:D Thank you! Where we live now is a big upgrade from where I lived when I made this, a 600-square foot bachelor pad that hadn't been updated in 35 years.
Hey thanks for the video. Just like to point out though, the 'reflex action' is not the fact that the mirror bounces and comes back down quickly and automatically like reflex action of animals. Reflex simply refers to the fact that a mirror is present to bounce the light up. Nothing to do with quick movement. Because of that fact, Twin Lens cameras like kinaflex, rolleiflex, yashica LM etc are also reflex cameras. TLR or Twin lens reflex. However, their mirrors don't move at all. They're fixed.
Thank you and you're welcome. Watch for a few more soon. Today I'm working on videos for the Pentax MV and Argus C3 Matchmatic and in the coming weeks will finish videos for pushing and pulling film, developing color motion picture film in black and white chemistry, bracketing exposures, the Olympus OM2-N, Sea and Sea (I forget the model), and Nikon F3.
David Hancock That's good to know you're still working on new videos :) Can't wait to see the introduction to the Pentax MV. I'm quite new to the Pentax SLR cameras but already in love with them. At the moment I'm looking for K2 DMD (because it has the exposure lock mechanism which is super helpful for long exposed star trails photos) but they are hard to find and expensive comparing to the "standard" K2.
Thanks for another great video. I agree that aperture priority is great on film era cameras. It lets artists be artists. Anyway, thanks for the info on the camera. I just received 2 of the K2 models that I purchased online. 1 is for casual shooting and the other is brand new, original, unused, and in original packaging(I am a collector and a user). I searched the K2 here on UA-cam and saw that you had a video, so I had to watch. Thanks again!
They are few and far between. I also have a Spotmatic F, ME Super, ME F with the autofocus lens, and K1000 all new unopened/used in original boxes. On the rarity they pop up, I jump on them without hesitation, or the opportunity to own a piece of history is gone.
@@brettkowalewski9535 I can't blame you. I've seen three NIB really old cameras in my life, a K1000, a Nikon FA, and a Polaroid SX-70 Model B. I've lucked out more with unused NoS lenses with a Schneider Tele-Arton 360mm f/5.5 and a Nikkor 18CM f/2.5 for Bronica. The Nikkor is no longer unused, though. :D The Tele-Arton will no longer be unused shortly after the lens boards arrives in a week or so, too.
Great video, very helpful. If you look very closely above the lens mount ring, you can see a little tab that point up to the pentaprism. This is the exposure control link to the viewfinder. Sort of like the older Nikon camera that had that coupling link between the viewfinder and the lens.
@@DavidHancock Yes, the aperture controls are in the lens and the camera mount. I was referring to the exposure factor control ring. As you turn it one way or the other it runs a slide control in the viewfinder/pentaprism. This alters the meter reading.
@@DavidHancock From what I understood, that metal tab moves an orange piece across the aperture readout lens if you use the aperture compensation dial, to remind you it's activated. You can see it move through the viewfinder. I could be totally wrong. I'm still learning my way around my K2 DMD.
Very nice camera, indeed. It looks fantastic in black, especially when worn out like that with all the brass shining through. Mine is silver and in excellent shape, almost like new. But as it is from 1975 it is getting a complete overhaul as we speak/write. It definitely needed some love because of the usual weak points. After that it'll be back in the flock of K1000, KM, KX, MX LX and 2 MEs... 😊
i have this old camera Pentax K2, u know whats the range price nowadays if we sell in store, or better sell for collector? (thanks if u reply this message) 🙏🏻
The best price guidance that I can give is that the camera is worth whatever you can sell it for. If you want to know the value, compare your cameras to ones of similar condition on eBay. Check the lowest buy it now price and cut 50-60% off that too have a reasonable estimate of auction value.
Hi there…. Just purchased the K2… I’m nervous because I absolutely cannot get the asa ring to turn. It’s getting stuck and I want to make sure I’m doing everything correctly. Wasn’t that an issue with the dial being problematic in the model? I chose this over the K1000 because I wanted to have more options, especially doing self portraits with the timer. Now I think I may have to send it back. Thoughts?
The ASA rings on these are always tough to move, just a function of the design. Even after being overhauled, both of mine had tough ASA rings. So try running cotton swabs with 91% rubbing alcohol around the ring a few times and then trying to move it. That might help. But as long as you push in the release lock you should be okay to move it, even if it's tough, unless there's some underlying and uncommon issue with the ASA ring.
I just got a K2 DMD which has the same twin ring setting system. I'm pretty sure you worked out how to set it by now, but for those with a similar problem... Press the button at the bottom right of the ring and hold it in. But DON'T try to move the ring with those metal wings. Those are for moving the exposure compensation ring. INSTEAD, turn the ISO/ASA ring with a peg or plastic blade at the base of the lens (6 o' clock). You will find it probably turns MUCH easier than you first thought. Happy pic taking!
