoke again. “I was having the strangest dream!” she said, “ I was lying in a gutter with bunch of smelly bums...” I smiled as I did my online research and discover what a great camera this was. “Don’t fret K”, I whisper, “Your home again......”

The K1000 has long been a favorite of both the photography student and teacher for its simplicity, ruggedness, and versatile design. You will not find a more basic SLR camera that is as reliable and versatile as the K1000. Rather than spending time learning how to operate it you will instead learn how to compose good photographs, understand exposure and shutter speeds.

As others have noted, this camera offers nothing in the way of automation. There is no auto-focus, aperture or shutter automation, auto film advance, and it doesn't even offer a self-timer. What it does offer is a tremendously reliable body that, with a minimum of upkeep, will never let you down.

The K1000 only needs a battery to run the light meter, should the battery fail you can still use it as the shutter does not rely on it for operation. Simple controls, excellent weight and balance, as well as a bright viewfinder make this camera a real treat to operate.

This is also a fantastic platform for those of you considering a future upgrade to digital as the Pentax K-Mount lens that works on the K1000 will also work on the new *ist D and K100D line of dSLR's offered by Pentax. There is full backward compatability with all the K-Mount lenses made by Pentax along with other aftermarket vendors. So, what you buy today for your K1000 will work with the new technology being rolled out by Pentax in the future (Canon and Nikon owners can claim a lot, but they can't claim that).

This is also a wonderful backup body for your bag since it will always be ready to shoot. This camera is very well supported by the aftermarket and there are a number of vendors here on eBay that offer servicing (cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment = CLA) for around $60 that will keep this camera working well.

Some of the later models of the K1000 were manufactured in China and Vietnam in the later 80's early 90's and were manufactured with some plastic body components (notably the prism and baseplate). While this does save some weight it lessens the overall "quality" feel of the camera. It should be noted that it doesn't hinder the cameras reliability, just feel.

This camera is a great platform to learn from and also a reliable shooter that can take travel well. Highly recommended.

THe Pentax K1000 Film Camera is a masterpiece. The only electronic function is the light meter, and can otherwise operate without batteries. Pentax is legendary for being superior in lens quality and craftmanship to its competitors, and that holds true to this day. The K Mount Bayonette lens system offers A photographer the speed needed to change quickly between lenses. And with all manual funtions, these cameras are ideal for a student in a photography class, or a professional who wants a reliable trusted tool.

Pentax K1000 Film SINGLE LENS REFLEX CAMERA

This camera is fantatstic for beginners in photography, i would say before you own a digital camera buy a single lens reflex: Pentax K1000 Film SINGLE LENS REFLEX CAMERA.

Some background information.

The Pentax K1000 (originally marked the Asahi Pentax K1000) was a beginner or student level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. (PENTAX Corporation since 2002) from 1976 to 1997, originally in Japan. It used a horizontal travel rubberized silk cloth focal plane shutter with a speed range of 1 to 1/1000th second plus Bulb and flash X-sync of 1/60th second. It had dimensions of 91.4 mm height, 143 mm width, 48 mm depth and 620 g weight. Unlike most SLRs of the time, the K1000 was not available in a black body however brown leather and special edition versions were sold.

The K1000 was the simplest member of Asahi Optical's Pentax K-series SLRs. The other members were the Pentax K2, KM, KX (all introduced in 1975) and K2 DMD (1976). They all used the same basic body design, but with differing feature levels, internal electronics, and external controls and cosmetics.

The K1000's extraordinary longevity makes it a historically significant camera, despite its very ordinary design. In truth, it was already obsolete when it was first released. The K1000's inexpensive simplicity turned out to be a great virtue and earned it an unrivaled popularity as a basic but sturdy workhorse; supremely well suited to teaching budding photographers proper photographic skills. Many professional photographers first learned photography using the K1000.


REVIEW: BUY IT! THE QUALITY IS SUPERB MANUAL OVERIDE, DEPTH OF FIELD, EASY FILM LOADING, QUALITY LENSES, BUY ON EBAY FOR CHEAP QUALITY LENSES! THIS CAMERA WILL SHINE, ALSO CONSIDER COSINA.

Wonderful product. This is a manual camera that I use for my photography classes. This camera was in mint condition with a wonderful lens. The K1000 is a work horse that takes great photos and also will take the beating of the many students using it.

This camera is a great and tough workhorse. It does not have fancy bells and automation but it will deliver very good shots. The lens that comes with it is just as good as any higher priced lenses in the market. They are sharp and gives you very nice skin tones. Typical of any Pentax optics. I own a digital camera too but the images never turn out as sharp. Well, sometimes they do with some manipulations but the images lose its natural look. Compared to my autofocus SLRS? They are fast and accurate but I still get more acceptable images per roll of film using this manual camera.

My autofocus cameras come and go but never my K1000. Very reliable and works without batteries. Controls are very basic. Simple and easy to use. I always carry it not as a back up because I use it side by side with the other cameras I bring when in doubt of a tricky shot.

