Pentax K mount

PentaxBronica · May 24, 2015

Just buy a P3/P30 or the n or t versions.

You can find them body only for peanuts, the collectors don't want them as they have plastic panels and need batteries to work. Some don't like the lack of a manual override for the DX film speed coding.

However, the chassis is metal from tripod socket to film plane and lens mount, they're small, light, only need a couple of button cells, the shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder, there's a self timer and DOF preview. I'd recommend a P30 over a K1000 for a newbie as they're cheaper, lighter, and will produce just as good an image assuming both bodies are in full working order. They're also newer and don't usually need anything more than a clean, as the light seals haven't generally deteriorated yet.

Xmas · May 24, 2015

PentaxBronica said:
Just buy a P3/P30 or the n or t versions.

You can find them body only for peanuts, the collectors don't want them as they have plastic panels and need batteries to work. Some don't like the lack of a manual override for the DX film speed coding.

However, the chassis is metal from tripod socket to film plane and lens mount, they're small, light, only need a couple of button cells, the shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder, there's a self timer and DOF preview. I'd recommend a P30 over a K1000 for a newbie as they're cheaper, lighter, and will produce just as good an image assuming both bodies are in full working order. They're also newer and don't usually need anything more than a clean, as the light seals haven't generally deteriorated yet.

My K1000 does not see batteries moving needles very compelling.
The shutter speed is on the speed dial it does not move by itself.
Why does one need a self timer?
Why does one need a depth of field control?

It is easy to replace the foam...

Less is always more

anfenglin · May 24, 2015

PentaxBronica said:
Just buy a P3/P30 or the n or t versions.

You can find them body only for peanuts, the collectors don't want them as they have plastic panels and need batteries to work. Some don't like the lack of a manual override for the DX film speed coding.

However, the chassis is metal from tripod socket to film plane and lens mount, they're small, light, only need a couple of button cells, the shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder, there's a self timer and DOF preview. I'd recommend a P30 over a K1000 for a newbie as they're cheaper, lighter, and will produce just as good an image assuming both bodies are in full working order. They're also newer and don't usually need anything more than a clean, as the light seals haven't generally deteriorated yet.

I had a P30n once, it produced great pictures and looked like new. The seals were fully intact and it was fully working, if you have a Pentax-A lens you can use its program mode. I never liked they way it sounded, that "cachlonk" was not exactly music to my ears. The ME super with new seals and that pneumatic damper, that's much better. SNAP!
By the by, the only differences between the P30n and P30t versions are the screens, one has a horizontally, the other one a diagonally split rangefinder wedge.

PentaxBronica · May 27, 2015

Xmas said:
My K1000 does not see batteries moving needles very compelling.
The shutter speed is on the speed dial it does not move by itself.
Why does one need a self timer?
Why does one need a depth of field control?

It is easy to replace the foam...

Less is always more

Right, you've clearly never used a P30.

Firstly, you get the shutter speed displayed as speeds, not a needle. As it's illuminated you can read it even if the light isn't great.

Secondly, the speed dial "does not move by itself" on a P30 either. It's a simple dial

Thirdly, I can only assume you never find yourself in the situation where you want a specific image, but forgot the tripod and cable release. There's a handy rock or table to rest the camera on and the self timer will avoid shake.

Fourthly, just because you don't need it doesn't mean others will.

Yes it's easy to replace foam. Maybe not for a beginner who just wants to get out there and use the camera.

Less is always more? So why do you have a computer then? Do you drive a Ford Model T and wash your clothes in a tub by the fire?

Roger Cole · May 27, 2015

dynachrome said:
I have a K1000 but I prefer my KM. The depth of field preview feature does not make a camera less reliable. My Pentax MX cameras also have the depth of field preview feature. It's a good teaching feature and that's why I don't understand Pentax leaving it out of the K1000.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I don't understand why on earth nice MXs can be had for the same or less price than a K1000. I have both and there is no comparison. The K1000 is an ok camera but it's a POS compared to the MX. Just buy an MX and be done with it. My MX has the nicest finder of any 35mm camera I have, including my LX (though the LX has interchangeable finders.)

Xmas · May 27, 2015

PentaxBronica said:
Right, you've clearly never used a P30.

Firstly, you get the shutter speed displayed as speeds, not a needle. As it's illuminated you can read it even if the light isn't great.

Secondly, the speed dial "does not move by itself" on a P30 either. It's a simple dial

Thirdly, I can only assume you never find yourself in the situation where you want a specific image, but forgot the tripod and cable release. There's a handy rock or table to rest the camera on and the self timer will avoid shake.

Fourthly, just because you don't need it doesn't mean others will.

Yes it's easy to replace foam. Maybe not for a beginner who just wants to get out there and use the camera.

Less is always more? So why do you have a computer then? Do you drive a Ford Model T and wash your clothes in a tub by the fire?

Some people are compelled to centre zero needles - and miss photos leaving out the battery is simple way of avoiding that.

Setting a speed dial to /125 is something you only need to do once you don't need a reminder?

I've got a 2cv (Citroen) 600 cc 29 bhp.

I'm happy with a basic camera if it is dark I go to coffee shop.

This is a phone my relatives will only use face time.

Pentax K mount

PentaxBronica

Xmas

anfenglin

PentaxBronica

Roger Cole

Xmas

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