"it doesn't give you quite as much information about how the pictures going to turn out" could you please explain what you mean by this? Why is that the case? Thank you, very in depth video. I subscribed :)
Certainly. The camera doesn't display exposure information in the viewfinder, so it's impossible to know exactly what settings the camera used for a photo.
David Hancock wow thanks for such a fast reply! by exposure information what do you mean sorry? im very new to photography. i am using my brothers k1000 currently and i was looking at getting something for myself. i see in the viewfinder it has a light meter needle thing to make sure its exposed correctly, is that what you are refering to? thanks so much for your help
Correct. That's exactly it. With the K1000, there's a needle that tells you you've got a good exposure when it's flat So you can then see what shutter speed and aperture you're set at for a given setting. This camera provides basically no info. I have a video that discusses the best first film camera: ua-cam.com/video/26F6g-u2qbU/v-deo.html It provides a number of qualities that make a camera a good first camera and provides some to avoid.
So how does one know what is a good shutter speed and aperture to get a good exposure on a camera without a light meter, just experience? I'll have a look at this video, thank you David.
Experience and there are a few guidelines. The Sunny 16 rule is a good way to gauge exposure outside. In shade, use f/8, indoors use an even faster aperture. But there is one thing that I mis-spoke about in my comments. I thought this was the video for the Pentax MV-1, not the K2. So I thought you were asking about the MV-1. The K2 is a fantastic camera for learners, like the K1000. The K1000 is simpler than the K2, and so is a better learner camera.
I bought a K2 a few days ago, but I kind of lost regarding the battery. I tried to find the right battery or an alternative, but I feel a little bit lost. Could you help me?
I sure can. Video 2 shows how to install them. You'll need TWO 357-type batteries. Those include 357, AG13, LR44, A76, and S76. All of those will work. Any grocery store or pharmacy will sell them as they're also used in medical devices.
Do a Google search for Pentax repair. Pentaxs is the best option for repairing a Pentax camera or lens. They'll restore it o the factory specs and the price is the best I've found in the U.S.
+Brian Powers There's a lot that could be right or wrong with them. If the storage locker was not weather controlled, then heat and cold could have serious detrimental effects on a camera. Moisture could also damage the electronics. Are you planning to use them or flip them?
Mine is still like new after 43 years of on and off use Automatic, only works if the battery is charged, else it defaults to 125th. I took the best photo of my wife accidentally with a flat battery because of this. The sun was golden and cast just the right light.
I gasped when I saw the dust on the mirror! I am freaky about keeping my K2 as minty as it looks. One problem, though... THAT DANG STUCK ISO RING!!! Well, at least it is stuck on 400 iso. Cheers!
I can’t get mine last 400 either and the entire reason I bought this camera was so I could shoot at a higher ISO for my street photography stuff at night. Not sure what to do 🥲
I do say "at any rate" often. So, at any rate, It's a part of speech called metadiscourse. Native speakers of almost all languages use the many, many littler phrases that constitute metadiscourse as it serves to help listeners remain oriented to what's being said and also tune into changes in subject or content.
Comparing a Pentax K2 and Nikon F2 to a Canon AE-1 is about as amateurish mistake as you can make. Don’t claim that you “do your research” and make this kind of blunder. If you’re a Canon hater, just admit it, or one better, talk about what you know and leave the rest out!
Help me understand why those are poor comparisons. Don't come here and tell me how badly done my video is and not follow that by backing it up with actual information, thought, or insight. Have substance, and leave the rest out.
Just got this as my first film camera, this video is a godsend!
Thank you!
9 years is a long time, David. Still nice, and quite charming, though. The coffee is a suitable upgrade from the walnut and beer menu.
:D Thank you! Where we live now is a big upgrade from where I lived when I made this, a 600-square foot bachelor pad that hadn't been updated in 35 years.
I just picked a pristine K2 with a 50mm 1.2 at a very good price. Thank you for this video! I learnt a lot!
You're welcome. That's also a really great camera and lens combination. You'll get a years of good photos with it.
1.2? AWESOME! I just got one with a BUNCH of 1.4 lenses. Wanting an all-purpose 1.2 50mm in the near future.
Hey thanks for the video. Just like to point out though, the 'reflex action' is not the fact that the mirror bounces and comes back down quickly and automatically like reflex action of animals. Reflex simply refers to the fact that a mirror is present to bounce the light up. Nothing to do with quick movement. Because of that fact, Twin Lens cameras like kinaflex, rolleiflex, yashica LM etc are also reflex cameras. TLR or Twin lens reflex. However, their mirrors don't move at all. They're fixed.
zeebazu Yes, that is correct. When I made this video I was incorrect in stating the reason it is called a reflex.