I have many cameras, both digital and film. Current technology is great, when it works - with all the electronics embedded in all devices today, the technology simply dies when the batteries go dead. And believe, me, batteries go dead at the most inopportune time, such as in the middle of an action shot or deep in the jungles of Guatemala. To ensure I never miss a shot, I began my hunt for a Pentax K1000 camera. A real work-horse of a camera and very reliable. Although it does have a battery for the light meter, you don't need the light meter to take great shots time and time again.

After searching a few local camera stores and coming up empty, my search turned to eBay - which seems to have anything and everything you can ever want. I won two bids on two Pentax K1000 camera's and purchased them both. Both arrived in good shape and in no time at all. So impressed with my purchase of the camera's, I bid on some accessory items as well - some I won, some I didn't. 10 winning bids later finds me very happy with my purchases and my eBay experience was fast, simple and rewarding.

I gave my sellers A+ marks and give eBay the same high scores - without a doubt, I will continue to use eBay for all sorts of future purchases.

Another satisfied eBay customer,

Matt in Southern California

Most people shy away from manual or film cameras anymore. However there is a great art and a lot of satisfaction in learning to shoot film using a fully manual camera. How many people know how to use the shutter and aperture to manipulate your depth of field anymore? Or how to 'bracket' photos, except for using the bracketing button on their camera? While I know the newer cameras generally can do a decent job with this, you can gain a much greater understanding of how to work a photo, how exposure and aperture size affects things, etc, by using a fully manual camera.
For this purpose I doubt if you will find a much better or more durable camera than the old K1000. While Nikon and Canon are well known for their higher quality cameras and optics, they just can't take the beatings that the K1000 could take, and still put out a great image. Also, unless you are using a flash, there was never any worries about your battery running out. The only thing a battery (a large watch style battery) was used for was the TTL meter indicating if you were under or overexposed.
Our old K1000 suffered through many camping trips, getting dropped and kicked around, bounced around a trunk, the beating it can take being hauled to and from a high school photography class, etc, etc, etc. The only thing that finally did that camera in was a trip on a raft into the gulf from Panama. The waves got too big, the raft capsized, and the camera went to the bottom. May it rest in piece. :)
I would recommend the K1000 to any photography student or anyone wanting to dive in and learn manual photography. Just take the time to research the camera you are looking to purchase to make sure everything is working correctly. Also, if you want the most durable, look for the ones that say Asahi Pentax. These are the ones actually made in Japan and are much more durable than the later Chinese models.
Good luck and happy shooting!

This is a great camera to own if you can get your hands on one. From beginners to professionals, this camera has a wonderful array of options that any photographer would be proud to have. While it's not the new fangled digitals out there, it's simple because everything is manual... there is no fussing with auto focus or any other features that can trip up a photographer that means for their image pursuit to be more than just a hobby.

One drawback is there is no automatic shutter feature. Meaning you can just point and shoot -- hold down the button and reel off 10 images in 20 seconds. So this camera is not for the person who takes professional sports photos or ones where they want to capture a series of action.

However, even with this limitation, this camera is excellent for learning the ins and outs of photography while capturing some beautifully sharp and crisp pictures.

This is high recommended for those taking photography classes in high school and/or college as it does allow the photographer to control every aspect of the image.

Now, because of it's discontinued, this camera can cost a mint but it is well worth it. And you can still find lens for it, you just have to make sure the lens fit the particular body of this camera as there are a couple of models. So be mindful and do your homework when lens shopping because unless the retailer has a fantastic return policy, you might get stuck with a $100+ lens that does not fit.

Happy photographing!

Is a shutter bug I have used a k1000 for many years. My son in-law mentioned that he would like to take nature pictures. He has never used a slr camera. I knew that I couldn't buy him a new slr, and had no idea where I could find a used one. Im 70 years old and was talking to my daughter about this when she said have you ever look on ebay. Much to my surprise I found many up for auction. Even though I'm reluctent to buy something sight unseen I took the step. After looking at many adds I bid on one and was fortunate enought to have the high bid. The item was received packaged well and was in a condition equal to the add. Im sure my son in-law be will be happy at Christmas time.
Why did I decide to buy it? I knew that if I was to ever get a K1000 camera this would be be one of the few ways to do it. The other reason is there is good chance of getting the item I wanted at a reasonable price.

Dennis Urfer

I used all types of film cameras and I almost always have a problem with it. But this camera never has a problem.

It's easy to make a list of everything that the K1000 doesn't do (especially with the deluge of modern whiz-bang digital cameras at our fingertips), but the K1000 remains one of the best starter film cameras in existence.

A combination of rock-solid reliability, low purchase cost, and a nearly unlimited supply of OEM and aftermarket lenses make this camera required equipment for many first-time film camera students. The match-needle meter only takes a minute or two to learn, and the rest of the camera is almost instinctively intuitive, it's so easy to use.

I used my first K1000 for about two years, until I upgraded to a Nikon FG. I regretted selling my K1000 almost immediately; it would have been the perfect second body to keep around. To this day, I have often thought about picking up another K1000 body ... and with the prices of film cameras in freefall, it may not be a bad time to scoop one up!

