The Pentax K1000 35mm SLR is one of the most renowned, widely-used, and long-lasting cameras in the history of photography. This camera is completely mechanical, requiring no batteries to operate, with the exception of a single A76 or S76 battery used solely for the light metering system.

The K1000 features a manual-focus, manual-exposure design, controlled entirely by mechanical components such as springs, gears, and levers. This allows for complete functionality without the need for any electronic components. The light metering system consists of a center-the-needle exposure control, using a galvanometer needle pointer to indicate the readings of the built-in, full-scene averaging, cadmium sulfide (CdS) battery light meter, compared to the actual camera settings. The meter does not have a true on/off switch, and the lens cap must be attached to prevent draining the battery when the camera is not in use.

The K1000 uses a horizontal travel, rubberized silk cloth focal plane shutter, with a speed range of 1/1000 second to 1 second, as well as a Bulb mode and a flash X-sync of 1/60 second. Physically, the camera measures 91.4 millimetres tall, 143 mm wide, and 48 mm deep, weighing 620 grams. The body is finished in black leather with chrome trim, although early production Pentax K1000 SE models had brown leather with chrome trim.

In 1983, a Pentax K1000 with an SMC Pentax-M 50 mm f/2 lens had a listed price of $220. The simplicity and mechanical nature of the K1000 make it an excellent choice for photography students and enthusiasts, as it encourages users to focus on the fundamentals of image composition and exposure, rather than relying on automated features. This "think about your picture" approach, along with the camera's durability and reliability, have made the Pentax K1000 a beloved and widely recommended tool among photography educators and professionals.

One of the key features that sets the K1000 apart is its complete mechanical operation, which allows the camera to be used without any batteries. The only battery required is for the light metering system, which provides valuable exposure information to the user, but does not affect the core functionality of the camera. This makes the K1000 an ideal choice for photographers who want a reliable, no-frills, and timeless camera that can be used in a wide range of environments and conditions.

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