It's not plastic!! This thing could probably take a bullet and still work. I've heard from many a person that the K-1000 is an extremely robust camera, which confirmed my own assumptions the first time I picked it up; in my hands it's weight felt very comforting, indicating good solid construction. I've also managed to take some very nice pics with it, too. It appears to be a very forgiving and easy to use piece of equipment. I haven't really gotten it dirty, or dropped it yet (and I hopefully never will), but I think it's safe to say that if the time comes it'll clean up with ease and still be working. I don't know how many owners it's had-quite a few I would say-but it functions like new. I also love the loudness of the shutter-after you've shot, it really feels like you've accomplished something.

None so far, other than they can be hard to come by.

The Pentax K-1000 is the first SLR camera I've owned. I have used the Nikon F-50 before, as well as several Canon and Pentax models owned by my brother, who has around ten years experience over myself. However, with little to no experience at the time, I felt a little guilty, almost as if I didn't deserve to be using such advanced cameras, given my knowledge; I almost felt I was wasting good film by using such excellent cameras to about 10% of their potential. I immediately fell in love with this hobby, and already being into birdwatching and amateur astronomy heightened this. Recently, a Pentax K-1000 fell into my custody, and after using it for awhile, I fell in love with it and I'm not letting it go. With this great camera, I don't feel at all intimidated or pressured to come up with world-class photos. It indicates to others that I am in the learning process, and that I also know how to choose the perfect tool to achieve my goals. Bottom line: if you are a beginner, this is the camera for you.

Similar Products Used:

I also own a Kodak DX-3900 digital, and a little Logitech. I know these cameras have practically no similarities with SLRs, serving a completely different purpose, niche and market. I have to say, sin

Seems to go on forever and mechanical shutter is very precise, as is manual CdS metering. It's hardly affected by jolts, outside humidity, dust buildup, heat and impacts. My first K1000 was with me for 9 years and only needed one professional cleaning job in all that time. I shoot about 1 1/2 rolls per week, much more when I travel.

Plastic on some outside controls - the rewind knob broke (but the cam's still usable)! It's also hot - my first one was stolen in mid '97 and I had to get another one I keep to this day. And, of course, the lack of a self timer (but it has a hot shoe and cable flash synch).

Definitely the best SLR film camera I've ever owned. Even if lacking in features, it makes up in being there when needed. I've got used to its bulk. With a 35-70 Pentax zoom I team it up with, it takes very good pics. Definitely for anyone who is on Pentax systems, no matter his/her level of proficiency. Knowledge of some photo theory and rules of thumb is convenient to maximize enjoyment of this mechanical SLR - I took a one-year photo elective course while in college, so I do understand it!

Customer Service

Relatively easy to service - local camera repair shops usually do not understand complex electonic-shutter rigs. Normally needs only occasional CLA.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax MX, ME Super, Super Program (none of these compare to it in reliability)

-doesnt require a battery -light meter very easy to use -takes a lot of great lens' -many many more

-kinda heavy for some people -sometimes it can be tricky to load/unload -DO NOT leave the lense cap off when you are not taking pictures or it will drain the battery for the light meter

This is a great camera I like its nice weight and durability. It is completely manual except for the light meter which is one of the best I've used. It is very simple to use although it takes a little bit to learn. It is great for a variety of picture types although I havent tried sports photos yet. It dosn't require a battery (battery runs the light meter only) so you can use it even if you dont have a battery although I wouldnt suggest doing that unless you really know what your doing. Not having to use the battery makes it ideal for time exposures and star photography. Overall it is one of the best cameras for a student or a fairly serious photographer. It will probobly be my only film camera cause if I get anything else it will be digital but I will always keepone of these around.

Durability, reliability. Excellent results if I do my bit. The metering is accurate, and I like the needle indicator much more than LCDs (Nikons' new FM3a has "gone back" to a match-needle). There's a vast number of good lenses out there too.

A bit heavy for some. Loading up can sometimes be a bit sticky. I place the film can in its' place , and, while holding it in its' place with my left thumb, draw the leader across to the take up spool and insert it in its'slot, then wind it on a little before lowering the rewind lever and closing the back.

These cameras are the real thing. Solid, reliable, simple and easy to use. No frills. No crap. What you see is what you get, and nothing else is needed for first class photos. I'm on my second one now, having had my first stolen some years ago. It went around the world with me, and was used for everything in all weathers. My current K does about two or three rolls a week and has done for the last couple of years with not even a service. It goes and goes, and if any shot's a dud it's my fault. I do mostly available light outdoor portraiture these days, but the things nearly always there if something special presents. It's a fair old lump of metal to lug about compared to the latest plastic fantastics I guess, but I like that in a camera and that's part of it's appeal. She's a brick, and I've no doubt it'll be delivering the goods long after most current camera's have had their day.They had a production run of something like 20 years, and saw off a lot of other good cameras. While ever there's film there'll be K1000's burning it. You can stick your digital!

Customer Service

First K was cleaned an checked once. Present one has not been back to the shop yet despite continuous use.

Similar Products Used:

Stone axe, spade, tricycle.

With the lense that lense that I have, I can only take photos of things closer than 60ft. The other weakness is its not doesn't take screw on lenses

I like this camera because its easy to use and is durable. My grandfather gave this one to me about three to four months ago. It was originally my grand mothers. I pretty much know what everything is and how to use it.

