David Mann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >I've owned four K2 bodies (up to three at once) but I'm down to one >now. I've never seen the DMD model in these parts but the market is >quite small here. Black K2s are less common (I've only seen one) and >the black K2-DMD is reasonably rare and is considered collectible.
The K2 DMD was available *only* in black, IIRC. >This model is infamous for its film speed setting. The dial is in a >weird location - around the lens mount - and it's been known to be >difficult to turn. I've not had this problem with any of mine. >Apparently it can freeze up if it's not moved for a long time. I >think it'd be quite a simple repair though: just a disassembly of the >lens mount to lubricate it. I've heard of people able to free it up with a drop or two of lubricant without disassembly (though I've always taken it apart to lube when I've done it). >Flash sync is 1/125 which is very unusual for a camera of that age. >This is because the shutter runs vertically (the K2 must have been >cutting-edge technology in those days). The shutter is quite heavy >and a bit noisier than the LX. Without a battery you get 1/1000th, X >(= 1/125) and B. If the shutter is set at 1/125 or slower it will >fire at 1/125 without a battery. Set it to 1/250 or faster and it >fires at 1/1000 (I just judged this by ear with the mirror locked up). I think this was an early version of the Seiko shutter later used in the ME. The ME was smaller and the shutter was quieter and had slower flash sync (1/100 on the ME vs 1/125 for the K2), so I suspect the shutter differences may be substantial. >You're sure to notice the weight. It's the heaviest K-mount SLR that >Pentax has ever produced. Not sure if there are any heavier M42 >cameras. The K2 makes a good stepping-stone towards 6x7 ownership >(nudge, nudge). The mass and mirror lock-up (very useful with the K2's oversize mirror) make this my favorite macro camera. -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
