The Best Film Camera Ever Made?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- The best camera is the one you have on you - but I think I have a close contender. Best of all, they're cheap, reliable, and lots and lots of fun.
→ Beginner's Film Photography Course: learnphotography.thinkific.co...
→ Join my free email community:
email.huntercreatesthings.com/ 💌
Follow me on instagram:
/ huntercreatesthings 📷
Merch is new and now available (more coming soon) : shop.huntercreatesthings.com/
Get Your Gear From Moment to Support Me
bit.ly/MomentStaysHydrated ❤️
I Lit This Video With Zhiyun Lights
bit.ly/ZhiyunStayHydrated 🔦
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you'd like to buy me a coffee, or contribute to my production budget, why not become a channel member? / @huntercreatesthings
I think the Asahi Pentax K1000 is the best 35mm film camera ever made. And yeah, that means I think it's better than a Leica M6 and I'm not afraid to admit it, and I'm definitely not coping with not being able to afford one. We love analog cameras for their simplicity - so why spend more on a fancier film camera that takes that simplicity away? Plus, with the absolutely stunning and super cheap selection of pentax lenses, you really can't find a lot to complain about when you go out for a photowalk with a K1000.
My copy is the K1000 SE - which means it's got a bonus split image as well as the micro-prism for focussing, which is great for me because I wear glasses. It also just makes it slightly more special - after all, there are many K1000s, but this one is mine.
Thank you for watching x If you're reading this, subscribe! - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
Hey! I have just launched a course that will teach you how to shoot your first roll of film! It's designed for complete beginners, so if you've been wanting to go Analogue but haven't started yet, check it out! learnphotography.thinkific.com/courses/film-basics 🎞
My uncle passed away 18 years ago. About a year ago I discovered his Pentax K1000 and started to use it. Even after all those years, the camera and the light meter is working perfectly, even tho I haven't changed the battery, it works perfectly (mine was built around 1979 on Japan). Truly an amazing camera and I'm in love with it. I think my uncle is glad that I'm using his camera again
Fantastic! It's an heirloom camera for sure
I think the Pentax K1000 is one of the best basic cameras ever made but so is the Nikon FM which has been hailed by many renowned photographers as a real workhorse camera. And there are many more other fine cameras such as the Canon FTBn launched in 1973. Don't forget the classic Olympus OM1. I can continue mentioning many more but these few has reached cult status in my opinion.
Also the Minolta SRT 101
Nikon FM2 no question
The meter in the FM2 is like, ridiculously accurate even for modern standards
Nikon FA (short from F*** Awesome).
@@MrocznyTechnik nah, the Nikon FA has a circuit board in it and has a program mode. Why would you ever want program mode? Get an FE2 if you want aperture priority. Much better built camera without extra unneeded shit that can break. The FA also doesn't have exposure lock like the FE2.
Ah, FM series. Love them!
The curtain failed on my K1000 eons ago. Bought an FMII, still working!
Proud owner of a OM-1. There is nothing I am missing personally on it and no reason to switch to anything.
Another Olympus enjoyer... maybe I need to give one a try!
Totally agree, this is, IMO, one of the best SLRs ever made. Small, light, very well built and a HUGE viewfinder. Plus, the M-Zuiko lenses are wonderful, especially prime lenses.
OM 1 is the poor mans Leica but there is nothing poor about it- I use mine all the time- fantastic camera and lens pack.
As an F6 user, I don't shoot film to slow myself down, I do it because I enjoy the entire process. It's tactile, physical, imperfect, and sometimes finicky, but hanging up a freshly developed roll and seeing the negatives is always rewarding.
Also, 8fps goes BBBRRRRRRRR.
Must be sick to shoot with top of the line modern glass too!
@@huntercreatesthings It can be, although I do prefer the character and tactility of vintage gear from the 70s/80s about half the time.
I would love a F6. I have a F100.
@@jjuarez83 Sure the metering and AF are slightly better, but it's hard to justify the 4x price tag. F100 looks better IMO, with the squarish F5 forehead and clean back.
@@General_Mills_ There is a reason I don't have a F6 and it is the $$$. I will say I did take a look and the price has dropped in the past couple years.
This is exactly how I feel about the Minolta SRT 202. Everything you need, nothing you don’t, and dirt cheap.
If you find a camera that makes you happy it doesn’t matter how much it costs, could be a Leica could be a holga.
