Introduced in: 1980


Technical info

Lens mount: Pentax K (PK)
Shutter speeds: 1/1000s to 4s (about 8s in auto)
Light meter: Through the lens, center weighted (ISO 25 - 3200)
Battery: two 1.5v SR44 or one 3v equivalent
Flash: Hot shoe + PC sync (sync 1/60 sec)
Weight: 485g

Self-timer
Double exposure
Depth of field button
Lock exposure button in auto
Support a power winder (PW-535 / PW-545)

Takes standard 135 film
24×36 mm negative size.



Viewfinder:

A very nice one.
Great size, good brightness, light meter info as well as the focus aid system works well and is easy to use.

Info:
Exposure meter
LED light from 1/1000 to 1s then also a over and under.

Focus aid:
Split screen and Microprism.


Shutter type:

Focal plane
Vertical metal blade.

Electronic controlled.


Build quality:

Has a metal body while most of the exerior is plastic.
It's well put together so build quality is not bad, however the plastic exterior does make it feel cheap and parts like this has downsides in that it might break easier if it gets a beating.



Usability:

It has pretty much everything I look for in a camera so it's very usable in my opinion.

Shutter can be set to auto or manual and is quick and easy to operate.
You can lock the shutter speed while in auto, half-press shutter button and keep it half-pressed.
Press a button next to the lens mount when you want to lock the shutter speed, it will be kept locked as long as you have the shutter button half-pressed.
This works very well and is also quick and easy to use.
However auto aperture is not supported, something that would have been nice.

Self-timer, a depth of field button and the ability to do multi exposure can be very handy.

Does lacks any type of mirror lock and the self-timer don't put up the mirror first as some cameras do.
But mirror and shutter vibrations are pretty low so it's not something I have had problems with.
I mostly use this camera with lightweight lenses and a smaller tripod that is not the sturdiest with no problem.
However put on a heavy lens or long tele and this might cause a loss in sharpness.

Lastly it has two types of flash connections.
A regular hot shoe but also a PC sync connection which is usually used for studio flashes.

So this camera can be suited for most use, at least within the limits of manual focus and no need of a high FPS.


Conclusion:

Personally like this one very much, have used this as my main SLR for about 5 years as Im writing this and it's very little that I wished I could change.
Never had any problems with it and has workd just as well in +30c as in -15c.

Quite and easy to use and like the lightweight so it's not a hassle to walk around with this a whole day.
Also like that these are often cheap so it's not a big deal if I manage to break it or if one want to have more than one house.

So if you just want a cheap workhorse of a camera and don't mind the plastic exterior then this is a great one.
But maybe not the best choice for those that want a camera that feels like a tank or something that looks nice and expensive.


Thumbs up:
Good auto and manual shutter control
Very reliable
Viewfinder
Value

Thumbs down:
Plasticky / feel