The Pentax K1000 has long storied history of being the workhorse camera for beginning photographers and photography instructors alike. For many years it was the required camera to take these courses. Of course, there is substance behind this reputation. The camera combines a clean, streamlined experience with a classic chrome aesthetic. The K1000 lacks the additional frills and functions of other comparable models so photographers are forced to understand, learn and master the exposure triangle. Surprisingly, the experience doesn’t feel punishing because the camera makes it easy and comfortable to shoot. There are arguably better cameras produced during the same time period, but none have the singular focus of the K1000.
With a fast lens, street photography feels easy and classic. Pentax-M 50mm 1.7 Ilford XP2 400
The camera is simple and I don’t mean this in a bad way. There’s a certain beauty in having something reliably perform exactly as it should. It is the same as car enthusiast preferring to drive a 1972 Chevy Impala over a modern day Ferrari; It performs its function extremely well. With a maximum shutter speed of 1/1000 of a second and an ISO range of 20 – 3200 (with the built in meter), the K1000 can handle shooting conditions for most situations. The first systems to fail within a film SLR are usually related to the electrical components. The K1000 is a mechanical camera and does not require a battery to function; I have yet to find an inoperable K1000 in a thrift store or pawnshop. I have even used pristine K1000’s that have seen over 30 years of heavy service in universities and colleges. These cameras are more likely to stand up to the test of time than their competitors.
With a 50mm lens, the camera forces you to move, shoot and compose quickly, the meter is fairly accurate even with more difficult lighting situations. Ilford XP2 400
My only complaint is with the camera’s built in light meter. It is a cadmium sulfide photo cell (CdS) which is typical of the technology of the time, but it outputs onto a very basic viewfinder display. On the display there is a distinct lack of numbers or context for the meter; It simply displays whether the photo is overexposed, underexposed or correctly exposed by pointing to a “+”, “-” or to the middle. This meter does not have an off switch which means it constantly draw current from the battery if it is exposed to light. Hold onto your lens caps, that’ll help the battery last longer. The battery is also very common (LR44 / SR44) and does not drain if you keep the lens cap on when it’s in your bag or being stored.
Closing down the Pentax-M 50mm F 1.7. renders a crisp, sharp image that is hard to deny Ilford XP2 400
Overall the K1000 isn’t a camera that’s designed for students to fall in love with cameras. It’s a camera designed for students to fall in love with photography. There’s a certain magic the comes out of developing your first few frames and to find that one photograph that you really love.
Sometimes, the softer images become my favorite shots on the roll with the K1000. Ilford XP2 400
The reputation behind the K1000 is so strong that it often sells for a premium despite it high production numbers. A quick glance towards Ebay and KEH shows that you can expect (as of March 27th, 2020) prices above $100.00 CAD. I’d recommend looking at local markets, connecting with community members and browsing (when it is safe to do so) garage sales. This year I was able to pick up two different K1000 bodies for under $40.00 CAD. If you can get a lens with the body, I highly recommend the Pentax-M 50mm F1.7, it is one of the best lens you can pair with the K1000. Whenever possible, it is always a better idea to shop and support local. You’ll find that is a rich and vibrant community of film photographers that will welcome you with open arms.
2022 Update: Its become very difficult to find the K1000 for a good price in the current market. There is a huge pull towards film photography with a rise of younger, popular film photographers in the youtube, tiktok and instragram influence spheres. I still recommend a K1000 for most photographers, but not at a premium price. Talk to photographers in your area, connect with the community and you’ll find that there are many cameras hidden away from the general public, waiting for you. If you like to see a more focused page of film cameras please visit my repair and restoration page on instagram @secondsightcameras
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