What is your opinion on the Pentax k1000?

Question

I got it as a gift about 9 years ago and i used it a lot and took some really good pictures with it, but now i am overall unhappy with it because i waste so much film with it because of improper lighting, unfocused images or just because i dont like the picture. Am i being too picky or is grounds for selling it and upgrading to digital?

Answer 1

"Improper lighting" may be the cause of the light meter which is in need of recalibration. It could also be the fact that there is not enough lighting, the film isn't adequate for the situation, or the camera wasn't properly set.

"Unfocused images" sounds like a you-problem. Is the shutter speed fast enough? Are you having trouble with the image in the viewfinder? I mean, with manual focus cameras WYSIWYG. If it was an AF camera we could blame it on the camera and lens for back- or front-focusing.

"Don't like the picture"... well that's not the camera's fault ;-) Read some books and online articles on composition, techinque, colors, etc.

The K1000 was a cheap but solid camera. The ammount of money you'll get depends on the lenses that'll go with it. Usually the only people buying are money-deprived students and you'll rarely get enough cash to cover the purchase of a DSLR. That said, you have a classic in your hands. I'd keep it around if you decide to upgrade. Just remember that switching to digital won't significantly increase the quality of your images (the "just because I don't like the picture" part) unless the K1000 is the reason for all of your sorrows.

Answer 2

Unless you know the basics of obtaining proper exposure when using a manual camera, you should sell your Pentax K1000. The K1000 is a great camera for students who are learning about B&W photography.

Answer 3

Well since it is a manual camera, you are in charge of the lighting and the focus.  Getting a digital SLR will only save you film, it won't take away the need for you to control the lighting and the focus.  If you don't like that aspect of the camera then a point-and-shoot variety is more for you, digital or film.

Answer 4

Personally I've had no problems with the Pentax K1000.  I know I've not had a problem with it, nor has my friend whom I loaned it to so he can learn photography.  

As stated before, the improper lighting, unfocused images, or just not liking the pictures is not necessarily the camera's fault.  

I would not say that you're being too picky - you're just inexperienced.  Now if you'd like to learn to use a fully manual camera, by all means, keep it.  If not, just get a digital point and shoot.

Answer 5

for it's time the Pentax K 1000 was a work horse in the world of film photography and it was hard to touch!!

Getting to the point that you are wasting a lot of film because a lot of shots were and are un focus and you are now un happy with the camera over all i HEAR YOU! and you are Right!! you should up grade!! to digital!!

You said that you would like to sell it that you would like to sell it but there is a major problem  with that!! that camera to day is worth next to nothing!! you might if you are lucky get pennies on the each dollar that you spent on it and the fact that it's so old by to day's standers and that would bring down next to nothing

My advice to you is to take the camera to your local high school and donate it so that some one can learn basic photography with it.

I have been a pro photographer for over 25 years and the camera that you have was the same one that I learn photography with!! some 30 years back! and I have nothing but fond memories of it because that's were I learn that I had talent with photography!!

Digital is the way to go!!

Good luck,

Bob