100%!
For me it was the Minolta SRT 101 that my father gave my in 1973. It came with a Rocker 55mm f1.7 lens. A solid, reliable combo that still works. The camera never got in the way of taking photos.
i prefer the minolta xd, but to be fair that’s in much better condition than my srt…
Pentax KX or MX is what the K1000 wants to be when it grows up - K1000s are nice and work but its big brothers though of course the MX is much smaller - are just much better made cameras. Pentax user since 1982 currently using a mx and black me super.
I can see the argument for the smaller ones, but I have big hands and find the K1000 a lot less fatiguing to carry for 12 hours at a time! Would love to try out a KX, I've never had hands on one
Purchased my K1000 in 1983. It is a bit scratched up, but still fully functional. I shoot with it every once in a while because it's fun and very different than my digital camera. I have been through several digital cameras, but will never give up my K1000. Great video.
I'm taking my K1000 to the grave. Thanks!
I think my Olympus OM-1 Falls into the exact same category as your K1000. Everything you mention here applies for my OM-1 too. Amazing camera with great lenses!
Yes! Great cameras
and it's WAYYYY smaller. The Olympus OM-1 is my vote as well for the "perfect" camera that doesn't have extra stuff.
Also the Minolta SRT 101
For me the Olympus OM1 is the best camera. It was my first camera, bought new by father in 1976 or 1977, I began using it in the late 1980’s as a teen. I learned a lot with it. Still have it, but it needs service. Great machine
Which Olympus OM-1? 😏
I own a Pentax SP1000 and I absolutely love it. It's a bit broken (film doesn't always advance) but its a sturdy piece of equipment and will probably last longer than I will.
They really do know how to make stuff proper good over at the Pentax factory I tell ya
I do love my FM2 and F3HP - but the older I get, the more I appreciate my very first SLR bought in 1977: Ricoh Singlex II. It's simply a tank... and its shutter sound ... 😅
What a throwback
@@huntercreatesthings 😂👍
Same, same with the Minolta SRT 303 ...
Thanks for the great insights! 👍
Built like an absolute tank!
Man this feels so right. Ive had many cameras, each more complicated than the previous one. But when I finally got my hands on one of those old cameras, leica included, I feel more in the moment of living and the camera becomes the bridge between me and the moment instead being the meaning itself. I am trying to make my own videos, and needless to say, I love your video, they are fun and real. Keep them up! Cheers.
Yes exactly! The camera becomes an extension of you. Thanks :)
@@huntercreatesthings Cheers man, lets all get better together
Pentax K1000 was a camera used for photography school, back in the day. In 1978 I bought, and still have, a Cannon TLb, which is the more basic version of the Ftb camera. Later on, around 1987 I bought the Pentax SF1. And yes, the Takumar / Asahi lenses are sharp, without costing an arm and a leg. The film years were great -- my digital image years, even greater. The whole process from shooting, to editing is wonderful. The ability to share with the world is priceless. Instead of investing in film and processing, people can now buy cameras and lenses, and maybe an extra battery when need be. The carry over of skills from the film years helps in knowing what will work -- how the lens / camera will view the world. Actually, you can get away with the impossible using digital, which opens up greater opportunity, such as on the street photography. Film shooting, if it is your thing, is the way to go. What ever works. I am not using my Kodak Holiday Flash Brownie camera these days, but it was a great tool when I was ten or so. Loren Schwiderski / street photography
Thanks for sharing Loren :)
I have a FTb
The K1000 was the first 35mm camera I purchased around 1988. I have since purchased a couple more plus a Pentax Spotmatic and they are my favorite cameras to take out in the field.
Nice!
I sold cameras at Caldor and later Ritz as my first jobs as a teenager through the mid 80s to early 90s. The K1000 was *the* student camera, and I sold more of them than any other. It was also the first camera I bought for myself -- and I still have it, along with the kit 50/2.
It's so cool that you still have it!
I bought my ME at Caldor.
I just bought one earlier this week! It's gonna be my first film camera, so I'm so glad everyone likes it so much, becuase I really didn't do a lot of research 😂 I bought it because on my last family trip, we got one of those disposable film cameras and it ended up being so much fun to take film shots and relive the trip when we got them developed later.
