 Rhonda Fremen-Young |
Comparing Od Pentax K1000 to the ZX-M When I was in junior college (I'm 40 now), taking photography, I started out using a Pentax K1000 and loved it. I had that camera for a long time. My ex-husband sold it (long story), and later I bought a Canon Rebel X. Although the Rebel takes good pictures, I am *not* comfortable with it. It feels too small, there are too many buttons, and I don't like having less control. I'd like to get another Pentax K1000, but I want to buy a new (or like new) one. Finding one from a reputable dealer is difficult. I've considered the Pentax ZX-M, but I'm uncertain that I'd like the bar meter (in the viewfinder). [I'm worried that, at my age, I won't be able to see it that well.] Can you tell me if the ZX-M would be as good as the K1000? Am I the the only one on earth who *prefers* the old manual "tank" cameras to the new-fangled dinky automations? Thanks.
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doug Nelson |
The most reputable dealer I know of is KEH.com out of Atlanta. I've never had a problem with them, and, unlike some of the NY operators, they are kind and courteous. Don't be afraid to buy used from them. I think you'd love a Pentax MX. The Pentax A and K-series lenses are superb, and the M's are merely excellent. See a site on Pentax at http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/ for more Pentax suggestions. You're hooked, as I am. Once you've used a simple, straightforward mechanical camera, these plastic ones never feel right.
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Rhonda Fremen-Young |
Hey, Doug! Thanks for your help! I'll check out the Pentax site you mentioned. And thanks for letting me know that I'm not the only one who likes the more straightforward cameras. Best wishes to you!
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John A. Lind |
Rhonda, I second the motion to check out KEH for used equipment. They are the "gold standard" for used dealers. I recommend the "EX" or better condition equipment. The next grade down are in very good working condition, but will show wear, an indication that some of the useful life has already been consumed by previous owners. For more sophisticated metering in Pentax K-mount camera bodies, consider the K2DMD, LX, or ME Super (not the plain ME). These three have aperture priority AE in addition to manual control. I wouldn't characterize most older, manual gear as "tanks" though, not unless you're describing a Nikon F2 or F3. :-) Would settle for descrobing them as having a solid feeling and "heft" to them. The lenses also have smooth turning, damped focus rings and smooth detents on aperture rings. This is my biggest complaint about the new plastic wonders; focus rings feel like plastic grinding on plastic (almost as bad as fingernails on a chalk board). I believe there's a visceral connection between photographer and the equipment being used. The two must become "one" for best results. As you might guess, I use older cameras/lenses and don't need (or want) the automagic gizmos. Most of them are 15-25 years old; one RF is 50 years old. They're still churning out photographs much like the day they were new, and all of them have been heavily used. I'd rather have them overhauled by someone who specializes in working on the particular make/model than to replace them with any of the new wonder-bricks.
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Karen Lewis-Gunn |
Rhonda, You are not alone! I own a K1000 and I love it. I am currently looking around to buy an extra camera body and I cant find one that I feel comfortable with. The K1000 has become an extentsion of me. I honestly cant find a camera that is built like it. I only ever have used a manual camera and dont think I'd use the extra features of the newer cameras. K1000 are still readily available. Take your time and check them out and I'm sure you'll find another K1000 in very good condition! If you do opt for another camera, could you let me know what you eventually choose as I'd like to check it out !
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Buddy Purugganan |
Comparing a K1000 Pentax SLR manual camera to a new and sleeker ZX-M is like comparing a Chronometer Swiss watch to a G-Shock watch. There may be cosmetic differences, additional or even better features but THE BASIC MANUAL FUNCTIONS of the cameras are considered equal! You'd be amazed Pentax had made vast improvements! Look at Nikon FM2N ---decades ago it was the ultimate manual camera and now they decided to add more to their arsenal of manual cameras---the Nikon FM3!!!( which surprisingly costs MORE than their entry level AF cameras! ) So don't worry of the manual cameras additional stuff with the digital cameras takeover---its still technically manual in its operation!
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Rhonda Fremen-Young |
Hi again! Thank you all for your feedback! The only reason I used the term "tank" to describe the older cameras is because I read someone else (not here), who preferred the newer cameras, referring to them as such. I like the heavier cameras (just my preference). They seem to balance better in my hands and actually create less camera shake (for me). And, to Buddy above, I would really like more on your opinion of the ZX-M. Can you tell me what the viewfinder meter is like? Is it easy to read/see? When in manual mode is it *totally* manual? No buttons to press while doing such-n-such? (My Canon Rebel X lens can be switched to manual, but when you want to use the camera's manual mode for setting aperture and shutter speed, you have to hold *this* button down while depressing *that* button...It's too confusing and just plain gets in my way.)
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Melissa N. Rothacker |
I started on a KX-M in high school, and it was so easy to use that I don't want to try anything else. The viewfinder meter is just like the green digital readout on common clock-radios. You'll have no problem reading/seeing it. I can do both, easily, without my glasses. When in manual mode, the camera lets you do your own thing... you select your aperture and shutter speed. It also features an AV and TV mode, too. So, pretty much, this camera ranges from fully automatic to partially manual to completely manual. What more could you want?
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Tom Walker |
I still find the "match needle" to be quicker than the match diodes of newer manual cameras. I don't know where you live but Southeastern Camera in most southern cities sell used k1000's for under $200 with 50mmF2.0 lenses. All their used equipment is well inspected and checked b4 selling
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Rhonda Fremen-Young |
Tom, Does Southeastern Camera have a web site? Where is it located? (I'm in Oklahoma.) Thanks,
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