Freyja Burch
Pentax cameras have been around since 1952, when Asahi Optical introduced its first 35mm camera. Since then, Pentax has released a wide range of cameras, from the first Japanese SLR (Asahiflex) to modern options like the Pentax K-1 Mark II, which packs a lot of features into a classic DSLR form factor.
With such a long history, it can be tricky to identify which Pentax camera you have. This is especially true given the variety of camera types, from DSLRs to medium format and compact film cameras.
To identify your Pentax camera, you'll need to examine its physical characteristics, such as its form factor, lens mount, and other distinctive features. Additionally, checking the camera's model number or name can help pinpoint the exact variant.
Online resources, such as camera review websites and forums, can be invaluable in this process. These sources often provide detailed specifications, user reviews, and visual references to help identify specific Pentax camera models.
By cross-referencing your camera's characteristics with information from these online resources, you should be able to successfully identify your Pentax camera model.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | Interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera |
| Manufacturer | Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. |
| Years of Production | 1976 to 1997 |
| Description | Minimal features, simple to use, good for beginners |
| Film Options | Kodak Gold 200 |
| Film Speed | 200 (ISO) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/25 to 1/500 |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level viewfinder, direct optical viewfinder for eye-level use |
| Film Rewind Lever | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Shutter Speed Dial | Yes |
What You'll Learn
Pentax DSLRs and their specifications
Pentax DSLRs are known for their good weatherproofing, rugged bodies, and big batteries. Here is a list of some of the best Pentax DSLRs and their specifications:
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Price: $2,200 / £2,249 body-only
Key Features: 12fps continuous shooting, 0.7x pentaprism viewfinder, 3.2in 1.62m-dot touchscreen, 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, and a monochrome-only sensor.
Pentax K-S2
Price: $499 / £535 body-only
Key Features: ISO range of 100-51,200, impressive built-in image stabilisation, 3in 921k-dot touchscreen, and a weather-resistant finish.
Pentax KP
Price: N/A
Key Features: In-body stabilisation, interchangeable grips, impressive dynamic range, 24.3-million-pixel APS-C sensor, 7fps continuous shooting, and a 3.5mm headphone socket.
Pentax K-1 II
Price: £4,500 / $4,996 new, £2,000 / $3,100 second-hand
Key Features: 36MP full-frame sensor, 3.2in 1.04m-dot vari-angle-touchscreen, sensor-shift stabilisation, GPS, and a pentaprism OVF with 0.7x mag and 100% FOV.
Pentax K-3 III
Price: N/A
Key Features: 12fps with 101-point AF system, 4K video, 3.2in 1.62m-dot rear touch screen, dual card slots, and a bright and large OVF.
Pentax K-70
Price: $300 second-hand with lens
Key Features: 24MP, maximum ISO 102,400, sensor-shift stabilisation, 6fps, 3in 921k-dot vari-angle screen, and a pentaprism OVF with 100% FOV.
Pentax 645Z
Price: £4,500 / $4,996 new, £2,000 / $3,100 second-hand
Key Features: 51.4MP medium format sensor, 3.2in 1.04m-dot tilt-LCD, HD video up to 60fps, and a gorgeous viewfinder.
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Pentax medium format cameras
Pentax has a range of medium-format cameras, both digital and analogue. The Pentax 645Z is a medium-format DSLR with a 51.4-megapixel image sensor, which is approximately 1.7 times larger than a full-frame 35mm format. It has a quick response time, a tiltable LCD monitor, and a state-of-the-art AF system with a live-view function. It also offers full HD movie recording and smartphone accessibility via Wi-Fi transmission.
The Pentax 645NII is another medium-format film camera offered by the brand, which is available for purchase on eBay. The Pentax 67II AE Finder 6x7 is also a medium-format film camera that can be found on eBay.
In addition to these models, Pentax offers a range of other medium-format film cameras on eBay, including the Pentax 67, 645, and 6x7. These cameras come with different lenses and accessories, such as film backs, grips, and carrying cases.
When purchasing a used Pentax medium-format camera, it is important to check the condition, specifications, and compatibility with other equipment.
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Pentax compact film cameras
- Pentax Espio 120Mi (1999): Features a zoom function, compact size, rubber front grip, and essential functions like focus lock, infinity focus, and flash disable.
- Pentax Espio 24EW (2002): Praised for its classy slim aluminium body, 24mm lens, and intelligent design. The lens automatically extends to 35mm, the most commonly used focal length for compact cameras, and can be zoomed out further to 24mm if desired.
- Pentax Espio 928 (1994): Offers a wide 28mm lens, curvaceous front grip, and features like focus lock, infinity focus, multiple exposure, bulb modes, and exposure compensation.
- Pentax Espio AF Zoom (1992): One of the first in the Espio range, it offers a sensible zoom range of 35-70mm, starting at a slightly wider 35mm, and is one of the smallest Espios released.
- Pentax Espio 120SW (2001): A classy and luxurious model with an aluminium body, various AF, flash, and timer modes, and a 28mm zoom lens.