Yesss!! If you need any help with your first roll DM me on insta :)
I enjoy seeing videos like this! Personally I went with the Nikon FM2/T. Fully mechanical and 1/4000th max shutter
Ooooh Titanium!
Oh, look. Sonething new from Hunter! When did that arrive? 28 seconds ago! Hahaha. Watched it. Loved it. Think i'll watch again! Hunter, you are a breath of fresh air. Thank you, so very much, for everything you've posted thus far ❤
You're so welcome :) I'm super grateful that you're enjoying so far!
Great video mate! Have a Canon AE1 from my father and started shooting film with it last year. Now I have a few cameras and latest purchase I got last week is an Olympus OM1 with 50mm lens for 40€. Such great build quality and also fully mechanical. And as you mentioned about the K1000 it has the same style of light meter.
And the viewfinder of the OM1 is so much greater then the AE1.
Keep up your great work!
OM1 is a superb bit of kit! Thanks :)
I have a k1000 that I bought used when I as a kid back in the mid 80’s and still have it. It was my first camera and being completely manual it forced one to learn a lot about how to use a camera and photography in general. I still use it today having literally had it for 40 years. I totally agree with your assessment.
The Japanese are just unbelievably good at manufacturing and engineering. I've had cameras, cars, tools, guitars, all made in Japan in the 80s and still perfect - and often better than modern alternatives made elsewhere!
Great video, and yes, I agree that film photography encourages intent and purposefulness with each image.
I tried the K1000, the MX, and Nikon's FM2 when chosing my SLR back in the early 80s. (I'd previously used my parents' 1960s-era SV with its screw-mount lenses - a gorgeous thing!) I loved the fully-manual, fully-mechanical nature of all these cameras, but in the end I went for the MX, which was a good fit for my smaller hands. I was still using it 30 years later.
Thanks! MX is a solid camera for sure
Nice video and my intro to slr film photography started with the Pentax ME Super in 1980 however i also picked up a K1000 and found that it became my favorite slr because it taught me the skills at making good photographs. I currently have 2 K1000s and use them regularly. I have since added a MX body to my kit and i am enjoying it on my shoots. All manual and amazingly compact so i can pocket it with my 50mm 1.7 lens. Love Pentax
50mm 1.7 is stellar!
I've been retired for about ten years now and just decided to take up photography as a new hobby. After watching many other videos (before this one) I bought a Nikon F100. I think it will be a good camera to learn on. If I really get into the hobby I can see getting K1000 because it's so old school.
F100 is an incredible camera!
My film camera since 1982 was the Pentax Mx and would be the same camera even today, because compactness, in street and travel photography, is very important to me.
Big fan of the MX! Alas, I have hands that are slightly too big to be shooting it all day
This was my first SLR camera in high school. In 1991. Still have and love it!
Keep that thing going, it'll live longer than we will!
I recently started shooting film with a Minolta ST 100 and its been my favorite photographic experience ever
So much love for Minolta in the comments I miss my old one :(
Pentax has used the same lens mount since like 1975, and its a great family of cameras and lenses to get into. I got film ones and a digital one and I can use my favorite lenses on film and digital because of that.
Pentax and Nikon are extremely cool for the backwards compatibility! I often use my Pentax M glass on the Sony FX30 for video and they look great, especially the 28mm 2.8
I love that the mount has effectively stayed the same. I’m using 30 year old prime lenses on my k-3
I bought one from my friend when he decided to trim down his herd. Then I was gifted one a few years later. I just need to get back into darkroom because the pictures are not what I expect to get back now.... and that takes some of the fun out of photography. I don't always shoot a K-1000 because I have recently picked up my eleventh film camera, so all the pups need a field trip now and then. I liked you position on the K-1000... great little cameras.
Very nice! Thank you
My first camera was a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic. That used the 42mm screw-mount lens mount (prior to the "K" mount).
Nice!
I inherited my late uncle's k1000 and I'm in love with it, can't wait to get my digitals of my first roll with it 🤙
Nice! I hope you get hooked on 35mm :)
Thank you for sharing your correct opinion.
My pleasure hahaha
I enjoy shooting my old Canons. Cameras like the FT, TL, TX, and AT-1 to name a few are all manual. Stick and loop. Some calculate the exposure, some you have to hit the depth of field lever to set exposure, but great fun.
ah the old stop down metering! Those old canons are classic.
I had a AT-1, it was great, but it just stopped working.
