Hey Pentax gurus....

[photo_chick]

This is an image of my first 35mm SLR. It was my Dad's and he gave it to me when I took my first photography class. It is an Asahi Pentax. It uses screw mount lenses. I am trying to get an idea of how old it really is.The nearest I can figure is it is from around 1959. Any of you Pentax gurus know any good sources where I might be able to track down the date? My Dad is no longer around and all I know is that his brother gave it to him around 1960. Just trying to see if I can find a little history on this camera.

 

[ukcatfan]

Try this: http://www.cameraquest.com/pentorig.htm

Kevin

 

[photo_chick]

That is very similar to mine! I did not realize mine might be so close to the first Pentax, nor had I even thought about it possibly being a collectors item. I don't think I could part with it though . I still like using it sometimes. I love that there are no batteries and no electronic parts to worry with. It actually had an external light meter that fit onto the top, but that was lost before it got to me.

Thanks for the link!

 

[wkrider]

I like the lighting in the picture.

 

[photo_chick]

I like the lighting in the picture.

Thanks. Gotta love the afternoon sun on the kitchen table.

I have figured out what camera I have. It is a Pentax S with the original Takumar 55 f/1.8 lens. It was manufactured in 1958-1959.

oops.. WRONG...

More searching. I actually have the SV which was made in 1962.

 

[Groucho]

Cool! I've been trying to keep my eyes open for some older cameras for my collection. That one would definitely qualify.

Especially since you could pop that lens onto a current DSLR with the standard screw-mount adapter that's been around forever. We went to the zoo on Friday and I took a bunch of pictures with a screw-mount 400mm on my DSLR.

Actually, I see by the exif data that you're using a Canon... I believe there are Pentax screw-mount adapters that would allow you to use that lens on your Canon even. Look for an M42 (another name for the screw-mount) adapter and you'd be in business.

 

[photo_chick]

I had not even thought about an adapter for the lens. I had I searched for a good adapter for an FD to EOS adapter before, but I had never considered one for the M42 mount lens though. It is the only one like that I have.