PGraham3
Allowing Ads
I spent a week in Nagoya, Japan in late-January right before Covid essentially shut down international travel for a while. During my time there I rummaged around some old off-the-beaten-path antique shops and such, and I found this first-generation “Pentax AP” (1957). At first I thought it was the Pentax K or S, but without any specific insignia, and after some quick further research, the serial number indicates that it’s the first generation pentaprism Pentax SLR, known informally as the “Pentax AP” (http://www.pentax-slr.com/71760545).
While the camera was quite dusty and dirty, and shutter speeds were off, I figured I’d purchase it, do what I can to clean it up and get it ready to shoot with the help of a camera repair shop in Seoul (where I live) that I’ve used for other cameras before. I enjoy shooting old cameras, but I find that I’m not really reaching for this and figured someone who is more into old Pentax cameras could enjoy this much more than me. These cameras are fetching quite high prices, but I’m not looking to make a killing. I’m simply looking get back what I paid for the camera+lenses and adjustment.
The camera body is in quite good condition. It has some normal wear. The original leather on the back has a small bubble in one spot. The mirror has some scrapes. Photos taken with the camera indicate that there is a no light leak. Inside the viewfinder is quite clear, and looks very good for its age. Shutter speeds were recently adjusted and appear quite accurate.
The semi-rare Takumar 58mm f2 lens has seen better days, but it appears to render photos well. It was way worse when I first got it with the camera, but it seemed to clean up well, and perhaps could be cleaned even more. There are some noticeable scrapes on the back element, and dust and growth within the lens. The aperture and focus torque is smooth.
The Takumar 135 f2.8 lens is in great condition. No mold, cloudiness, or any noticeable scratches. I do see a super-small and thin fiber within the lens, and I’m thinking that the top lens could be popped off and it be blown out. Aperture and focus torque is smooth.
I’ve also included a few photos using these lenses with a roll of Kodak TMAX 400.
Takumar 58 f2
Takumar 135 f2.8
Pentax AP + Takumar 58mm f2 + Takumar 135mm f2.8
Price: $145 (EMS international shipping included) (I’ll send as “gift”)
Paypal payment only. First come, first serve.
I’ve recently sent packages to the U.S. and Europe, and while it all used to be faster, I notice EMS packages are taking about 2-3 weeks or so to reach their destinations. Once sent, I’ll share the EMS tracking information.
-Paul
While the camera was quite dusty and dirty, and shutter speeds were off, I figured I’d purchase it, do what I can to clean it up and get it ready to shoot with the help of a camera repair shop in Seoul (where I live) that I’ve used for other cameras before. I enjoy shooting old cameras, but I find that I’m not really reaching for this and figured someone who is more into old Pentax cameras could enjoy this much more than me. These cameras are fetching quite high prices, but I’m not looking to make a killing. I’m simply looking get back what I paid for the camera+lenses and adjustment.
The camera body is in quite good condition. It has some normal wear. The original leather on the back has a small bubble in one spot. The mirror has some scrapes. Photos taken with the camera indicate that there is a no light leak. Inside the viewfinder is quite clear, and looks very good for its age. Shutter speeds were recently adjusted and appear quite accurate.
The semi-rare Takumar 58mm f2 lens has seen better days, but it appears to render photos well. It was way worse when I first got it with the camera, but it seemed to clean up well, and perhaps could be cleaned even more. There are some noticeable scrapes on the back element, and dust and growth within the lens. The aperture and focus torque is smooth.
The Takumar 135 f2.8 lens is in great condition. No mold, cloudiness, or any noticeable scratches. I do see a super-small and thin fiber within the lens, and I’m thinking that the top lens could be popped off and it be blown out. Aperture and focus torque is smooth.
I’ve also included a few photos using these lenses with a roll of Kodak TMAX 400.
Takumar 58 f2
Takumar 135 f2.8
Pentax AP + Takumar 58mm f2 + Takumar 135mm f2.8
Price: $145 (EMS international shipping included) (I’ll send as “gift”)
Paypal payment only. First come, first serve.
I’ve recently sent packages to the U.S. and Europe, and while it all used to be faster, I notice EMS packages are taking about 2-3 weeks or so to reach their destinations. Once sent, I’ll share the EMS tracking information.
-Paul
Last edited: