How to Use a Pentax K-1000 35mm Film Camera

[@kelanalexander6162]

'My father taught me how to use it and now I'm gonna show you.' Thanks Dad.

[@danethompson2730]

Kelan Alexander was a must watch after dropping that gem

[@abbiegrier207]

this walk-through was SO good. everything about the camera was discussed, and done so in a clear and easily understandable way. this encouraged me to get the Pentax I was thinking of buying from a local shop, so woohoo! excited to use this bad boy!

[@DannyTrysPhotograpghy]

How did you develop the photos

[@murigius1]

Thanks for a clear, precise, non-hyped, weird music tutorial on this camera! I'm subscribed now :)

[@kuma-khameleon]

I've had this camera in my dad's old closet for over fifteen years and this video was so helpful in teaching me that it is NOT broken or too old to use! Thank you so much! :)

[@DannyTrysPhotograpghy]

How did you develop the photos

[@aileens488]

From father to son to stranger.

[@PrimeStudios]

I never thought of it in quite that way, but I love your thinking!

[@Headintodreams]

To a stranger?

[@aj65461]

I just have to comment to say thank you. I inherited this same camera from my Grandpa and have been procrastinating learning how to use it. Decided to sit down today to figure it out and discovered this video. Thank you so much for putting this amazing resource up. Looks like I have the perfect camera to learn with as well!

[@stevenhoelderich9490]

I, have one of, these plus I know how, to use the, camera 📷 if you need, a photo teacher, I'm the gentleman that does that.

[@seymourbeetle]

I found one of these cameras in a thrift store today and bought it up because I just had a feeling it was a good one. So glad I found this excellent walkthrough, I'm stoked to learn how to shoot on this camera!

[@5217tuber]

This video was a great find. Thank you for doing it. The Pentax K1000 was my first SLR, which I purchased in 1982. I bought it for a post-graduation backpacking trip through Europe in 1983 and took over 1200 photos with it. I have absolutely no nostalgia for film, but really enjoyed this clear reminder of how to use the camera.

[@Kevin-en3fs]

Fantastic class on the camera. I received my K1000 today and was amazed at how solid this thing feels. I love the body design. I need to scroll through the comments and see where that shutter release cable can be purchased.

[@PrimeStudios]

That's awesome! Here is an affiliate link to some cable releases: amzn.to/3VmzIrt They are all largely the same product from china just under different brand names. I'd check ebay or thrift stores for nicer original cable releases from the 80's or 90's.

[@crystalwhan8280]

Thank you for sharing this information! My uncle just gifted me this camera as I am getting into photography as a hobby and I had no clue where to begin!

[@janoca]

Now THIS is a "how to use" video! Thank you so much, especially for the photometer part, never see videos showing it.

[@irotalot]

This is such a beautifully clear explanation!! I just bought my first film camera(this type obvs) and was feeling a little overwhelmed about having to learn what everything on it meant. This was SO straightforward and plainly said, thank you.

[@bhaskarnarayanramkumar2219]

Thank you so much for this. Just got mine last night, am a total newbie to photography

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

My dad just gave me his Pentax K1000 tonite as he thought I would enjoy it since I bought a Minolta X-370 two months ago. Funny thing is that last night my mom gave me her Pentax IQZoom AF Macro too XD

[@inerdify]

I cant even believe to tell you how long I thought the ISO was somehow automatic, but turns I've only used 400iso film, I may be 5 years late to this video, but thanks for keeping this up so I can learn more about this camera

[@tarbuck1]

The k1000 taught me everything about photography. At first I struggled with depth of field when I relied on the view finder and things kept coming out blurred. So depending on what type of photo I was taking I learnt to set the focus using the depth of field gauge so, if I was doing a landscape with a person in the forground, I set it from 12 ft to infinity and not worry about what I saw through the lens.

[@messiuuu-ys5xt]

I never knew but where do the photos go they don’t print out in this camera how to get them after taking them?!

[@tarbuck1]

@@messiuuu-ys5xt You used to have to take the film to the chemist or Max Spielmans for processing and printing - it would takr 2 or 3 days.

[@bemamametjanova6527]

you did a great job explaining how this camera works! Thank you for making this

[@domingobernal2616]

I just bought one from a local shop today and the guy at the store wanted to show me to work it but i was crunched for time. I’m so glad i found this video though!

[@concernedcitizen1984]

Very informative introduction. Bought a Pentax k1000, which has recently arrived. So many stories can be told in a photo and there was just something special about the Pentax. Thanks to this video, I'm a step nearer to getting the most from the camera. Thanks to this video, I know if I take the next step to a Pentax automatic, all the lenses that came with the purchase can be transferred.

[@Gerard-hu6kp]

An SLR like the Pentax K is a brilliant thing to use and use again The camera is so constantly reliable. What's more than lenses are not overly expensive____un like some of the Nikon or Canon_____ and are good quality you can usually find Pentax K lenses for not too over the top prices Or just look around for

[@MarcellLombaard]

thank you so much for this! I'm buying my first film camera this week and I was kinda stressed about it because it seems so confusing, but it's actually SO simple! Again, thank you!

[@nickfanzo]

I've always painted and drew, but now at 38 ,I am thinking about photography. I think I'll look into this more.

[@asaploui]

Thank you for this! This camera will be my intro into film photography, super stoked to use this thing. I appreciate the walkthrough!

[@farhiyadini843]

Thank you for this video -- comprehensive and easy to understand.

[@itsnotkira]

very helpful video! i had no clue that putting on the lens cap turned off the light meter, i used to take my battery out every time i wasn't using my camera hahaha.

[@jjs777fzr]

My dad owned a camera store in Boston. He had all the top cameras in his private collection. The K1000 was one of them. He always praised it as one of the best made cameras.

[@luispaniagua23]

great video, no crappy music in the background. thank you!

[@christianpappas2918]

Excellent! Thank you for doing one of the best tutorials I have ever seen!

[@noemiecatel831]

Thaaaaank you so much for this video. I was given this camera several years ago, and even if I have film photography notions, I have always had questions about this model. Thanks !

[@sashaalvarez5525]

this is super informative and not at all confusing

[@ethand7854]

Happy Fathers Day! Happy to learn from him and you!

[@PrimeStudios]

Same to you!

[@Scott-hb1xn]

One interesting note I don't think you mentioned: (and I remember reading this in the manual oh-so-many years ago) You can use the release on the bottom in conjunction with the advance winder to take intentional double exposures! If you press the button, and advance the film, it will not move the film, but will reset the shutter, and you can take a second photo over the first. I seem to recall this, but it has been decades since I really went through the manual for my K-1000

[@PrimeStudios]

Yes! You are correct! I have shot that way before with this camera. I made a video on how to do that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3LRh5eFaMmVbpI

[@robertknight4672]

I've read that but I've never tried it with a Pentax k1000. If I'm going to do double exposures I usually use the camera what does shutter mechanism that separate from the advanced mechanism.

[@clementmartinez121]

Today I was gifted a k 1000. I was told the shutter is stuck. Still your info is gold 🤠 many thanks take care God bless and stay safe.

[@MadelineWard]

Very simple and extremely helpful for a beginner! Thank you!

[@annemariebolduc]

Iv never used a camera like this before. Im using one for my class this week, im so glad i found this video:)

[@audreyclark4795]

Great video! Needed a little refresher and this was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@isakwilkinson2491]

thank you so much for your instructional video on how to use this Pentax k1000 I got this from my dad's estate he passed away a few years ago.I'm not sure when he got this camera I just know he had naval service during Vietnam war and he traveled quite a bit with the Navy and then coming home to Idaho. but I really don't remember him using his cameras a whole bunch he had a bunch of cameras actually he's got another one that's really really old and I have no idea how to use it but I will figure it out but thank you much for your video

[@JKD1]

This is a great video that explains everything you need to know about the k1000. Well done.

[@johncantrell614]

I think you forgot to mention for the flash setting, that the 1/60th of a second is stating the fastest speed that you can use for flash, but you can also use any speed slower than 1/60th to take flash pictures as well, like when you want to drag the shutter in low light situations, so that you can let some of the background ambient light to brighten up the picture behind your subject. That way you can see some of the background, and it will not be like a cave behind a properly exposed subject in most indoor photos, or to take a flash picture of a person, with the shutter speed slowed down to catch a beautiful sunset, for example. Still have my k-1000, still love it, because it got me started in real photography. :)

[@DanielGarcia-vu2md]

John Cantrell that's a good tip which I'll definitely be using. my dad just bought me one of these yesterday from a lady where he worked at.

