Second Pentax Body Suggestions

Randy_Va · Oct 11, 2009

I need a second manual focus Pentax body to tide me over while my K2 is in the shop. It is hard to resist the draw of a LX, but the repair costs seem a bit exorbitant. The ME Super or Super Program would be fun as a smaller backup. And last (and possibly least) it is hard to turn away from a brand new Vivitar 3800N that will use all of my lenses for less than $200.

Any suggestions? I am leaning towards the LX, but afraid that I will regret the decision.

Christopher Walrath · Oct 11, 2009

That ME Super doesn't leave you much control. Score a K1000. Dime a dozen on sites like fleabay.

Ian Grant · Oct 12, 2009

K1000's are usually over priced, the ME Super or Super Program are fine if you require Auto-exposure as well as manual. Avoid the ME (non Sper) that's the one that lacks controls. If you want manual only no Auto the MX is great camera and easily found at reasonable prices.

Ian

Galah · Oct 12, 2009

Randy_Va said:
I need a second manual focus Pentax body to tide me over while my K2 is in the shop. It is hard to resist the draw of a LX, but the repair costs seem a bit exorbitant. The ME Super or Super Program would be fun as a smaller backup. And last (and possibly least) it is hard to turn away from a brand new Vivitar 3800N that will use all of my lenses for less than $200.

Any suggestions? I am leaning towards the LX, but afraid that I will regret the decision.

How about a KX?

I have one, they're great!

elekm · Oct 12, 2009

The KX is a very nice full-sized camera, while the MX is an all-manual camera that won't take up much space in your camera bag.

I also think that the K1000 is overpriced. Good camera. There are thousands of them out there, so there's no reason to overpay.

Keep in mind that any Japanese camera from the 1960s and 1970s will need to have the foam seals replaced.

Cliffy13 · Oct 12, 2009

Many years ago I had an MX and it was a joy to use and gave me great results

werra · Oct 12, 2009

You will not regret getting LX for a second, if you find technically OK specimen. Or even better, get some with sticky mirror and let the Harrow Technical repair it. Will cost ca 90 UK pounds and the camera will last for years to come.

Otherwise MX is a very fine camera.

Randy_Va · Oct 12, 2009

I am going to have the chance to fondle a couple when I am in NYC this week. Hopefully one will call to me.

FilmOnly · Oct 12, 2009

The KX, MX, ME Super, and Super Program are fine choices. All are very capable cameras. It would depend upon what you favor in terms of functionality and ergonomics. The differences are not extreme, though. I have a slight prefernce for the ME Super's 1/2000th top shutter speed and 1/125th flash sync speed. I prefer the meters in my Canon bodies..but that is another issue. I would prefer any of the four bodies I have mentioned over the K1000. If you do opt for a K1000, go for an earlier version. Earlier examples are made in Japan, while later ones are made in China. Some suggest that there is no difference in quality, but I would rather have the original Japanese K1000.

This is a very helpful site:
http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/bodies/index.html

ricksplace · Oct 12, 2009

I have a K1000, KX, and MEsuper. I use the MEsuper the most. Nice to have the auto exposure even if I don't use it much. I just like the feel of the camera better. Quietest shutter of the three too. Note that the MEsuper will only work on 1/100 shutter speed if the batteries fail, whereas the other two K-mount bodies will only lose the meter if the batteries die.

FilmOnly · Oct 12, 2009

Good comments, ricksplace...the ME Super does have a nice feel and the quietest shutter of the bunch. With the ME Super, MX, and Super Program, there are also winders available.

Steve Smith · Oct 12, 2009

Also there is the KM. Similar to a K1000 but has a DOF preview. They are usually cheaper too as they don't have the K1000's cult status.

Steve.

darinwc · Oct 12, 2009

I much prefer the Super Program over the ME Super. The Super Program has a very nice grip that makes it by far the nicest handling manual focus body in chrome. The viewfinder is a bit larger as well.

Pumal · Oct 12, 2009

I agree with the Super Program over the ME Super. I have them all, but I find myself using the K1000 more often. S/N 8059410, 8058814

dynachrome · Oct 12, 2009

I have a collection of Cosina made K mount cameras. A Vivitar V4000S (w/self timer) or V4000 (w/o self timer) can be bought for $25. For that price you even get a lens sometimes. This is a manual exposure camera with LEDs. The meter is sensitive, you get a top shutter speed of 1/2000 and it has a real glass prism. I recently got a Promaster 2500PK Super. It's the loaded model: 1/2000 top speed, hot shoe + PC socket, depth of field preview button and multiple exposure button. Let's not forget the self timer and the film box end holder/reminder on the back. The focusing screen has a microprism collar around a 45 degree split image. With the 55/2 SMC Pemtax lens I have attached, it's a formidable picture taker. The K1000 is a lot more solidly made but is missing many features. It has no depth of field preview, no 1/2000 top speed, no multiple exposure button and an older and less sensitive meter.