Best videos about photography stuff ever! I've learned so much things about those cameras thanks to you. Great work mate :)
Thank you and you're welcome. Watch for a few more soon. Today I'm working on videos for the Pentax MV and Argus C3 Matchmatic and in the coming weeks will finish videos for pushing and pulling film, developing color motion picture film in black and white chemistry, bracketing exposures, the Olympus OM2-N, Sea and Sea (I forget the model), and Nikon F3.
David Hancock
That's good to know you're still working on new videos :) Can't wait to see the introduction to the Pentax MV. I'm quite new to the Pentax SLR cameras but already in love with them. At the moment I'm looking for K2 DMD (because it has the exposure lock mechanism which is super helpful for long exposed star trails photos) but they are hard to find and expensive comparing to the "standard" K2.
Thanks for another great video. I agree that aperture priority is great on film era cameras. It lets artists be artists. Anyway, thanks for the info on the camera. I just received 2 of the K2 models that I purchased online. 1 is for casual shooting and the other is brand new, original, unused, and in original packaging(I am a collector and a user). I searched the K2 here on UA-cam and saw that you had a video, so I had to watch. Thanks again!
Holy cow that's a fantastic find! I didn't think that any unused K2 bodies would still exist. Nice!
They are few and far between. I also have a Spotmatic F, ME Super, ME F with the autofocus lens, and K1000 all new unopened/used in original boxes. On the rarity they pop up, I jump on them without hesitation, or the opportunity to own a piece of history is gone.
@@brettkowalewski9535 I can't blame you. I've seen three NIB really old cameras in my life, a K1000, a Nikon FA, and a Polaroid SX-70 Model B. I've lucked out more with unused NoS lenses with a Schneider Tele-Arton 360mm f/5.5 and a Nikkor 18CM f/2.5 for Bronica. The Nikkor is no longer unused, though. :D The Tele-Arton will no longer be unused shortly after the lens boards arrives in a week or so, too.
Great video David. Thank You! As you already know that camera has a Copal Square Shutter. It's one of the best shutter designs ever created.
Thank you! Copal made great shutters and their high-end shutters have held up very well over time.
Great video, very helpful. If you look very closely above the lens mount ring, you can see a little tab that point up to the pentaprism. This is the exposure control link to the viewfinder. Sort of like the older Nikon camera that had that coupling link between the viewfinder and the lens.
Thank you! For the aperture linkage, you're talking about inside the lens mount, at about the 2:00 location?
@@DavidHancock Yes, the aperture controls are in the lens and the camera mount. I was referring to the exposure factor control ring. As you turn it one way or the other it runs a slide control in the viewfinder/pentaprism. This alters the meter reading.
@@DavidHancock From what I understood, that metal tab moves an orange piece across the aperture readout lens if you use the aperture compensation dial, to remind you it's activated. You can see it move through the viewfinder. I could be totally wrong. I'm still learning my way around my K2 DMD.
Very nice camera, indeed. It looks fantastic in black, especially when worn out like that with all the brass shining through. Mine is silver and in excellent shape, almost like new. But as it is from 1975 it is getting a complete overhaul as we speak/write. It definitely needed some love because of the usual weak points. After that it'll be back in the flock of K1000, KM, KX, MX LX and 2 MEs... 😊
A nice, brassed black camera is a striking thing to behold. :D
@@DavidHancock Indeed, yes. But my only black body SLR is the LX which btw does not show signs of wear at all...
They are definitely tanks. I'm lucky enough to have a black and a chrome one, and these are superbly tough cameras.
Say if the battery goes out or if the model I get the electronics don’t work. Would I still be able to use this camera with an external light meter?
Nope. This camera needs both a battery and working electronics for the shutter to fire.
i have this old camera Pentax K2, u know whats the range price nowadays if we sell in store, or better sell for collector? (thanks if u reply this message) 🙏🏻
The best price guidance that I can give is that the camera is worth whatever you can sell it for. If you want to know the value, compare your cameras to ones of similar condition on eBay. Check the lowest buy it now price and cut 50-60% off that too have a reasonable estimate of auction value.
@@DavidHancock Ahh I see.. ok, will check it. Thanks again.
Hi there…. Just purchased the K2… I’m nervous because I absolutely cannot get the asa ring to turn. It’s getting stuck and I want to make sure I’m doing everything correctly. Wasn’t that an issue with the dial being problematic in the model? I chose this over the K1000 because I wanted to have more options, especially doing self portraits with the timer. Now I think I may have to send it back. Thoughts?
The ASA rings on these are always tough to move, just a function of the design. Even after being overhauled, both of mine had tough ASA rings. So try running cotton swabs with 91% rubbing alcohol around the ring a few times and then trying to move it. That might help. But as long as you push in the release lock you should be okay to move it, even if it's tough, unless there's some underlying and uncommon issue with the ASA ring.
