Pentax K1000
Back in the day I had a plan, it became a successful plan, I wanted to become a commercial photographer. So I had opted for Nikon from the get go as the word on the street was this was the brand of professionals.
However, It seemed everyone around me at college had K1000’s. They loved them that much most still have them to this day! So the thought of using one was always there but this meant buying another 35mm system, which made me drag my heels whenever looking at them.
Fast forward to hanging with the Filmwasters. They helped me to remember that life is short and life is to be savoured. So this is why it was time for me to roll out with this darling of the creative and student set.
After this unit came into my possession I set about putting it through its paces, I was so delighted. Remembering that I am a Nikon FM2n snob, so was always a little sniffy at this camera, after a few rolls of film and many outings I have come to love its simplicity and reliability. So it has lived up to its hype. In regard to my brand snobbery, a more enlightened me found it was all about the operator of the camera and not the brand that mattered, but this was in the future.
In short being out and about with this camera has been an absolute delight.
Some general information
- Does it have an industry nickname – No, okay some hipsters call it the “K”, works for me.
- Why was it the darling of the camera scene – So simple yet well featured, nothing fancy but fancy results
- Pigeon hole it sits in – Best “learn photography” camera ……… period!
- Special feature – Simplicity! It has all the SLR features you need to advance your photography skills in this area.
What is my connection to the camera?
This purchase is what is known in the UK as a charity shop special. I was on my lunch break and heading along the high street to get some food, as I walked past one of the charity shops I zeroed in on their glass cabinet where they would lock up the good stuff.
I can pick out the shape of a camera at a hundred paces, as soon as I spied the shape of a K1000 I was at that glass cabinet in a heartbeat!!
For not very much money, and in a very short space of time, I walked out with a K1000 with both a 50mm and a 28mm lens!
I have added a 135mm and a 200mm to the kit for this project. I have added some bellows for macro work and a look down eye piece
- Why did it catch my interest – Never had one, but always wondered
- How did I acquire it – Charity shop bargain
- What uses have I put it to – Use it to stroll around and make art students envious
- Why this particular unit – Was there begging to come home with me
- Unique things I discovered – That it lives up to its rep and is very nice to operate
- Where does it sit in my level of obsession – in the top third
Overview of camera form and functions
- Loading – straight forward 35mm SLR technique, easy to change rolls in the field
- Focusing – SLR focus until sharp, no split screen focus (that I know of)
- Exposure adjustment – ASA/ISO adjust on the body, Shutter speed on the body, aperture on the lens
- Light meter – internal centre weighted through the lens, very accurate.
- General handling – everything and more the legends tell you, just so sweet!
