Pentax K1000 Manual Focus SLR Camera for Film Photography with 50mm Lens

The K1000, a nearly all-metal marvel, is an manually-focused, manually-exposed SLR crafted with mechanical precision (springs, gears, levers). Its battery dependency is minimal; a single A76, S76, LR44, or SR44 is solely required for the light metering system, which employs a galvanometer needle indicator, situated to the right of the viewfinder, to balance the built-in CdS battery light meter readings against the actual camera settings. The absence of a conventional on/off switch necessitates keeping the lens cap affixed when not in use to prevent battery drainage. The K1000 boasts a horizontally traveling, rubber-coated silk cloth shutter, ranging from 1/1000 to 1 second, including Bulb mode and a flash sync at 1/60 seconds. Measuring 91.4mm tall, 143mm wide, and 48mm deep, it tips the scales at 620 grams. The body sports a sleek black leather finish with chrome accents, though early K1000 SE models featured brown leather.

In 1983, a K1000 equipped with an SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/2 lens was priced at $220. The iconic Pentax K1000 SLR stands as a testament to photography's enduring greatness, beloved by enthusiasts and educators alike due to its straightforward design and minimal complexity. With just three controls - aperture, shutter speed, and focus - this camera encourages photographers to focus on their subject rather than the technology.

What sets the K1000 apart is its brilliance – it operates perpetually, ready for action at any moment, eliminating the need to toggle the meter or camera on or off. This timeless feature makes it a favorite among photography educators for use in their classrooms.

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