Pentax / 1976 / SLR
Pentax K1000
The simple SLR that became a default classroom, first-camera, and learn-the-medium choice.
Image: Photograph shows a K1000 SE variant. · Slugbug · source · Public domain
Overview / 概要
Why Pentax K1000 matters.
The K1000’s importance is less about rarity than about how many photographers learned the relationship between aperture, shutter, and film through it.
Design & context
A no-nonsense black body with very little automation and a readable meter needle.
Buying today
There are many versions; inspect the exact origin, light seals, meter, and shutter instead of buying only on the name.
Key specifications / 仕様
The details.
- Released
- 1976
- Production
- 1976–1997
- Brand
- Pentax
- Brand country
- Japan
- Format
- Film
- Film / sensor
- 35mm
- Camera type
- SLR
- Lens / mount
- Pentax K mount
- Shutter range
- 1s–1/1000s
- Autofocus
- Manual focus
- Viewfinder
- Fixed pentaprism
- Weight
- 620g
- Battery
- One LR44 / SR44 cell for meter
Still to verify for this record: Manufacturing country · Made in Japan flag · ISO range · Flash · Dimensions · Weather sealing · Original MSRP.
Notable features
- Mechanical shutter
- Pentax K mount
- Simple meter display
Known issues
- Condition varies significantly on the used market.
Source record
Every field should be traceable; open a source to check the evidence boundary.
- 01 Open source ↗
Pentax K1000 reference record
Wikipedia · Reference index
Supports: model identity, release era, format, and commonly documented specifications. Accessed 2026-08-12.
- 02 Open source ↗
Pentax archive / product context
RICOH IMAGING / PENTAX · Brand archive / context
Supports: brand history, product context, and source ownership trail. Accessed 2026-08-12.