[@trashlillies8207]

thanks for the video! I found this camera in a house I helped clean out over the summer, now I'm going to use it for my photo 1 class.

[@Realletsplaygrey]

Great video! Thank you! Super excited to shoot with this camera. Just loaded my film in :) I found one in my family's storage that belonged to my grandfather.

[@angelica3744]

Very clear and thorough. Thank you!

[@sverrearnes7769]

Somehow weird when somebody talk about a Pentax K1000 as it is some stuff from the Medieval Age. Well, I was just past the teenages when I saw it first time, and really dreamed to have one. Could never afford to buy one, thought. I started with a Praktica TL. Today I have a Pentax K5 (digital). A fantastic camera, but very underrated. Nobody talks about Pentax cameras no more. You may just wonder why.

[@warfield0008]

This was so helpful to me, thank you so much! I'm very excited to go out and try to shoot!

[@aydenmorgan9570]

Why does this life saver not have more subscribers?!

[@brineb58]

Nice video, clearly explains everything!!!

[@bee_144]

This was so helpful and understandable!! Thank you!

[@joshbennett9936]

Thank you so much for this excellent video.

[@omid2269]

Thanks for this, I have two of these cameras, one that belonged to my Grandpa and one that belonged to my uncle, both of whom have passed. I have never really known how to use them and I hate to see them just sitting on my display shelf.

[@cvers99]

just ordered one from the link you put in the description... so excited!! Ahhhh!

[@zackpensak5343]

Hey John, just watched the video and it was super helpful, as I am trying to relearn film photography with my K1000. One question: when I am looking through the viewfinder, I see a change in my light meter when I change the shutter speed, but not when I change the aperture on the lens. Should I be concerned about the lens if this is the case? I inherited this camera from my grandpa and frankly have no idea how old the body or lens may be.

[@PrimeStudios]

If it changes when you change shutter speed that suggests that the light meter is working. You can also change the ISO and see if that also changes the light meter. I would try several different lenses and see if moving their aperture ring moves the meter.

[@thechazz8080]

Would you recommend this camera to start out, I saw one when my friend showed it to me and I liked just how it looked. I wnat to get into photography, is this a good place to start?

[@PrimeStudios]

If you are interested in learning a lot about how to shoot in manual, and you are ok with not having any automatic modes then the Pentax K-1000 is a great place to start. You can find one here: amzn.to/2WEVRYI If you'd like a film SLR that has some more automatic features you could try a Canon Rebel like this: amzn.to/2Iv0Dho

[@danielalvarez-ql6ii]

This video cured my terminal prostate cancer

[@PrimeStudios]

That seems statistically unlikely. Once your case study is published in a respected peer review scientific journal I may lend more credence to your claims. Although I do admit I admire your positive attitude...

[@briandelion49]

Excellent description of how to use this camera! Question: I am very near-sighted and wear glasses. Does this camera viewfinder have a diopter adjustment? If not, is there a solution since from what I gather it is manual focus only.

[@PrimeStudios]

I believe Pentax has made some diopters that are compatible with the k-1000. Your best bet is to search on ebay for one that will fit over the eye piece.

[@briandelion49]

Thank you for the prompt response!

[@gmagain]

I just got my first roll developed on my k1000. I am very confused about what I did wrong. Out of 24 pictures, only about 13 came out. Out of those 13, only like 3 were semi-OK. The rest were super dark and grainy. I went with the usual rules, when shooting inside. I set it to 60 speed and 5.6. Those didn't come out at all. Things to note. This roll might have been an expired roll. I don't know if it was expired or not since it was included in a bundle when I bought the camera. So I had the ISO set to 200 (what was on the roll). Pictures shot outside, were at 22 and 16 and speed of 125. Any help, advice , or recommendations welcomed.

