How is a pentax a3000?

[Visionist]

I've read mixed things about this camera and how it uses auto settings instead of manual? I can pick up a great condition A3000 for 20$(Body only) but I will be most likely getting a Ricoh KR-III with a 50mm K-mount lens that will work for both cameras if I'm not mistaken. Should I get the A3000 as well?

 

[Steve Smith]

I don't know anything about the A3000 so can't help you there. I did recently get an as new condition Ricoh KR-10x with K mount which I am very pleased with.

Although the Ricoh can be used in manual, I will probably use it on aperture priority when I am out with a camera but not out for the purpose of photography.

When I'm pretending to be a photographer, I try to use one of my manual only cameras. There is room for both types and there's nothing wrong with using automatic modes - especially in non-challenging lighting conditions.

If you can afford it, $20 isn't much to pay for it so why not? If you're only going to get one though, the Ricoh might be a better choice.


Steve.

 

[Visionist]

According to some website, if you cover the DX sensors you can manually set the ISO as the camera thinks it is non DX film. That seems a lot better?

 

[Jeff Kubach]

For $20 you can't go wrong. Use it as a backup.

Jeff

 

[Carl V]

These cameras were known as the A3 here in the UK and came out in the mid-1980's approximately. I remember when I was in retailing back then, we used to get some of the cameras returned with the same fault which was the built-in winder. However for the price you quote, if it's in good working order then it's worth having.

 

[Nikon Collector]

Watch the lens, while any K mount lens is usable on either camera in manual the cameras use different "auto" contacts, the Ricoh P will not work in program mode on the Pentax, nor the Pentax A lense on the Ricoh