Pentax K1000

Pros: Teaches photography; flexible; durable

Cons: No one uses film anymore

The Bottom Line: The best SLR camera out there for the money. Because it is completely manual and accepts common lenses, it is a very flexible camera.

Review: I've been reminded lately how much I miss my old Pentax K-1000. Back when I was a reporter, I had a Pentax K-1000 back in the days before digital everything when we shot a lot of black and white photos, rolled our own film and developed our photos. My ...

Pros: Super solid construction, inexpensive, accepts top quality Pentax optic, forces quick learning of photography

Cons: Also accepts some really junky aftermarket optics, no self-timer or mirror lock-up.

The Bottom Line: If you want to learn the technicalities of photography or if you know them and want a solid, simple camera, this is the way to go. Not for lazy people!

Review: About 12 years ago, I bought a brand new Pentax K1000SE with the Pentax 50mm f/2 lens for my first serious camera. Before that, I only had point & shoot cameras. Boy, was it ever a shock to see the quality of the images that came out of this camera! ...

Pros: Does perfectly what an SLR camera should do.

Cons: Out of production.

The Bottom Line: Originally produced as a market alternative to the discontinued Spotmatic this camera has against all expectations become a classic in it's own right. Want a great tool? Buy one.

Review: The Specs: The K1000 is a through-the-lens, all manual, spot metering 35mm SLR. Speeds: B - 1000th sec. Lens: My particular camera uses the Pentax M series bayonet mount lenses and was sold stock with an Asahsi SMC Pentax 1:2 55mm "normal" lens. ...

Pros: Sturdy,high quality,reasonable price.

Cons: Heavy,not a point and shoot.

Review: I have owned a K1000 for over twenty years. Tank like build. Match needle light meter is easy to use and lets you bracket your photos. I bought this camera to take birth pictures of my daughter over twenty years ago and it still works like new. You have ...

Pros: Manual everything, really teaches photography.

Cons: None

Review: This is THE 35mm SLR camera. It has no advanced features, no automatic settings, and almost nothing to break. Except for the light meter, everything on this camera is controlled by the operator. The pictures you take are yours, with no one to blame ...

Pros: Very easy to use, durable, can add extras.

Cons: Have to use up a roll of film before seeing your photos.

The Bottom Line: This camera is suitable for anyone whether a beginner or pro. And since the new technology has happened and I still have it.....

Review: First off let me say that I am not an electronics wiz or a photographer in any way shape or form. Half the time my kids have to teach me how to program the phone, answering machine or the DVD Player. But I do have quite a bit of very amateur ...