P-K1000-273
PENTAX K1000
Pentax K1000 Chrome - made in Japan
Excellent copy of early-production, Made-in-Japan Pentax K1000. This popular camera had a very long production run, that started in 1975 and ended in 1990's. After producing K1000's in Japan for the first two years, Asahi Pentax moved production to Hong Kong, and later to China. Latest made-in-China K1000's show obvious cost-cutting by Pentax, with many metal body parts replaced with plastic and inferior quality parts being used. These later cameras are missing "Asahi" logo from the prism cover. Made-in-Japan units have several small distinguishing features (including serial number that is engraved on the top of the camera). Clean copies of these are rare and highly collectable.
This K1000 in EXC+ condition is from the earliest production run (circa 1975), with the word "Japan" engraved on the back of the camera. The body is very well preserved, with no major cosmetic defects. There is one tiny dent on the top of the prism cover, no scratches or paint loss. The camera was fully cleaned and lubricated inside and out. Shutter fires properly, film transport and meter all work perfectly. Viewfinder and focusing screen are bright and clear from dust. Shutter speed dial has sharp and bright lettering. Light seals (including internal, around the prism) and mirror bumper are brand new ($25 value).
The camera comes with a classic Pentax-M 50mm f/2.0 normal prime lens in near mint condition. The lens is made in Japan to match the camera, not the Taiwan-made version bundled with most later K1000's. Glass is clear and scratch-free, no fungus. Focusing is smooth, aperture action is snappy, no oil on the blades. Hoya Skylight, Polarizer and CS filters, original Asahi Pentax front cap and camera strap, factory manual and fresh battery for the meter are included. Super-clean film SLR - perfect for a beginner film shooter or a Pentax collector, scarce high-quality early build, seldom available.