- Pentax Espio 115M (1996): One of the smallest and most compact Espios, with all the essential features and a fast lens with an f/3.9 max aperture at 38mm.
- Pentax Espio 170SL (2001): A classy and luxurious model with a long zoom range and similar looks to the 24EW and 120SW.
- Pentax Espio 140M (1998): A simple and unassuming model with plenty of features and a pretty small body.
When choosing the right Pentax compact film camera, consider factors such as lens requirements, zoom range, size, and overall features. The Espio series offers a diverse range of options to suit different needs and preferences.
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Pentax camera reviews
Pentax K-1 Mark II
The Pentax K-1 Mark II is the best Pentax camera overall. It is a classic DSLR option that packs in a lot of features while handling in a familiar manner for photo enthusiasts. It has a 36MP full-frame sensor, a sturdy construction, and excellent image quality at an affordable price. However, it only offers Full HD video capability and a modest 4.4 fps maximum burst speed.
Pentax K-3 Mark III
The Pentax K-3 Mark III is Pentax's latest APS-C flagship DSLR. It features a new sensor with a resolution of 25.7MP, an incredible ISO rating of 1,600,000, and in-body image stabilization that promises 5.5 stops of shake compensation. It is also the first K-series camera to feature a touch-sensitive screen and offer 4K video shooting.
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a monochrome-only DSLR that produces brilliant image detail. It is essentially the same as the K-3 Mark III but with the color filter array removed. This allows the camera to capture photographs with sharper detail, lower noise, better low-light performance, and smoother tonal transitions. It is an excellent choice for monochrome enthusiasts.
Pentax K-70
The Pentax K-70 is a great all-round Pentax camera for enthusiast photographers. It offers weather-resistant construction, on-board shake reduction, and an in-body image stabilization system. It also has a nearly 100% field of view optical viewfinder. However, its battery life is a bit disappointing for a DSLR.
Pentax KF
The Pentax KF is a very compact DSLR with a deep, secure grip. It features weather-resistant and dustproof construction, making it a solid choice for outdoor photographers. It has a bright optical viewfinder, a 24.24MP sensor, and fast 14-bit data readout. It also includes a vari-angle display and a touchscreen with 1.037M dots. It is an affordable model that slots into the mid-range position of the Pentax line.
Pentax 645Z
The Pentax 645Z is a high-resolution medium format option that handles a bit like a bigger version of Pentax’s K-3 DSLR. It is solid and weather-proof in build, flexible, and one of the more affordable medium format cameras available. It has a tilting 3.3-inch screen and two SD card slots for dealing with large amounts of data.
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Pentax camera history
The history of Pentax cameras began in 1919 when Kumao Kajiwara founded the Asahi Optical Company, which initially manufactured lenses for eyeglasses and binoculars. In 1952, Asahi Optical Co. released the first Japanese 35mm SLR camera, the Asahiflex I, which was also the first 35mm SLR to feature an instant-return mirror. This was followed by the Asahiflex IIB in 1954, which was the first 35mm SLR to feature a quick-return mirror.
In 1957, Asahi Optical Co. adopted the M42x1 lens mount for the Asahi Pentax (AP) camera, which was the first to feature an auto-diaphragm in the Auto-Takumar lenses for the K-camera. This was followed by the successful S/H line and the Spotmatic, which was one of the best-selling cameras of its time.
In 1975, Pentax tried to take the lead by introducing a new lens bayonet, the K-mount, which overcame the limitations of the screw mount. The K-mount has a larger diameter, allowing for faster lenses, and it simplifies operation by providing better alignment. The K-mount is still in use today, and compatibility is maintained even with older lenses.
In 1981, Pentax released the world's first autofocus medium format SLR camera, the Pentax 645N. In 1997, Pentax entered the market for digital cameras with the EI-C90 digital still camera.
In 2003, Pentax released its first DSLR with a film twin, the *ist D, which uses a Sony 6-megapixel CCD. In 2016, Pentax released its first 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera, the K-1. The latest addition to the Pentax camera lineup is the Pentax K-3 III, released in 2021.
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Frequently asked questions
Pentax DSLRs are characterised by their use of an optical viewfinder, whereas mirrorless cameras do not have this feature. DSLRs also tend to be larger and heavier, while mirrorless cameras are more compact.
Pentax cameras have a range of features, including in-built shake reduction, weather-sealing, and high ISO performance. Some models also offer unique features, such as a monochrome-only sensor or a specialised version for black and white photography.
Pentax cameras use the K-mount lens system. They are also compatible with M42 screw-mount lenses with an adapter, although this will result in the loss of automation and require manual adjustments.
Kodak Gold 200 is a good option for beginners as it is commonly available and suitable for most daylight situations. It has an ISO of 200, which is considered a lower speed film that offers finer grain and better quality.
To set the film speed, lift the outer ring on the shutter speed dial and rotate it until the number matches the speed of your film.
First, lift the film rewind lever all the way and insert the film cartridge. Then, push down the film rewind lever and tuck the film leader into the slit in the take-up spool. Advance the film a couple of frames to ensure it is engaging properly.
