Posted by rick oleson (172.170.206.72) on January 25, 2004 at 17:47:17:
In Reply to: Asahi Pentax II and Olympus-Pen F Cameras posted by Cobi Stone on January 25, 2004 at 17:27:34:
I can't speak for the Takumars, I think you may have left a number or two out of the descriptions;
The Pen F, though, with its f/1.4 40mm lens is worth around $150-200, and the 50-90 zoom lens could run another $150. If you have found them at a much lower price you ought to snap them up, if for no other purpose than to resell them to colectors on eBay. For photography, the camera is quite good, but not probably the most practical choice for starting out: first, it has no light meter in it, so you'll have to buy a hand-held meter and then live with a fairly slow operation (guessing exposures is not the first challenge you want to take on as a beginner). The second problem is that it's a "half-frame" format, which is becoming harder to find convenient film processing for. At the discount store where I go, they still handle my half-frame Pen F film, but it takes a little longer than regular 35mm; some stores don't even know what Half Frame is any more.
The Pentax (I assume this would be a Spotmatic II?) should be obtainable for under $100, maybe around $75. It has a light meter in it (check that it works), and is full-frame 35mm so easier to get your film processed. The Takumar lenses you mentioned would be to fit the Pentax.
Both of these cameras are over 30 years old now, so they may be in need of some service... this could drive the cost up past what you would have to pay for a somewhat later model, or for something with a guarantee from a camera store's used equipment case. If you have to pay very much, try to arrange for the right to return the camera if you discover problems over the first week or two of use.
Having said that, I have a number of cameras older than these which give perfect service, and I NEVER buy anything new.
rick :)=
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