Studentphotostore - Pentax K1000

Pentax K1000

The Pentax K1000 is the "recommended" Camera by Colleges, University and Schools for students to learn traditional 35mm photography. The easy, reliable yet brilliant results is why the Pentax K1000 has been popular since the 1970's and still is as popular now.

Specification:

Type	35mm Film Manual/Mechanical SLR (Single Lens Reflex)
Lens	SMC Asahi Pentax M 50mm f/2with fully automatic diaphragm. Filter size 49mm. Minimum focusing distance 45cm.
Exposure Meter	CDS Meter
ASA	20 to 3200
Shutter	Rubberized silk focal plane shutter. Speeds. B, 1 to 1/1000 sec
Viewfinder	Pentaprism finder with cross - microprism. 0.88 x magnification with 50mm standard lens focused at infinity.
Lens Mount	Pentax bayonet mount
Film Advance	Ratchet type rapid wind lever. "Cocked" indicator alongside shutter release button.
Exposure Counter	Automatic reset. Upto 36 frames
Film rewind	Rapid rewind crank for speedy film take up
Flash Synchronization	X contact hot shoe for cordless flash connection. X synchronization at 1/60 sec
Battery	Powered with one 1.5v alkaline ( LR44) or silver oxide (G13) battery (for light meter)

Japanese v Chinese - What is the difference?

You may have noticed that there are two versions of the Pentax K1000 - "made in Japan" or "assembled in China".

The difference between both models are very little.

The Pentax K1000 was introduced in 1973, and was manufactured at the Asahi factory in Japan. The production ended in the 1980s after 6 million units were produced.
However, the Pentax K1000 was still extremely popular that Pentax re-introduced it in 1986.
To keep costs down, all the parts were manufactured in Japan, but assembled over in China, until Pentax finally stopped production in 1993.

We have compiled a table which hopefully would explain the difference:

Japanese Version	Chinese Version
All metal body (top/base plate)	Heavy duty plastic (top/base plate)
Metal film sprocket	Heavy duty plastic film sprocket
Usually supplied with a Pentax-M Lens	Usually supplied with Pentax-A Lens*
Production from 1973 to 1983	Slightly brighter viewfinder
	Production from 1986 to 1993 .
	(which are more compatible to later Pentax AF and Pentax Digital Cameras).*

Questions and Answers

Q: My College Lecturer has said that I need a 35mm Camera, will the K1000 be suitable?
A: Almost every School or College in the UK would recommend the Pentax K1000, the reasons are simple - Easy to Use, Reliability, Cheap to run, and most important - Brilliant Results.

Q: Why is there different prices on the website?
A: The price is set according to cosmetic Condition of the Camera (and what type of lens is supplied)

Q: Is the Camera sold in full working order?
A: Yes!. Every single Pentax K1000 is carefully refurbished to our high standards, and are sold FULLY WORKING. We offer a six months warranty with all our products. We take great pride in our work. To find out more about our workshop, why not visit our workshop page

Q: What is a 50mm lens?
A: The 50mm lens is known as the standard lens. Basically is what the human eye sees. You can purchase additional lenses such as 28mm (which is wide angle) or 70, 135, 200mm etc which are zoom or telephoto lens. The mount is known as a Pentax PK mount

If you have any further questions, please contact us