I have a Pentax KM which is basically the same camera with slightly different features and I fully agree with you. It is as good as a 35mm camera can get, it does everything I need it to do and nothing else. I got it a few years ago from Japan as a "spare" for my ME Super I have had for 30 years but it has become the 35mm I use the most. It is in almost new-like condition and it cost less than 100 euros with the 50mm f2 kit lens and case. The shutter was a bit stiff at first on the slow speeds, which is not a wonder considering that judging by it's condition it had spent most of it's life stored in some closet, but some "exercise" freed it right up and it has worked perfectly since then and takes great pictures. I like my film cameras manual and preferably mechanical so the KM is perfect for me.
Nice!! Mine was a tiny bit stiff at low speeds too but after warming it back up it's been perfect since
I just bought one of these from a reseller. It’s my first camera and I love it. Still trying to figure out the settings for different lightings and scenes.
Nice!! Good luck ☺️
I feel the same way about my Minolta XG-1. It is very basic. Aperture priority, very few features. But it is small and light and holds an amazing variety of Rokkor glass. It is just fun to go out, set up for sunny 16 and just shoot some film.
That's the one!
My stepfather handed down his old Pentax SP1000 when I was 14. Took many photos at airshows and they came out great. Later I purchased Canon A-1in 1992 and planning on buying Canon F-1n or F-1New.
Nice! I'd love to try some plane photography
Goes to show that reliable and hewn from solid build quality wins over automation, gizmos and exotic tech any day of the week. I love older stuff - it was all built to last - and can be repaired. I still have a 1980 (I think) Pentax ME - although it does need the light seals replacing. I also have a 55 yr old Thorens turntable and a 1984 Marantz CD player (with the well renowned Phillips CDM-1 transport). Built like tanks, and still going strong after all these years!
Big fan of older hi-fi gear! I've got some early 90s Panasonic stuff and it's superb
This camera made my photographer career I totally agree with you
Me too!
I understand how you feel about the K1000. I feel the same way about my Pentax Spotmatic.
I am a big fan of the spotmatics :)
I share a similar sentiment with my Mamiya Sekor 500 DTL. It's one chunky bit of iron, operates mechanically save for the light metre, and I do enjoy using M42 bayonet lenses for it. I'd say the only thing I'm missing from it is a shoe for a flash, because I'd love to be able to shoot with it in our studio, too...
Now that's a stunning bit of kit!
Great video, Im loving my k1000 so much
Great to hear!
I bought a Pentax K1000 in 1979/1980 ish, I have recently got it back after all these years and I still think it’s the best camera I ever had! I do own a DSLR, which is great, but there is something special about the Pentax K1000, which I love!
It just has that extra special sauce
Love the vid and completely agree but I’d argue that the just slightly older Pentax Spotmatic F is even better. It has the same price point, all the m42 lenses, you sometimes even get one with a reliable light meter and it even comes with a shutter lock (which is more rare on cameras this old). Having a shutter lock is a game changer for me because I can walk around with the next frame pre loaded and ready to go, without having to worry about firing a shot accidentally.
The Spotmatics are lovely cameras - the shutter lock is quite nice... if my K1000 was a pistol I'd have feet like swiss cheese hahaha!
The Pentax MX was the better body than the K1000. It was smaller and a better metering system. It also allowed a winder or motor drive to be attached. The K1000 has to have the lens cap on or the battery could get worn down.
The MX is a great camera! I prefer the meter on the K1000, and the weight to be honest :)
While I agree with your points, as I started learning on steam cameras with no or crude assists, I'll posit that nothing beats the experience of large format ground glass. It's amazing, but your feeling is "Wow, I'm on my own here, nothing will prevent me from totally cocking this up."
In 35mm, my fave is a Nikkormat FTn. Built like a tank and only grudgingly lets you know the light metering.
Large format is super - unfortunate how expensive it is these days!
The K1000 my first ever camera. It saw me through college 40 years ago and started me on my journey as a professional photographer. Use Leica now but still have my Pentax film cameras.
It's like a comfort camera, keeps you coming back
You love your Pentax for the same reason I love my Nikon FE.
Those were the days. One was extra careful with each shot.
No to be sure to be sure shots at no $,s. Nice Vid thanks.
Thanks!
I recently got a k1000, a Mamiya ZE, and a Canon Rebel G for $30 all together. I'm pretty excited to try them out.
