Pentax K1000 review: classic film cameras revisited

It may have been simple, but the Pentax K1000 went on to be one of photography’s standout film SLR cameras

Pentax K1000
(Image: © Alamy)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Selling over 3 million examples in almost 20 years of manufacture, the Pentax K1000 was a huge photographic success story. It’s simple controls, solid build and affordable price tag made it the perfect choice for those looking to get started in photography.

Pros

  • +

    Simple to use

  • +

    Mechanical shutter

  • +

    Excellent range of lenses

  • +

    Keenly priced

Cons

  • -

    Build quality varies

  • -

    Basic features

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The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR was launched 1976, the same year that saw Canon release the groundbreaking AE-1. While the Canon AE-1 bought an array of technical advances, the K1000 was very much a fully mechanical SLR. 

Incredibly it was still in production in 1997, though was now being made in China as opposed to Japan (while it was also made in Hong Kong for a time as well). Over its lifetime Pentax managed to shift millions of K1000s, and while its fair to say it didn’t have any standout features, it’s popularity can be attributed to the fact that it was simple and easy to use, affordable and there was a wide range of lenses readily available for it. 

Find the Pentax K1000 on eBAY

<a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sop=12&_nkw=pentax+k1000&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="ebay.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Find the Pentax K1000 on eBAY
An K1000 in nice condition with a 50mm f/2 should set you back more around $150 –  but you can find more battered bodies from around $80.

Find the Pentax K1000 on eBAY.co.uk

<a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sop=12&_nkw=pentax+k1000&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="ebay.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Find the Pentax K1000 on eBAY.co.uk
A Pentax K1000 in immaculate condition with a 50mm f/2 will cost around £170, but you can find examples for around £80. Just be mindful that there can be issues that the seller may not even know about.

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Phil Hall

Phil is the Managing Editor of Top Ten Reviews, and is a former Editor of Techradar's camera channel. He is an accomplished photographer, and specializes in shooting cycling and fast cars.