[@PrimeStudios]

Firstly, know that we have all lost our share of photos for any number of reasons. I suppose you could say it's just a part of the learning curve. A few tips to help you get better exposures: (1) Use the light meter in the camera when taking photos instead of the Sunny 16 rule, (2) make sure you have a fresh battery in the camera to run the light meter, (3) use fresh unexpired film that has not been exposed to any kind of high temperatures, (4) use a reputable developing lab or develop the film yourself to ensure no mistakes are made, (5) run a test roll through the camera of bracketed exposures. What are bracketed exposures (bracketing)? This is when you take a photo using settings that put the light meter in the middle (correct exposure), and then take the same shot with the light meter below the middle (under-exposed/dark), and a third shot with the light meter above the middle (over-exposed/bright). Record all of the settings you use for each shot for later reference. Get this roll developed and examine the photos and the settings you used to make sure your camera is working properly. This is a basic exercise done by all first time film students and can also help you to get a better feel for your camera. If none of this works I would suggest you take the camera to a repair shop (assuming you can find one) where they can test the light meter and the shutter to make sure they are working correctly. I hope this helps!

[@iamlethibe]

Thank you! How do I know how much film/exposures I have left?

[@SarahlillieM]

So if I set the shutter speed to what I want, but the needle isn’t in the middle I can just adjust the aperture until the needle is in the middle and then it will be correctly exposed? Thank you so much for the video this is a HUGE help 😊

[@PrimeStudios]

Yep!

[@felipesetagawa8656]

Very nice review, I have a K2 and is almost same commands.

[@utsaaaaa]

This video was super helpful!! Thanks. I bought the pentax k1000 off a guy on Ebay. The camera's outer body came in a really bad condition. The black colour was completely faded, and it looks very washed up. Any tips on how I can make it look all nice and shiny again? Like is there some specific paint that can be used? Lemme know please, thanks!

[@PrimeStudios]

+Utsa Bajaj I don't know a lot about restoring cameras but here is a good place to start: www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/165844-k1000-restoration-info.html

[@siobhanmcb]

I found you video very information I recently got a lend of a pentax zx-m which I think is the sister of the k1000 they seem to be very similar. Have you ever used a zx-m and if so what did you think of it?

[@PrimeStudios]

I have not used a zx-m but pretty much all cameras use the same settings, just in a slightly different configuration. I usually recommend using any camera that you become comfortable with as you are more likely to take it with you and take pictures with it.

[@franciscoeduardomaldonadog4224]

Me alegra haber encontrado tu video, me ayuda mucho a saber como usar mi Pentax. La cámara fue un regalo de mi abuelo quien lo compró de joven y nunca la uso así que esta nueva. Ahora ya se como usarla sin malograrla 😅. Gracias por el video 😁!!

[@PrimeStudios]

¡Estoy feliz de haber podido ayudarte!

[@GingerRivadeneira-vz1sy]

Hi there! I would like to watch your video on : How Your D/SLR Camera Works" but it says its a private video. Is this video public or it is mistake?

[@Nadasistschoen]

What a great video! Thank you so much. I am so excited to use my new (old) Pentax K1000!

[@buddah610]

I should mention the inside was beautiful and very clean!

[@belemzoria2226]

Thank you! I now understand how to work this camera 😊

[@celianeser5337]

Thank you for this tutorial! I just inherited my late Great Grandfather's Pentax and I had no idea where to start! I'm excited to start shooting with film for the first time, and see if it can convert me from my Canon digital ways 😁

[@biancajimenez2023]

I bought one of these cameras a few weeks ago but the battery screw is stripped and I can’t open it at all! Idk what to do I’m going to use a light meter app on my phone which I hope my photos come out good!

[@elizabethjane]

Do you recommend black and white or colour film if you’re new to film photography?

[@PrimeStudios]

Traditionally student start with black and white film. This is because they typically develop it themselves and make prints in the darkroom. If you are interested in doing those things then I'd start with black and white. If you just want to try out some film photography I would go with color as it is much easier than black and white to find a place that will delevelop color film for you. Plus you can always get digital scans of the film and change them to black and white on the computer.

[@farahluluk6355]

Really great introduction of film photography

[@Jerry10939]

I used the K1000 as a backup camera because it only used the battery for the light meter. I have had other cameras die on me because of the batteries. Some cameras require a battery to operate.

[@sichitsu]

Great video! Thanks for deepening my knowledge.

[@robertknight4672]

I have my dad's Pentax k1000. I still try to get into the habit of not advancing the film when when I put it away but I have the leather case which gives me a little more protection from wasting a frame accidentally.