Dude that is a STEAL!
@huntercreatesthings the post for it made it seem like it was only two, and i felt like that was a good deal already, so when i got three, it was like I won a prize.
Yes I certainly have one and have used it, but my personal favourite of the Ppentaces (is that the correct plural?) is the ME super, because it is so compact, dunno whether it is smaller than the Olympus OM but I guess it is around the same size. Sadly I do not have any Olympodes for comparison. That said I think it is one of the best cameras for learners.
ME Super is definitely a Super camera. Pentaxes? Pentii?
As a pro press photographer I need a modern digital camera that can be used at lightening speed to make sure I capture the money shot. But if it's a hobby, there's a great deal to be said for taking your time and being in full manual control. It also means that you learn to understand the whole process too. So, an excellent video, but the very best bit was "The very lovely Leica M11 house deposit edition" - which sums things up rather neatly.
Hahaha 100% - I use a big pro vertical gripped digital for most of my commercial work and picking up a film camera immediately helps me switch off "work" mode and have fun
My mom had this camera and gave it to me when I was in middle school in the mid-late 80s when I took a photography class.
It’s a tough one. Being in middle school another kid took it and threw it in a toilet, Lol
It survived with a nice big dent in the mirror box. Let it dry out for a day(from what I remember) or so and it was back and working perfectly.
I know have a Leica M3 and M9 among other cameras. The M3 needs it’s shutter that keeps sticking fixed…
If it can survive that, it can survive anything!
bought a spotmatic f with takumar 50/1.4 ,takumar 35/3.5 and a 135/2.8(don´t remember the brand),a bag and some stuff like caps etc for 65 Euro . Pretty happy with this deal :)
What a steal!
K mount lens variety, availability and affordability for is probably what clinches it. I don't shoot film but I do use old Pentax K mount lenses, they really do produce nice results.
They're great - I think the older K mount glass looks very "organic" if that makes sense
Long time Pentax shooter. But the manual focus 35mm I really enjoy shooting by far the most. Is my Nikon F3. Cock the shuttle just once and you are hooked for life.
F3 may indeed be where cameras peaked
Built in light meter? Oooh, what a luxury. My photographic journey started in 1978 with a Zorki 4 and a Jupiter F2 50mm lens which were a gift from a work colleague. From it I learned about the 'Sunny 16' way of metering and was thereafter able to guesstimate light levels with mostly pleasing results. As a step up, my recommendation would be any of the simpler early 80's Ricoh SLRs (which also have the K-mount). I currently own a Ricoh KR5 (the simplest), a KR10 and a KR10 Super. Each with Pentax lenses mounted. It's worth noting that Ricoh now own Pentax..!!
Those Jupiters are lovely
From all the SLRs I own the most "perfect" (according to your definition) are the Pentax Spotmatic (SPII) and the Canon A-1. The Spotmatic for very similar reasons you mentioned in the video. Plus I am a huge fan of Pentax Takumar lenses although I quite often enjoy a Voigtländer Ultron on my Spotmatic too. But I also love the Canon A-1 for its versatility. To me it is like the Swiss pocket knife of photography - it's got five (5!) exposure modes, a sturdy construction, it is reliable at all times and literally has every feature I need for my photography. The only downside - if it is one: It needs batteries ...
The pain of forgetting batteries never goes away hahahaha. I love Takumar glass - need to get my hands on an Ultron!
Still using my dads old Nikormat , great pictures
Truly the Toyota Hilux of cameras
Truly wonderful cameras. I own all four editions of the Nikkormat FT line. Can’t beat them.
K1000 is amazing, but c’mon, the first Nikon F has got to take the cake as a full system camera that is still super usable today. So many options to make it what you want. Glass galore, accessories galore…. Cool vid, thanks for sharing
True - but it is getting quite hard to find well looked after examples! One great thing about the K1000 is that just about everywhere that sells film cameras is quite likely to have at least one in stock.
I like the Nikon FE2. It has a match the needle with the aperture bar.
FE2 is stunning, especially in black!
the purest form is when you don´t have an buit in exposer meter.
To be a bit more specific I am talking about a kiev 88 without the TTL but with hand lightmeter, I never failed my exposer with that method.
Sunny 16 could be a fun challenge!
