Pentax K1000 35mm SLRs

Pentax K1000 35mm SLRs 

DESCRIPTION

One of the most basic manual cameras ever made. This is a great student camera.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 71-80 of 131  
[Jan 27, 2000]
Robert Patterson
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

It is a dependable camera that is a good value.

Weakness:

None

I have used my Wife's K1000 a few times the last couple of years. I have found it to be a really nice camera that comes with most every thing you could need, without being complicated by a lot of electronic gadgetry. My only complaints are the lack of a self timer and a depth of field preview. Still a lot of camera for the money.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 24, 2000]
Cynthia F.
Casual
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

This camera takes beautiful pictures outdoors, and good ones indoors. It is very durable. You have almost total control over the settings. Even though I don't have a zoom lens, my camera's taken terrific pictures not only of people, but of landscapes.

Weakness:

In general, the quality of indoor pictures is not as high as outdoor pictures. Since this camera is almost completely manual, the opportunity for human error is high. It can sometimes be frustrating (for yourself and the photo subjects) to have to adjust all the settings and advance the film before each shot. Also the weight -- as with many SLRs, it can get be a drag to lug around the camera, flash unit, and other attachments, especially when you're on long trips.

This is a terrific camera for those who like manual cameras. I often get compliments on the quality of my pictures.

Customer Service

Never had to use them.

Similar Products Used:

I've had this camera since 1986, and haven't owned others in that time, though I have used some disposables.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 21, 2000]
Marcus Revilla
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

The K1000 is simple, yet very practical. It offers the user complete control over all aspects of exposure settings. This pays off when you want to try different things with aperatures and time settings. I always carry two with me with different films because it is reliable for many situations. Many advanced cameras do not let the user try different settings which limits the creativity of the mind. With this camera, the only thing that is limited is the users creativity.

Weakness:

The only problem is the limited exposure time settings. Although it offers an opportunity to use a release cable, sometimes it is just better to have a longer preset timer. The light meter can sometimes be oversensitive which can cause exposure errors.

The bottom line is that with all the advances in cameras, simplicity still has its advantages. The K1000 offers this and more. Why else would such a camera be in demand and when you shop around, it still has such a high resale value. With this camera, there is a window of opportunity for equipment expansion and photo-taking situations. Not only was I satisfied with one, but I decided to have two just because they are great cameras.

Similar Products Used:

Many Olympus and Yashica cameras...

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 20, 2000]
Greg Drzazgowski
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

Awsome beginner camera. Very durable, dependable.

Weakness:

None, it's pure and simple.

I've seen this camera survive years of torture by hundreds of high school students. It's very solid and durable. Withstands more wear and tear than most cameras. Great camera for beginners or those who need it simple, small, light and dependable without all the fancy automation.

Customer Service

great

Similar Products Used:

Olympus OM-2000

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 11, 2000]
MIkee :o)
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

Excellent learning camera, it seems everyone learned the tricks of the trade with this handy camera :o), its also very durable and very reliable.

Weakness:

ITS UGLY ! but we didnt buy our first cameras on appearance did we? also its very sensitive to scratches and stuff.

Great camera, excellent to learn with, popular. Ive taken some veery good pictures with this camera, although sometime the meter can be off or be acting up.

Similar Products Used:

hmmm, some older canon cameras

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 28, 1999]
Jim Kalach
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

This was my first SLR, and a great "learning" camera. Very durable. Took a lot of banging around and one drop without a problem.

Weakness:

No fancy bells and whistles, but that can be an attraction for many.

A great, durable, "learning" camera.

Customer Service

Never had experience with Pentax service department.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FE, Nikon FM2N

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 28, 1999]
Chris Farmer
Casual
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

Very sturdy, good quality manual camera. Also very popular, so finding lenses etc. is not a problem.

Weakness:

Many nice features that you would have with today's more modern AF SLRs are not available.

Great manual camera and one which can be used to learn photography with. Once you feel you have reached your limits with this camera (limits used liberally), then it is time to move on to a more advanced system.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 24, 1999]
James Prine
Professional
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

Totally reliable, no gimmicks or frills.

Weakness:

I've heard other Crime Scene people complain of faulty meters occasionally, but I've never personally experienced any problems. I liked the camera so much I bought my own!

I was introduced to the wonderful K-1000 when I was in the Crime Scene Unit of the New Orleans Police Department. The NOPD issues the K-1000 to all its crime scene personnel, and the cameras are tough as nails, totally reliable, and work year after year, despite being used in pretty rough conditions. I sold my other cameras and stick to this time-tested workhorse.

Customer Service

Have never used it!

Similar Products Used:

Minolta X-700, Nikon FM, Nikon FM2, Nikonos II, II, V, Yashica Mat 124-G, MANY others!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 20, 1999]
Mary Ann
Professional
Model Reviewed: K1000

Strength:

This camera is hard to break, and great for new photographers.

Weakness:

Sometimes the light meters break.

This is a great camera. Mine is 20 years old and still works like new. It is the first camera I would recomend to a student just getting into photography. I still use mine sometimes for professional jobs, and I am always pleased with the results.

Customer Service

?

Similar Products Used:

Canon Rebel

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 11, 2000]
James Mason
Casual

Strength:

Spotmatic, not K-1000, but similar. Very solid, basic camera, easy use with proper instruction, light meter is straight-forward

Weakness:

Light meter often gives incorrect exposure (under-exposed), need to slow shutter to correct

Excellent beginner camera, fully manual, well constructed, easy to maintain and use, however need to learn how to use (stops, shutter speed). Good "artist" camera.

Customer Service

Never needed in five years, first Spotmatic light meter broke, cheaper to buy another camera than to repair

Similar Products Used:

Canon AE-1
Prefer pentax model, better lens

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 71-80 of 131  

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