Similar Products Used:

I use a Yashica Super-T with a telescopic lense.

Simple to operate, rugged construction and dependable.

You must learn the basics to shoot really good pictures.

I've been using the K1000 for 20 years with a variety of lenses. This camera has taught me much over the years....This rugged camera has traveled with me almost daily and has never failed. I had it professionally cleaned a few years ago at a cost of @ $100 dollars because I had a single roll of film hang up on the spool. Other than that it's still tough and reliable. I've been looking at an auto focus for my future, but nothing will ever completely replace my K1000!

Customer Service

None needed

SOLID Controls well laid out Like the lite meter Will accept a wide variety of lenses

Wish it had a better way of securing the film. Lost some good pictures by the film not engaging properly in order to advance.

A rugged dependable camera. Will take clear shots of a variety of subjects ranging from my orchid collection to family and friends. Still getting the hang of action shots. This is the camera that never fails. Been thru at least 8 to 10 auto 35mm cameras in the last 20 years (and 2 digitals). They all broke. The K-1000 is the one I can pull out for a backup. Right now its the primary. My daughter will be using it this year for her photography class in high school. Glad she doesn't drink soda. I am hard on my equipment this camera is perfect for me. Only serviced once to replace foam stuff and lubricate ($75).

-No plastic junk here - solid, heavy, all metal construction. -Brilliant photographs; compareable to photos taken from 2 - 3, 000 dollar Nikon's and canons. -Takes breathtaking black & white photos. -Fun to use & easy to learn... operational simplicity is un-matched. -Takes pictures without batteries. -Most reliable camera I've ever used.

-Rather bulky, especially when flash & larger lenses are attached. -Manual focusing is sharp, but can be too time taking for action and spur-of-the moment shots. -Light meter seems to be rendered useless in very low lighting conditions. -Viewfinder is dark, making focusing very difficult at night. -Poor film rewind... takes practice and care.

Absolutely fantastic camera. It's durable, reliable, capable, and produces imaculate quality with the proper level of experience. The cost to quality ratio is second to none on this camera, and the lens options make it without a doubt one of the most versitile cameras of it's kind.

Customer Service

Ha! You'll never need it. Unless, of course, you drop it off a dam.... it'd take about that much to break this workhorse.

Similar Products Used:

A host of point & shoot crapcans varrying in age as well as several consumer and professional SLRs from Nikon. This camera keeps up with the high end beautifully.

#1: Construction... all metal body, well built to survive almost anything. Although heavy and bulky to hold, it is a workhorse, that just won't die! #2: Simplicity: All manual focus and function... no automatic features here. You're all your own with your photography knowledge. #3: Lenses: Easy to come by, and quite inexpensive by today's standards. Although a 24mm wide angle is VERY expensive. #4: Cost: Although Pentax doesn't sell them new anymore, you can find them at almost any pawn shop for less than $100! #5: Batteries: You don't need them with this camera! Unless you like the light meter.

None really... other than the weight of the camera. But that is understandable.

I'm beginning to think most people LIKE spending thousands of dollars on sophisticated cameras, like the F100, EOS V, and Maxxum 7. I'm just so sick and tired of hearing about how great and lovely Nikon and Canon are, and in truth, all your paying for is the name brand. I am a professional photographer, and have stuck by my very first camera ever since I began photography. This camera is the K1000, probably the best camera to ever hit the market. The K1000 is a true workhorse. It's all metal construction protects it against almost anything. This poor little thing has been dunked in a creek, dropped onto asphalt, tormented by the elements, and even ran over... and it's yet to be phased! The best thing about this camera, is it's simplicity. It's all manual, allowing the amateur and student photographer to actually take CONTROL of their photography, instead of leaving it up to a computer chip. If your photos turn out bad, then it's your errors and mistakes that you learn by, making it simply excellent to grasp the fundamentals of manipulating light, DOF, and motion. Pentax is an excellent brand camera, that is sadly underrated. It's overshadowed by Canon and Nikon, which in turn, lack the simplicity, and construction that Pentax offers. Simply put... if you have a K1000, chances are you won't need another camera again. It's just that good, and I promise... it will be a dedicated friend to the end. Plus... you can't beat the classic shutter noise! =)

Customer Service

Never needed to use it!

Similar Products Used:

Canon AE-1 Pentax ME Super Nikon FM-3

Allmost all if you want to enjoy and learn the true basics of making pictures,a real LEARNER BY DOING !***** works almost under all conditions(i have not tried it UNDER water yet) Truly strong and versatile

A little heavy Needs DOF Doesnt come in black(But Nikkormats does he he*) A little indescrete(CLONCK) But somehow discrete looking*LOL Need motor,DOF,self timer...but who cares?

This is the AK-47 and Toyota Ke Corolla type of undestructable camera,a Fortis watch of a true quality photographic instrument,it is a CULT object famous and reliable,ask policeforces ,millitar and other officials,schools and even Pro users and they all say Thanks! Of course i can think of other products costing double or more,but thinking of the combination Takumar lenses/k1000,its in a class of its own. You can even take photos without batteries! when those new EOS and F5 e.q. are dead and cant be restored,U can be sure it will still work. it takes excellent sharp pics ! For a pro or learner/beginner,anyone can have the joy of this special Thump >clonck>of Quality ! Enjoy Pentax !Viva!

Customer Service

Never need it,i guess.

Similar Products Used:

Many Types from Canon Nikon Minolta Pentax.