I don't exactly remember which film camera did my Dad have and let me use couple of times when I was a kid, but I have the feeling it was a K1000. I got a Nikon FE few weeks back and metering display is very similar to the K1000, for what I understood.
Big fan of the FE!
pentax film cameras are all awesome. I love the mx which is tiny!
make pentax great again
It was either the K1000 or the Pentax MX, I personally went with the MX as it is smaller and has a better light metering system with LED's rather than a needle.
I like the LED meter but I find with my chunky glasses it can be a bit hard to see quickly unfortunately
You certainly don’t need to bother with the DoF preview or self timer if you don’t want to or need to. But they take up no more space or get in the way of taking pictures. Both the KM and KX models will, like the K1000 operate without batteries, with the full range of shutter speeds and apertures available.
True - I have an old minolta external self timer which is absolutely super!
Pentax MX. Just like the K1000, but smaller, even more rigid and features like interchangeable focusing screens
A super camera!
Everything you said, But insert the word Praktica. I would say the praktica MTL3 to MTL5B, massive number of available lenses. And still far cheaper than anything else.
I have taken exactly one photo on a Praktica - perhaps further investigation is required...
I love my Prakticas. I have the L, and both the MTL3 and MTL5B.
@@jameshays7629 I just added another TL5B to my collection that's three TL5Bs . I think that take my total to thirty . You could say I'm a bit of a Praktica fan
My dads Pentax spotmatic SPII and the canon F1 are my favorites
Love the spotmatics!
Agreed 100%. It's the simplest and best SLR camera. You just have to find one that wasn't abused, like with any other film camera. The MX and ME Super are two other great cameras from Pentax in that era. My favorite viewfinder on an SLR is the ME Super's--better than the Nikon F3 IMO. The downside of the ME Super is that it's not very solidly built. The old K-mount lenses are an incredible value. The 50/1.7 and 35/2.8 both have a very nice look. One issue I've had with the lenses is sticky aperture blades. The "A" series lenses seem to be more prone to it than "M" lenses.
Definitely true! I've had my 50 1.7 apart to clean the blades before
i got a cosina hi-lite that i bought (mainly because it also uses M42 lenses like my grandpas camera, so i can use the lenses he used) and i am having my grandpas pentacon f restored, once the pentacon f is restored and works it will be the best camera i own, why? because it was my grandpas favourite, no other reason. I also have a kodak retina 2a from my grandpa thats nice to use for quick pictures and the best camera, also same reason. I will use the kodak to take pics on my cousins wedding so that in a way our grandpa could be there too in spirit.
That's 100% it. No better camera than a family heirloom
You can make exactly the same points for the Nikon FM2. Great mechanical shutter, doesnt need batteries except for the light meter, not all that expensive, plus you can get great lenses up to the AF-D ones for kot all that much money.
I love the FM2 as well!
Olympus OM-10 (with a Manual Adapter), 50mm f/1.8 Zuiko lens!
Genuinely a superb pairing
I always thought the K1000 was kinda boring, but I'm not here for that..... Your spoon, sir, is amazing!
Glad you like it!
LOL - I guess my Spotmatic F and NF-1 are along the same line. I use the NF-1 mostly because the sports finder is friendly for old post-cataract eyes.
Nice!
I use a praktica bms electronic for film it really makes me take the photo rather tha me letting tbe camera take the photo if that makes sense
That makes complete sense!
As someone who owns many (far too many) cameras, I have to agree with your statement that the Pentax K1000 is the best all round 35mm SLR. It has everything you need, and nothing that you don't. The only accessory I have for mine is an adaptor which allows me to use M42 lenses. That being said, the K1000 not my favourite camera to use. That position is held by my Minolta X300.
I've never tried the X300! Maybe I should...
@@huntercreatesthings They are just wonderful and very simple. The X700 garners all the plaudits, but the X300 does everything you need, so not dissimilar to the K1000 in that respect. Ordinarily I love the 1960's and 1970's style, whereas the X300 styling is very 1980's and none the worst for that. The best part is that you fit Minolta glass, and in my experience it's every bit as good as Nikon or Canon. Ask Leica, they should know!
Oh, and the other good thing is that they are very cheap to buy.
