thanks for this nice review ! i have it too, use it with Pentax SMC -M or -K lenses (which are very nicely built) and with the aperture priority. When you need the program mode, you must use the SMC-A lenses. The camera works very well, for my opinion better than the ME super. It's very comfortable and i compare it with Minolta X700 or Canon AE1program.
Thanks. All great cameras. The P30 is a little bit less sturdy, I have just bought one to repair and inside the circuits/switches seems more delicate than on the other options. If it's you first film camera just go on the one you find at a cheaper price. Buy some lenses and then if you are hooked go for an LX or MX :)
I just purchased one, and I have a question, when it comes to the LCD screen, and the lack of electronic lighting how often does that come up as a potential issue? Overcast days how well does it function? Average building lighting is there any issues? Have you found any work arounds? I'm assuming the camera functions you just won't be able to see what it's doing if the LCD screen is unreadable?
The problem is mostly at night. Didn't had problems in average lighted buildings or overcast days. Yes, the camera works perfectly, just became very difficult to see the LCD. Workaround is simple, a small torchlight... but is not a comfortable workaround. We also have to say that with film in very dark situation we are on a tripod so using a flashlight is not a big deal.
thanks for this nice review !
i have it too, use it with Pentax SMC -M or -K lenses (which are very nicely built) and with the aperture priority.
When you need the program mode, you must use the SMC-A lenses.
The camera works very well, for my opinion better than the ME super.
It's very comfortable and i compare it with Minolta X700 or Canon AE1program.
Thank you. Yes, it's a very nice camera!
Thanks for posting. I have Super A's. I have seen these on the market. Might have to look around. Geoff
Thank you. Those are nice cameras.
Thanks for this classic Pentax review!
thanks for the feedback. More classic cameras will come as soon as I'm ready with my new studio.
Thanks for this complete review. I search for a good old Pentax SLR and I look for ME Super, P30t, Super A...
Thanks. All great cameras. The P30 is a little bit less sturdy, I have just bought one to repair and inside the circuits/switches seems more delicate than on the other options.
If it's you first film camera just go on the one you find at a cheaper price. Buy some lenses and then if you are hooked go for an LX or MX :)
I just purchased one, and I have a question, when it comes to the LCD screen, and the lack of electronic lighting how often does that come up as a potential issue? Overcast days how well does it function? Average building lighting is there any issues? Have you found any work arounds? I'm assuming the camera functions you just won't be able to see what it's doing if the LCD screen is unreadable?
The problem is mostly at night. Didn't had problems in average lighted buildings or overcast days. Yes, the camera works perfectly, just became very difficult to see the LCD.
Workaround is simple, a small torchlight... but is not a comfortable workaround.
We also have to say that with film in very dark situation we are on a tripod so using a flashlight is not a big deal.