I am new to the Manual Photography business, and went looking for a good starter camera. The Pentax K1000 camera was the perfect "first-camera." I thought about it only briefly before bidding on it. I must say that it is in exceptional shape, and was described by the seller in great detail; enough information to lead me to place the bid in confidence. I knew it was a good deal.

I have bought several cameras on e-Bay and appreciate the guidelines that emphasize both honesty and judgement before placing a bid. This purchase has been very beneficial to me.

I purchased a used camera,Pentax K1000 w/operators manual and a flash attachment.They both look new and in pirfect operating condition
The items were shipped right away and I got them the following.

I thank the seller for such great goods & service.

danny copeland

the perfect camera for learning, it arrived in good shape and quickly too. real nice camera for sure

The Pentax K1000 is a great all-manual film camera perfect for students and advanced amateurs alike! I love it because it consistently gives me what I want in my images- an authentic, B&W look. I bought it as a gift for a local art school that offers classes in B&W film photography; and the K1000 is the camera they use. Another reason I truly like this camera is that, since there are only the most basic of controls to manipulate, there is very little that can go wrong with the camera- if treated well! Also, the K1000 can function without its battery, since only the TTL (through the lens) meter is powered by the battery!

This is one of the very best cameras ever made. It is fully manual and built like a Sherman tank. I have had one of these in the past and sold it when I upgraded to FA, what a mistake. I have now sold the AF and gotten another K1000, a ME and A ME Super. I do not ever see myself using another Automatic Camera, The ME series is about as automatic as I will ever get again and those are used on 125x and not auto. If you want a camera that is reliable, built to last, and takes top shelf photographs in any environment the K1000 is not only one of your best options, it is also one of the cheapest options for a fully manual SLR. I have been in photography for 23 years and I still favor the camera I learned on, I have owned Minolta, Nikon, Canon and Sony cameras from SLR manuals to Fully Automatic Digitals (nice for the family vacation, nothing more) and in my opinion, the K1000 is one of the top 5 cameras ever made.

I owned a pentex K1000. my camera need to be resealed in back where the film was I cound'nt find anyone to do it. when I look on ebay I saw this one and bought it. I love being in control of the different exposure modes shutter speed, depth-of-field & film speed. all the pictures I took with this camera came out good. I love this camera it is good for learning about photography it worka very well. I would recommend it for all students in photography you will learn a lot. the reason I rated it as good there always room for improvement.

I needed a 35 mm camera for a photography class I signed up for, & didn't really want to spend a lot of money on a new one. Upon finding this camera, I immediately bought it & crossed my fingers that it would work!! It is fabulous!!! The camera was in wonderful condition. There was only one minor physical flaw, & it was mentioned in the description when I bought it, so there were no surprises. Upon taking the camera to a shop, a professional also told me that this camera was in wonderful condition. I've taken SOOOOO MANY pictures with it this semester & I LOVE IT!

I got my K1000 for a photography class my sophomore year of highschool because it was the cheapest camera at the pawnshop my parents went to, in fact I believe the guy threw in the bag and neck strap for free to get rid of the camera. It has been through 3 years of highschool, 7 years of college, two trips to NYC, two family vacations, one child (so far) and is still working as well as the day I got it without a day in the shop! The automatic meter (no holding the button half way down to meter and accidentally taking the picture) made my early days easy as pie while other students were wasting frames on meter mistakes and learning what pressure their camera needed. It has given me every bit as much quality as the others I have taken classes with were getting with their new cannon's or minolta's. Even my teachers have been impressed and told me that almost all my photos look professional. Thank you good old fashioned machinery.

My first SLR was the K-1000. Bought it in 1980. Still have it, still use it. Shoot digital as well for the ease but theres nothing like the click of the mechanical shutter of the work horse. Im sure i will have and use for years to come. I will be showing my new born twins how to shoot with it in about 5 years from now.

I bought my K1000 when I was stationed in Germany in the late 80's. Prior to my purchase I had never owned a 35mm camera, I was using the dreadful pocket 110 cameras which produced horrid pictures most of the time. While searching for the camera I wanted, I decided on the K1000 because it was all manual. I mentioned to my wife I wanted it all manual that way if the pictures came out horrible there was only one person to blame (me) and if they came out good I could take pride in them even more. I can tell you I have many more excellent photos than bad photos. The camera is easy to use and fun to experiment with. Add a tripod and a remote shutter release switch and you can take some of the best night and low light photos! Some of my photos were good enough to frame and put on the wall. Not bad for an amateur weekend photo taker! :-) But seriously, this is a great camera for either the amateur family style photo taker or the professional. I am currently scouring E-Bay for a second carrier that I can load with Black and White film (this camera takes great B&W too) so that I can just swap lenses instead of having to use up the entire roll before taking color again. This is a camera when taken care of, will last a lifetime and as long as they continue to make 35mm film, a camera that you can pass down for other generations to enjoy. As long as I can continue to take excellent memories with my K1000, I have no need to upgrade to a newer full auto camera. And if you are concerned about storing your 35mm photos in digital format, there are now many of inexpensive ways to do so including sending your film off and receiving a CD back with your photos on it instead of the standard 4 X 6 photo format (or you can have both). If you purchase one, you will not be disappointed! :-)