The Pentax K1000 is a 35mm SLR camera marketed by Asahi Optical Co. in 1976 and manufactured through 1997. The K1000 is the most basic of the Pentax line of cameras; its low price made it accessible to many new and amateur photographers.
Lens Mounting
The K1000 can support different lens types. To mount a lens, remove the rear lens cap from the lens and the cap from the body of the camera. Line up the red dot on the lens with the red dot on the left side of the camera's base. Place the lens in the camera body and turn it clockwise until you hear a click. The lens is now locked in place and ready for shooting.
To remove the lens, press the "Lens Release" lever on the lower left part of the camera body and turn the lens counterclockwise until it is detached from the camera.
Loading Film
The K1000 uses 35mm film. To insert a film cartridge, turn the camera so the back faces you. Make sure any film in the camera has been rewound into the cartridge before you begin loading. Lift the "Rewind" knob on the top left of the camera. This will pop open the film compartment cover. Place the film cartridge in the left side of the film compartment and press the "Rewind" knob down. Pull the film leader across to the opposite side of the compartment and insert it in the take-up spool. Turn the "Rapid Wind" lever and press the shutter button a few times until the holes on the top and bottom of the film are engaged in the teeth of the spool. Close the film compartment cover.
Advance to the first shot by pressing the shutter button and turning the "Rapid Wind" lever. Continue until "1" is displayed in the exposure counter on top of the camera. You are now ready to take your first picture.
Shooting
Before you can take a picture with the K1000, you need to set the ASA and the shutter speed. The ASA is a measure of the film's sensitivity to light, while the shutter speed determines how long the film is exposed to light. Find the film's ASA number on the film package. Set that number on the camera by lifting the "Shutter Speed" dial and turning it until the number is displayed.
Set the shutter speed by rotating the "Shutter Speed" dial. The larger the number on the dial, the faster the shutter speed. When taking a picture in a well lit environment, use a fast shutter speed. In a low light environment, use a slower shutter speed.
To take a picture, point the camera at the subject and look through the viewfinder. Frame the subject and set the focus by adjusting the focus ring on the lens. When ready to take a picture, press the shutter button fully but without jerking the camera.
Tags: film compartment, shutter button, shutter speed, take picture, body turn