Broken Pentax K1000 - Who can repair it?

[AutumnJazz]

This was my mother's camera, she got it in the 70s and learned photography on it. She gave it to me in the 90s, and I learned photography on it. It has incredible sentimental value to me, and her, and it is broken. If using any normal shutter speed, the light meter's needle (or whatever it is) does not move. (It stays in the middle, and on Blub, it hits the top, so it isn't stuck.) I have no idea what is wrong with it, but I would like to get the light meter working so that I can use it.

So, where can I send it to get it repaired? Or would I be better off getting a light meter that can fit in a hot shoe, as is used on Leicas?

(On a very off topic note, I've always wondered, why are M-mount lenses so much?)

Thanks,
Jazz

PS. - I lost my glasses, so I am sorry for any typo's I have made. It is very hard for me to read without them, making proofreading difficult.

 

[reellis67]

The problem is that when the batteries corrode, they damage the hair thin wire that leads from the battery case to the meter, and the wire is so thin that is is a real bear to repair. I've tried to fix this on mine, but could not work with the ultra thin wire. The best solution is to disassemble the body and replace the wire entirely, or so I was told by the repair shop, who wanted $150US to do the job. However, all is not lost. These cameras will function just fine without the light meter if you want to use a hand held meter, which is how I use mine. The shutter speed and aperture operate independently so you should have no problems using it right now if you wanted to.

If you want to get it repaired, you will likely have to look around for a repair shop that still does older camera repairs. The only shops like this that I know of are local to me, but perhaps someone from your area will chime in with a suggestion. The materials are not the issue, it's the amount of bench time needed, so be prepared for a bit of a blow to the wallet.

- Randy

 

[Ian Grant]

Can't help with US Pentax repairers.

K mount Pentax lens and particularly the smaller M series are superb lenses and excellent quality, they hold their value because they fit the Pentax Digital SLR's as well as one or two other makes.

If you want really good value look at the Tamron Adaptal II lenses particularly the SP's with a K mount adapter.

Ian

 

[ignatiu5]

Jazz,

You might try Eric Hendrickson at Pentax Camera Service (http://pentaxs.com/index.html). I've had a couple of Spotmatics CLA'd by him, and he lists the K1000 as one of the models he works on. Pretty quick turnaround in my experience.

Cheers,

ignatiu5

edit: his service is also available by eBay, if that's your thing. Member name pentaxrepairs.

 

[resummerfield]

.....You might try Eric Hendrickson at Pentax Camera Service (http://pentaxs.com/index.html)......

Eric Hendrickson has done excellent work on my Pentax cameras, too. Truly excellent work!

 

[AutumnJazz]

The camera looks brand new, inside and out. I replaced the old battery with the same type of a new one. There is n corrosion in the battery compartement.

As I said, I have no idea what is wrong. Everything else functions correctly, except for the light meter.

 

[Pinholemaster]

If the repair is expensive, these cameras usually sell cheap on eBay.

 

[Arvee]

You might try exercising the ISO setting knob.

My older Nikons behave this way if you don't move the ISO knob once in a while. Typically, they use a ring resistor/contacts and the wiper, which is usually copper, tarnishes and the contact becomes marginal if you leave them sitting on the same ISO setting all the time.

I don't know if this is the case with the Pentax, but most cameras use this scheme or something similar.

-Fred

 

[naeroscatu]

Email Eric, he does a good job at very reasonable price. He helped me too with my Pentax SP. Light meter to go dead on such old camera is not unusual.

 

[Trond]

Eric Hendrickson has repaired several of my Spotmatics and SVs. Excellent work and very reasonable prices. He has parts for many older Pentax cameras.

 

[reellis67]

The camera looks brand new, inside and out. I replaced the old battery with the same type of a new one. There is n corrosion in the battery compartement.

As I said, I have no idea what is wrong. Everything else functions correctly, except for the light meter.

Mine shows no sign of corrosion either, but when I took it apart to test I found that the wire had been severed by a slight amount of corrosion at some point. It surprised the hell out of me. Not to say that this is your problem - I couldn't say without seeing it first hand - but I've seen this in three other K1000s the students have brought in as well.

I'd certainly give the repair guy a shout, just to get an estimate.

- Randy

 

[Christopher Walrath]

unless you have HUGE sentimental attachment to this camera, they're a whole lot less expensive to up and replace. They're on eBay all the time. I ahve someone locally selling one for $90 USD plus lenses. A small kit I presume.

 

[AutumnJazz]

I really do have an attatchement to the camera. I'll try fiddling around with the ISO setting, and if that doesn't work, I guess it's off to Eric.

Thanks everyone.