[@m3xicangam3rbravo5]

Simply Extraordinary

[@buddah610]

Great video! I bought a used Pentax K1000 about a year ago after buying my first DSLR and falling in love with photography. Ilford 400 was also the 1st film I used! I decided on this camera after a lot of research and it seemed the most basic which is what i wanted. I hbought it off of Amazon and supposedly it was in beautiful condition with all working parts. Not true. It was filthy with what looked like sand caked all over it and the light meter did not work. The lens was in horrible shape and the center circle was just about gone ....so.....focusing was get it as clear as you can and guess the exposure. I must have been a natural or this camera works THAT good because most of my photos were in focud and properly exposed. A few were unuseable but it really did work great! I bought a new lens and i use my DSLR to see the exposure and go from there. I will het it repaired but thete is something I lovr about the challenge of guessing my exposure. It works! Thanks for the vids! What a beautiful camera you have.

[@amyrussell2271]

+millie williams - I'm a high school photography teacher and I love these cameras. FYI - there are 2 people I've found who are great for repairing K1000 - Erik Hendrickson in Kentucky and Walters Cameras in Los Angeles. Many people say that the light meters on K1000s cannot be repaired but it turns out they can and Erik H. fixed several of mine. Walter's was great too but I haven't had him work on meters so I can't vouch for him with that... good luck with your camera!

[@PrimeStudios]

+amy russell #k10004life

[@buddah610]

*****​ Thanks for the info! I have actually gotten so used to the light meter not working, I usually am fine with just guessing the exposure. It really is a fantastic camera! It's great that you are teaching students film photography! That makes me have hope for the future! Lol!!!

[@leilanideleon336]

thank you so much for making this video!!! ❤️

[@amycooper5051]

This is so helpful! Thank you so much!!!

[@hotdogstudio5929]

I was cleaning my grandparents garage and found it. We all tried to use it but we did not get it. Thanks

[@JimmyHandtrixx]

Do you know what numbers are the unmarked aperture settings? On the original SMC 50mm f/2 When would you use these?

[@leanne5851]

i am wanting to buy my first film camera. would you recommend this one or the canon ae1?

[@PrimeStudios]

The AE-1 is semi automatic, so some people find it easier to use. If you're more interested in mastering photography rather than casual fun, go with the fully manual k-1000.

[@leanne5851]

thank you! Would you recommend the ae1 program over the ae1 (for beginners)

[@PrimeStudios]

@@leanne5851 Because film cameras are getting pretty old, I'd get the nicest film camera you can afford. Plus the Auto features will let you focus more on composition.

[@leanne5851]

@@PrimeStudios thanks for the advice! :)

[@Sandra-in9cz]

Hello, I am having trouble with my light meter. It seems to not be very responsive when I move either the shutter speed or aperture. However, it does sort of automatically adjust depending on the lighting. But I am not sure how to make it move to the middle all the time.

[@PrimeStudios]

I would try using a fresh battery. The K-1000 uses a PX76 battery, and remember that the way that light meter is turned on or off is by taking the lens cap on or off. If the light meter is exposed to light, it's on, if the cap is on and their is now light, it's off. You can run down you battery on this camera simply by leaving the lens cap off for a day or two.

[@somnaunger7207]

My mom dropped mine so the rewind knob went missing and the shot counter is stuck in place. I’ve been trying to find parts ever since, are there any websites you recommend for parts?

[@PrimeStudios]

You can usually find non-functional K-1000s on ebay or KEH.com. Make sure to look for "Parts Only". There are also videos and guides online for repairing the K-1000. Good Luck!

[@alexleahy9650]

Hi, How do you know if your light meter is working? The needle doesn't seem to move in the view finder when adjusting the shutter speed and aperture? Can you please help, thanks!

[@PrimeStudios]

It usually means that the battery needs to be replaced. With no battery the light meter will just sit in the middle and not move. If it still doesn't work then you will probably have to take it to a repair shop.

[@roseparak32]

How do you know what's the best mix between shutter speed and appature, I normally just mix the to randomly until the needles in the middle but should you have certain numbers??