FilmOnly · Oct 13, 2009

I would also add that, if ergonomics and balance are important to you, you should consider a motor or winder. The MX, ME Super, and Super Program offer these options (the SP a motor and winder, the MX and ME Super a winder). These accessories are rather inexpensive, and are relatively easy to find (the SP's Motor Drive A slightly harder to find than a winder). I have always found Pentax bodies to be rather smallish and narrow. I do not know how folks use these cameras without a motor or winder (and I have fairly small hands). Even my Canon bodies, which are bulkier, offer much better ergonomics when a motor or winder is attached. The Canon motors and winders are also a bit quieter than Pentax motors and winders. In fact, considering its era and competition, the Canon AE Motor Drive FN is quite a marvel of silence.

PS: dynachrome's advice in regard to knock-off K-mount bodies should be considered. There are quite a number of nice K-mount bodies (Ricoh, Sears, etc.). Some offer winder options, too (I know some of the Ricoh bodies do).

glockman99 · Oct 13, 2009

At one time or another I have owned at-least one of all the Pentax cameras mentioned, and I would really recommend either the LX, or for less $, the MX.

Thomas Bertilsson · Oct 13, 2009

KX is my favorite body. Wonderful camera. Decent meter. Handles well.

Ian Grant · Oct 13, 2009

Add Chinon CE-4 and CE-4S to the list, I had 2 as they were far better than the early K mount small Pentax ME. With a power winder the CE-4 is a great camera to hold/use even with quite heavy zooms.

Ian

Randy_Va · Oct 14, 2009

Thanks for all of the advice, I ended up with a Super Program with 50mm 1.7 and a fresh set of batteries for 90 bucks with a 100 day warranty from with a Vivitar 24mm 2.8 (serial starts with a 9 so should be Cosina made) for another $70. It is well loved, but functional. The only issues seems to be the self timer, but probably not a big enough deal to return it over.

That and I need to track down some lens and end caps.

removed account4 · Oct 14, 2009

me super will treat you well.
it has auto ( ap priority ) as well as full manual.
it is a great camera .. small and a pleasure to use

good luck
john

dpurdy · Oct 15, 2009

I never owned a Pentax 35 mm camera but I think of it now and then. I would like to have an old screw mount type, I think it is called the spotmatic. Otherwise if I was to lust for another Pentax body it would be the 67II to go with my 67.
Dennis

FilmOnly · Oct 15, 2009

Enjoy the Super Program...it is an excellent choice. I agree that you should find some lens caps, as they are important. I would look for originals, as opposed to knock-offs.

Ian Grant · Oct 15, 2009

dpurdy said:
I never owned a Pentax 35 mm camera but I think of it now and then. I would like to have an old screw mount type, I think it is called the spotmatic. Otherwise if I was to lust for another Pentax body it would be the 67II to go with my 67.
Dennis

The Spotmatic was one of the classic cameras of the 60's & 70's. In the UK Pentax ran a superb advertising campaign which emphasised the slick ergonomic design and durability, they featured well know British photographers well worn cameras rather than new.

I don't have anything here with an advert but it went something like "If you haven't held a Pentax . . . . . . "

Spotmatic's are cheap second-hand, the best is the Spotmatic F, followed by the Spotmatic II, for some reason the budget models SP500, SP1000 etc often sell for more on ebay, US models may have had a different name - these have no self-timer.

The only downside of the Spotmatic was it was screw-thread not bayonet, I sold mine late 70's to go K mount, something I didn't regret at the time. However I've acquired a couple of Spotmatics again, at well below usual prices.

Pentax's are great camera's as reliable as Nikon's and far more ergonomic and user friendly than the F's or Nikkormats, Nikon designed the FM to compete.

Ian

FilmOnly · Oct 15, 2009

I actually do not mind using screwmount lenses. In fact, once the lens is screwed in, the connection is quite solid. For me, the downside of the Spotmatic F is the mercury battery. At one time, I had owned two Spotmatic Fs.

PS: Another negative is that the camera has no motor or winder options. Otherwise, it is a very nice, well-made camera.

Second Pentax Body Suggestions

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