Pentax 35mm cameras

[justin_fullmer]

I wasn't sure where to ask this so here goes. I have just started researching pentax 35mm format cameras and wondered what was the top of the line camera that pentax made during the late 70's and 80's. I am a die-hard Nikon guy, but I have a couple Pentax medium format cameras that are wonderful, and can't help but think that maybe some of thier 35mm stuff couldn't be too bad. I am looking at getting a cheap used one for my 8 year old. Just to get him started.

[michael_devoue]

Pentax made a MX which was very light, manual exp. mechanical shutter

that is very similiar to a nikon FM in operation, right down to the

collar lock on the shutter button, with a full system of motors, etc.

introduced in 1976. I used one in high school and it worked great

until I dropped it. Very light duty like an OM, and I'm not real fond

of the lack of robust-ness that I am used to i.e. Nikon F-series. The

LX was introduced 1980, and was a very competent competitor to the

canon f-1 (later introduced), and the Nikon F-3. Very expensive, IMO,

about $600-650 for an LX in good shape.

 

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We are talking about an 8-year old, however. Is he really going to

miss the exposure information in the viewfinder if he were to use a

k1000? picture quality is identical, of course, and the K1000 is

going to withstand more abuse than the MX or the LX. These are my

observations working in a repair facility. The K1000 is a great

camera. There are quite a few out there still firing after 20 years.

plenty of parts too.

[justin_fullmer]

Thanks Mike,

There seems to be several k-1000's on e-bay, compared to what I pay

for Nikon equiptment, these seem like a steal. How does the Pentax's

equivelant compare to a Nikon Fe-2 or F3?

[michael_devoue]

Pentax made the ME and ME super which feature aperture priority along

with the LX, much like Nikon's FE(2), and F3. I am not too hot about

the ME and ME super, control layout is sad compared with the nikons.

It's not my only complaint, but a shutter speed dial (rather than

buttons + LCD) is better for the beginner, IMO. I would toss my

pennies for the MV- I don't think it features a manual exposure mode,

but is cheap. I often recommend Canon T-50's (very similiar to MV)

for customers shopping for pre-teen and pre-pre-teen recipients,

because the all-manuals (K-1000, FM) are easier to goof up exposure-

wise.

[mli1]

I'm fairly new to 35 mm slr photography; however, I own a Pentax

Super Program - about 15 years old? It has aperture & shutter

priority modes as well as manual.

 

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I would suggest you look at the Pentax Discussion List - here, is the

world of Pentax users who give each other advice and comments on

Pentax cameras and equipment. Worth a look and definitely feel free

to submit your questions regarding pentax equipment. THese Pentax

lovers will help you with your question.

 

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http://www.mail-archive.com/pentax-discuss%40pdml.net/

 

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May

[charlie_strack]

These were very fine cameras and lenses. I had a KX and was very

pleased with it, until it got damaged. This is a manual camera, with

TTL metering. This was not a system camera, but similar features to

the FM's.

[scott walton]

I have had Pentax 35's since I was a little guy (K-1000). I have had Me

Super's and now 2 LX's and love them. I won't get any of the new AF's

because I don't feel they are the same caliber as the LX's. I would

recommend the K1000 for the little guy because they are

unbreakable...still have mine (Dad gave it to me at 10 yrs old) and it

still works great. A great camera to learn on also!!!

[james_chinn]

Justin,

 

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I don't know much about Pentax cameras but I would recommend

something that has a match needle design for exposure in the view

finder such as a Nikon FE. I think older K-1000 had this design. My

daughter is 6yrs old and has pretty much mastered basic use of an FE

once I set shutter speed and EI.

[jeffpolaski]

Ditto the K-1000. All manual, rugged as a tank. The match needle

metering is more instructive than LEDs. Repair parts are plentiful if

needed. It uses any K-mount lens, which for a kid can be picked up

very cheaply. I have a big caveat, though.

 

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I have recently switched from an ME Super to the Pentax KX, which has

more manual features I wanted. I let my 12 year old nephew use the ME

Super for a day of shooting at Colonial Williamsburg and he managed to

clobber the winding mechanism. this was my own fault, for not

thinking it through. There is a lot to do when you have to set

exposure and focus and compose at the same time. Combine that with

all the other visual stimulation going on, and I think he was simply

overwhelmed by the complexity.

 

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I read a few articles since about getting kids started in photography,

and they seem to concur with each other that simpler is better. I

started with a Kodak Baby Brownie (127 B&W film). Maybe a basic point

and shoot would get an 8-year-old faster positive feedback in terms of

results. Then, as he sees you using manual features, he might want to

get more versatility.

[michael_devoue]

Jeff- alot of the ME and super are having a transport problems. One

of the more common problems I see with this model. Unfortunate, yes,

but I'm not surprised. Not too hard a problem to solve though, if you

love the camera.