[@PrimeStudios]

You should emphasize one setting over another based on the secondary effects it creates. For example, if you want to make sure any movement is frozen, crisp, and clear, you will need to use a fast shutter speed. A fast shutter speed will limit the amount of light coming in, therefore you have to compensate by opening up the aperture more or raising the ISO, or both. Another example is taking a landscape photo. For a landscape you probably want everything to the horizon in focus. This means you must use a smaller aperture for a wide depth of field. A small aperture lets in less light, therefore you must compensate with a longer shutter speed or higher ISO. Consider how you want to the photo to look first, then that will tell you which setting to start with and emphasize.

[@etusuku8848]

Hi, my dad taught me how to use his Pentax Spotmatic 45 years ago when I was a kid 🙂

[@BBTChannel6]

Thanks for nice video.

[@laideae]

My K1000 is not yet here, but I already know how to use it. Thanks!

[@zasachnas]

quick question, isn't the sp1000 basically the same (except it doesn't have the flash mount)?

[@PrimeStudios]

I believe the SP1000 has the older M42 screw mount for the lenses, instead of the bayonet K-mount, which Pentax still uses today. Other than that it's pretty much the same.

[@zasachnas]

@@PrimeStudios it does indeed, this explains all the diffrences to me. I use a sp1000 right now, but want to get a k-mount soon to get a wider range of lenses available. Also a difference is that you have to manually activate the lightmeter on the sp1000 instead of being light activated

[@Darukalme]

Just a question, we don't need a lr44 (battery) to shoot films ?

[@PrimeStudios]

The K-1000 does not need a battery to actually shoot photos. The battery is only used to power the light meter. So, no battery means you won't have a light meter to guide you on what settings to use.

[@sophiemcd6201]

I can't find one of theses that is adorable and in the uk😒 could you recommend anything else similar for a beginner?

[@PrimeStudios]

+Sophie Mcd I also have a video on how to use the Canon AE-1 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXzGamVuhb6em9E&lc=z12ehtgqrm3btpdf4225xrkhgsnsgxacg) You could also look for ones like the Nikon FM2 or other brands like Contax.

[@PontiacBandit]

Very informative and great advice!

[@idek9970]

Thanks so much for this video you saved my life!!🙏🏻

[@BakedByBlara]

this saved my life

[@bradb.4570]

This is such a well made video. Thank you

[@timstrickland2080]

I love this camera, it was my Dad's,.. i used to sneak into his room and just look at it when i was a kid,.. he never let me touch it or shoot with it, so i ended up collecting 250 cameras! I have had them all and I agree, this is the ultimate bomb proof beast to learn to shoot with! However.... "Has everything you need, and nothing you dont" I disagree... an in-viewfinder depth of field preview would make it the most ultimate camera of all time... Yeah, you can do the lens half off trick to get an in-viewfinder DOF preview,..but very dodgy. Look forward to your thoughts. Great review!

[@PrimeStudios]

+Tim Strickland I've personally found the DOF preview to not be very useful. It usually make the viewfinder much darker and I always have a hard time actually seeing the DOF when using it. I also think that forcing yourself to pre-visualize the DOF in your head is of more worth when learning photography as it helps you get to know your equipment better and helps you compose photos in your head long before you take them.

[@duniahakim1279]

What flash would you recommend for this camera?

[@dirtywater5336]

I feel like the Canon AE-1 is a more user friendly camera to learn on with its film memo on the film door to help you remember what film you're shooting, speed, and how many exposures are on that roll. Along with lack of a shutter button lock and the lens cap acting as the on/off switch, it seems like this camera has some quirks that could make learning photography a little harder

[@PrimeStudios]

I like the simplicity of the light meter in the K-1000, but that's just my preference. i even have another video all about how to use the Canon AE-1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXzGamVuhb6em9E

[@nomedigascrack]

THE BEST VIDEO THAT I FIND

[@tacossouls392]

Does using a battery make a drastic difference or not, I recently got a Pentax K100 & I'm learning photography on my own. Any tips & advise is useful. (sorry if my English is bad, not my first language)

[@PrimeStudios]

On the K-1000 the battery only runs the light meter. You can still shoot without it but you'll either have to guess what the exposure is or use a separate light meter.

[@CoheedAtThe930]

Helpful and interesting thanks

[@hayleyhawkins]

thank you for this!!!

[@BootScootinBoo]

Thank you for the video…