Introduced in 1980.

Technical info

Lens mount: Pentax K (PK)
Shutter: 1/1000s to 1s + B
Light meter: Through the lens, center weighted (ISO 25 - 1600)
Battery: Two 1.5v SR44 or one 3v equivalent (Only for the light meter)
Flash: Hot shoe (sync 1/60 sec)
Weight: 445g

Takes standard 135 film
24×36 mm negative size.



Viewfinder:

Great size and brightness.
Works very well and it's easy to find focus.

Info:
Inside the viewfinder you have nothing more than the focus aid system.
But you have three vertically placed led lights to the left side of the viewfinder.
Two for over and under reading which has a red light.
And the middle led is green and lights up when you got the right exposure.

Focus aid:
Split screen and Microprism


Shutter type:

Focal plane
Vertical metal blade.

All mechanical.


Build quality:

Most of the exterior is plastic but the body is metal.
So this has still quite good build quality but the plastic can more easily crack if it takes a beating.

Look, feel and sound:
Quite the standard looking camera and nothing that sticks out either way.
The feel is a little mixed with some parts that feels quite plasticky and a bit cheap.
But the body is still very nice and solid.
Shutter and mirror sounds are somewhat to the noisy side.



Usability:

A all manual camera only and one with little features.
But for normal handheld use you have more or less everything you need.
It do however lack a self-timer which is something I miss for some of my use.
Also lacks a mirror lock or equivalent and the mirror and shutter do make some noticeable vibrations.
So you can lose some sharpness if you don't use a somewhat sturdy tripod for longer exposures.

The camera feels good in your hands and buttons and levers are well placed.


Conclusion:

This can be a great camera for those that wants a simple and lightweight SLR.
The viewfinder is great, light meter is easy to read and works well.
But don't mind the plasticky exterior and the lack of features.

These are usually very cheap so you do get a lot of camera for the money
And I can see this as a great work horse of a camera and one when I want to back light.


Thumbs up:
Great build quality on the body and mechanics
Viewfinder
Reliable
Lightweight
All mechanical
Value for the money

Thumbs down:
Some parts are quite plasticky and feels cheap
No self-timer
No mirror lock or equivalent