This particular Pentax K1000 was a Christmas present to myself as a bit of nostalgia and to complete my kit, consisting of an MZ-60 and a digital K-70. It is also the only 35mm film camera in my current collection to not feature a split image focusing screen. So let’s load up this camera and take a quick look…

Why the nostalgia purchase? I had not previously owned a Pentax K1000. My first proper introduction to film photography, however, was a Pentax P-30. Alas, the electronics of that camera broke down over time and I had moved to a more robust mechanical film SLR, the Nikon FM2. The K-1000 is undoubtedly a classic, with a long production run of approximately two decades (1976-1997) and over 3 million produced, I was no stranger to seeing it sold second-hand in camera shops, thrift stores and in the bags of fellow photographers.

This Pentax K1000, I paid $400 AUD in November 2020 and came included with a leather ever-ready styled case and the SMC Pentax-A 50mm F/1,7. The Pentax 100 Years of History anniversary neck strap was a gift from the Sydney commemorative celebrations.

So how did I go after loading it up with some classic Ilford HP5 film?

Admittedly, not great initially; the batteries for the meter had died out, so half the roll came out unexposed… whoops. It also took a while to adjust to the lack of a split-image focusing aid, although the viewfinder was clean, and felt both large and bright enough that I got over it quickly.

  • Local coffee shop, Fifteen Coffee in Mascot
  • … and a mysterious local cafe patron
  • Fellow Pentaxian @TheValiantKnight
  • Literal sign of the times…
  • My 50th Anniversary Hasselblad 503CX
  • Insta: @needlepusher_
  • BONUS FRAME: Missed focus, but that’s not the point. Model’s gotta eat too!

FINAL MUSINGS

The Pentax K1000 is as simple as they come, with no fancy assist modes and a fairly uncluttered viewfinder that simply shows a + – needle indicated exposure metering on the right of the bright focusing screen. As a basic but sturdy camera, I can appreciate why this has lasted so long and is still a mainstay in may photographers bags. The experience of picture taking is broken down to its most basic, with an unencumbered experience that brings a familiarity and connection to practising photography.