I just got a K2 DMD which has the same twin ring setting system. I'm pretty sure you worked out how to set it by now, but for those with a similar problem...
Press the button at the bottom right of the ring and hold it in. But DON'T try to move the ring with those metal wings. Those are for moving the exposure compensation ring. INSTEAD, turn the ISO/ASA ring with a peg or plastic blade at the base of the lens (6 o' clock). You will find it probably turns MUCH easier than you first thought. Happy pic taking!
"it doesn't give you quite as much information about how the pictures going to turn out" could you please explain what you mean by this? Why is that the case?
Thank you, very in depth video. I subscribed :)
Certainly. The camera doesn't display exposure information in the viewfinder, so it's impossible to know exactly what settings the camera used for a photo.
David Hancock wow thanks for such a fast reply! by exposure information what do you mean sorry? im very new to photography. i am using my brothers k1000 currently and i was looking at getting something for myself. i see in the viewfinder it has a light meter needle thing to make sure its exposed correctly, is that what you are refering to? thanks so much for your help
Correct. That's exactly it. With the K1000, there's a needle that tells you you've got a good exposure when it's flat So you can then see what shutter speed and aperture you're set at for a given setting. This camera provides basically no info. I have a video that discusses the best first film camera: ua-cam.com/video/26F6g-u2qbU/v-deo.html
It provides a number of qualities that make a camera a good first camera and provides some to avoid.
So how does one know what is a good shutter speed and aperture to get a good exposure on a camera without a light meter, just experience?
I'll have a look at this video, thank you David.
Experience and there are a few guidelines. The Sunny 16 rule is a good way to gauge exposure outside. In shade, use f/8, indoors use an even faster aperture.
But there is one thing that I mis-spoke about in my comments. I thought this was the video for the Pentax MV-1, not the K2. So I thought you were asking about the MV-1. The K2 is a fantastic camera for learners, like the K1000. The K1000 is simpler than the K2, and so is a better learner camera.
Got a chrome model, it's getting a bit wanky in it's old age, but was a great camera in it's day. Would love to get it serviced.
I bought a K2 a few days ago, but I kind of lost regarding the battery. I tried to find the right battery or an alternative, but I feel a little bit lost. Could you help me?
I sure can. Video 2 shows how to install them. You'll need TWO 357-type batteries. Those include 357, AG13, LR44, A76, and S76. All of those will work. Any grocery store or pharmacy will sell them as they're also used in medical devices.
@@DavidHancock Thank you!!
My goddamn granfather kicked the bucket and he left this camera for me. Now I gotta learn how to use it so this video was very helpful! Thanks
Thank you!
Do a Google search for Pentax repair. Pentaxs is the best option for repairing a Pentax camera or lens. They'll restore it o the factory specs and the price is the best I've found in the U.S.
Thanks for this video!
Thank you!
What lenses are available for thin camera
Any lens with a Pentax K bayonet mount.
I Just bought a storage locker and I found 2 of these cameras. They look in good shape but I don't know anything about cameras.
+Brian Powers There's a lot that could be right or wrong with them. If the storage locker was not weather controlled, then heat and cold could have serious detrimental effects on a camera. Moisture could also damage the electronics. Are you planning to use them or flip them?
Thanks, great video
You're welcome.
Mine is still like new after 43 years of on and off use Automatic, only works if the battery is charged, else it defaults to 125th. I took the best photo of my wife accidentally with a flat battery because of this. The sun was golden and cast just the right light.
You HAVE to get the little cable trigger :P
I gasped when I saw the dust on the mirror! I am freaky about keeping my K2 as minty as it looks. One problem, though... THAT DANG STUCK ISO RING!!! Well, at least it is stuck on 400 iso. Cheers!
That camera's a lot cleaner now. :D
man, mines stuck on 200 lol
I can’t get mine last 400 either and the entire reason I bought this camera was so I could shoot at a higher ISO for my street photography stuff at night. Not sure what to do 🥲
The fluent the speaker is the less apt he is in the actual hands on at times. "At any rate"
I do say "at any rate" often. So, at any rate, It's a part of speech called metadiscourse. Native speakers of almost all languages use the many, many littler phrases that constitute metadiscourse as it serves to help listeners remain oriented to what's being said and also tune into changes in subject or content.
Comparing a Pentax K2 and Nikon F2 to a Canon AE-1 is about as amateurish mistake as you can make. Don’t claim that you “do your research” and make this kind of blunder. If you’re a Canon hater, just admit it, or one better, talk about what you know and leave the rest out!
Help me understand why those are poor comparisons. Don't come here and tell me how badly done my video is and not follow that by backing it up with actual information, thought, or insight. Have substance, and leave the rest out.