I was there and It's my opinion that the Olympus OM-1 and the Nikon FM2 (1/4000 sec) were both better cameras than this K1000, if we are talking about affordable manual film cameras. I had both. In particular, the Olympus lenses ranked among the best from Japan, though small and pretty. The K1000 was also nice, as a basic cheap student or entry level camera, but not exactly the ultimate film camera in this universe. By the way, those who were there would know that Sigma lenses were also very basic, sort of like the TTartisan lenses nowadays, meaning they were like the Soligor, Hannimex etc just OK, and cheap, and not very good quality (e.g like the Tamron SP lenses.) How times have changed, Sigma has changed so much, from a brand that no pro would be seen with, dead or alive, to become the top independent lens maker.
The sigma revival needs to be a case study! They used to be the butt of many jokes and now I wouldn't give up my Art primes for anything
Good points. Very expensive gear does have a disadvantage
Absolutely :)
Credible case made for this cam, Hunter. (Love the “house deposit edition” quip 😊.) Pentax made some good gear. Looks like your copy was well cared for, and that’s key. Shutter curtain wear, other mechanical issues are to be expected w/gear of this vintage - defects that can discourage a beginner, IMO. Were some of the Pentax K mount lenses included in the assortment that were coated w/radioactive material?
IMO, simplicity for the experience of it can be taken to excess - pin hole box w/sheet film?😊(Just kidding.)
I’ve had Spotmatic and MX models - MX, as I recall had depth of field preview, LED based light meter and interchangeable viewfinders. Pentax made a boatload of accessories, including right-angle finder and microscope adapter - great if you can find them today. Cheers!
Most certainly it was loved - I got it shipped from Japan in about 2017 and it's evident it was looked after. Not quite radioactive! My K mount collection is all K and M series, but I'd love to try out some of those older Takumars. Would be super to try mounting them on the FX30 for some video as well!
Depth of field preview objectively can only slow you down further, self timer objectively slows you down further, etc. So there are a lot of features you'd want to add to this if that's your goal. Also, large format slows you down about 10x more than all of this. So a 8x10 field camera (about as large as it gets without custom made weird stuff) would be your ideal camera, with a sekonic light meter and tripod. Given your stated goal... even if we specify 35mm only, something like a zone focus Minox 35T with only one focal length ever, no exposure compensation, etc. is closer to your goals too
None of those cameras have "1000" in the name so clearly the K1000 must be better ;)
To work out where your K1000 was manufactured, check the back underneath the winder. If it says “Asahi corp Japan”, it’s Japanese. If not, it’s Taiwanese. The Chinese manufactured models don’t have Asahi on the prism, so it’s not Chinese. IIRC, the Japanese and Taiwanese models had metal gearing, and when manufacturing was moved to China, a lot of the gearing was replaced with plastic.
Far as I can tell this one is either HK or Taiwan - but despite not being made in the land of the rising sun, it's just as refined and sturdy as some other Made in JP cameras I've got!
@@huntercreatesthings I suspect it's Taiwanese as it has Asahi on the prism. Still built to the same design though, and a good solid camera. I used to have a KM which is virtually identical, and it was such a lovely thing to spend a day using.
I only own a Olympus OM-1n and that’s all I need. And leica are ridiculously expensive yes.. 5k for m6?? That’s crazy lol. I bought my OM-1n for 250 at second hand photoshop that does professional repairs and all. It felt and looks like brand new and didn’t had much wear or scratches, no damage at all. I think the previous owner was very cautious with it I love the size as well of the OM-1n it’s just perfect for me. The Pentax k1000 or Nikon F3 will probably be my second purchase.
They're such great cameras!
The k1000 is great. The older Pentax Spotmatic screw mount cameras may even be better. Beautiful build and feel.
Absolutely love the Spotmatics!
I think the SV family is a really great alternative to the K1000. Besides the m42 mount, the main difference is it just doesn't have a meter. No battery, entirely mechanical. It's also a slimmer and honestly much classier body, the shutter is so smooth and the mechanics feel like butter.
The m42 system is really nice because it's way more slept on than K mount, so lenses *tend* to be cheaper, and there are some really great options in terms of glass.
100% - I actually haven't shot much on M42, so I may or may not look into it...
I would like to add depth of field preview, so I guess a Pentax KX would beat the K1000. But my vote for the optimal camera goes to Nikon FM3A!
FM3A is awesome!
Topcon RE Super is my pick
Slept on for sure
Nikons of that time were the best with regards to quality. But as you say, they were more expensive too. I've got a Leica, and a few other rangefinders too, but they don't give me the feel of wonder I get from looking through the viewfinder of an SLR, especially with a yellow filter attached to the lens.
Cheers!
I'm with you on the yellow filter!! Thanks for watching :)
Waking up and choosing violence with your spoon the day this vid was made I see.. LOL.. picked up a K1000 a few years ago with lens for $50. After using Nikon FM, Canonet and a few others, the Pentax felt blah. I did like the light meter. I think it was too hyped up.. since best 35m can be argued, Konica T3 is my underdog competitor. Cheap to buy, build feels like a very good quality, reliable, cool features and lenses are amazing.
Big fan of konica!
My first 10-15 rolls of film were shot on mju-1, so for me shooting film is about totally different things.
I have so much love for the MJUs!
I agree that Pentax was unbeatable in making quality 35 mm cameras at an afordable price. But my vote for best 35 mm film camera ever goes to the Pentax LX.
The LX is stunning (and way lighter than the K1000 hahaha)!
My favorites are nikon: F, F2, FE2, Kodak retina IIIC, and mamiya 645 pro. Of the almost dozen nikons ive owned, many of which were badly abused, ive never had one with any functional flaws. Cant say the same of any other brand ive owned
I use Nikon DSLRs for all my professional stills work and they have never ever once ever let me down.
I will keep my Nikon FM3a thank you. 😊
Superb camera!
Nikon F3HP.
Used them for decades, absolutely bullet-proof 'press' camera.
One of the greatest of all time
Love my k1000 I got it for $30 and ran rolls through it and I’ll never sell it but I am going to buy a Nikon f2 or f3 because of the lens variety, way more choices and gets me different finders + 1/2000th ss and easy to resell when I’m ready (cuz my sweet little penny will never leave me)
The F3 is the GOAT
I remember back in the eighties Praktica from East Germany was the most popular entry level SLR overhere in Europe.
But I got myself a Pentax K1000 as my first one. I mainly used it with diapositives for slides simply because it was cheaper and looked so cool on a large screen.
A few years later after Pentax K1000 fell overboard into the ocean and I got a Ricoh KR10 as its replacement which I used up till 2004. Than I got my first and so far only DSLR, a Canon 10D. Later I kinda lost interest in photography using a DSLR and different lenses. My interest came back after the I got the Panny LX3. What a great little camera that was! Untill it broke. Now I use a Sony RX100 III as my everyday camera, and went mirrorless with the Sony A6400 with some fancy Sony G, Sigma and Samyang glass.
Much better, faster and sharper than my old Pentax and Ricoh. But there's something about film (both in print and slides) that digital cameras can't reproduce.
Those Practikas are great! Sad to hear there's a K1000 at the bottom of the sea haha
@@huntercreatesthings Yes, happened in 1993 off the coast of Aceh, North Sumatra. So sad! Lost a nearly full roll of film as well.
I have two K1000's and agree with everything you say. I feel sorry for new film photographers that are going to get duped into spending $500 on the new Pentax 17.
I love that pentax are back in the game - I just hope we get to the point where they're making fully manual film cameras again
Well argued, although you forgot what I consider to be the best thing about the K1000...its handling. Including the Goldilocks body size (not too big or too small), a grip free from all obstacles (e.g. self timer lever), and a shutter speed dial that you can easily turn with one finger (unlike the MX, for example).
By the way, your SE version was made in Hong Hong, but it's no worse for it. I have both a Hong Kong and a Japanese version and in terms of build quality, I can see no difference so far (I'd avoid the Chinese version though).
I am a big fan of the shutter speed dial! Interesting to know that it's a HK model - it's indistinguishable in quality from the top end LX etc
An Olympus OM-20 for me! Seconded by a Canon Rebel 2,000 300v.
All severely underrated imo
Yashica FX-3. Same simple design, auto nothing, only a built in meter. Yashica lenses relatively inexpensive....but if you want to go for expensive glass the Yashica mount is actually Contax/Yashica. So you have high end Contax Zeiss lenses available. Actually think your option is great and more readily available, but the Yashica has similar characteristics, with a lens mount to go higher end if desired.
Another vote for yashica!
I still use my Canon FTbN I bought in 1974. The lens are still silky smooth.
That era of FD glass is insane. Lots of DPs using them adapted to PL!