Where can I find a used Pentax SLR (other than eBay)?

April 13, 2004 10:23 AM

On Friday, our apartment was burglarized, and one of the things taken was my Pentax SLR camera I got in high school (about 8 years ago). I'm depressed about replacing it - all the "basic" models now are made of plastic or have too many features. This was the most basic student model, heavy, clunky, and completely manual. Does anyone know of a good used camera site that isn't eBay?
posted by agregoli to Media & Arts (11 answers total)

B&H and Adorama, both major retailers in New York City, have extensive listings for used equipment. The prices are probably not the best you can find, but you can be confident that they won't rip you off.
posted by kindall at 10:30 AM on April 13, 2004

Response by poster: thankyouthankyouthankyou! I think I found my camera again!
posted by agregoli at 10:55 AM on April 13, 2004

I have an old Olympus OM-2 (original 50 (55?)mm lens included) I'd be happy to give you for shipping costs. The shutter and lens are sound but there is a small light leak (duct tape actually does work, you'll just need to put a new strip on when you change film and scrap off the goo from time to time).
posted by cedar at 11:03 AM on April 13, 2004

Also try KEH's website. They always got good stuff and pretty reputable.
posted by inviolable at 11:21 AM on April 13, 2004

There are also classifieds at photo.net. You'll often find good deals there.
posted by jammer at 12:09 PM on April 13, 2004

On Friday, our apartment was burglarized...

Sorry for your hassles, agregoli. Totally off-topic, but might I suggest "burgled" instead of "burglarized"? It's just so much more fun to say, and perhaps the only bright side of your situation is that you have an excuse to use the word "burgle" many times over the next few weeks. Try it, it's fun!: burgleburgleburgle....
posted by Shane at 12:49 PM on April 13, 2004

the local camera shop a block from me has a great selection of used cameras.

look around where you live--camera shops, not pawn shops...(though you may find your camera there.)

i shoot a 1976 Konica AutoReflex TC, which my dad took around the world in the 70's. Been using it for almost 15 years myself....I can replace it--and get extras--for about $50 on ebay, but it just wouldn't be the same.

Good luck in your search.
posted by th3ph17 at 2:00 PM on April 13, 2004

Response by poster: Look at my website, and you'll see I already used the word burgled to great aplomb. (Aplomb?)

I took cedar up on his generous offer, and that will keep me busy in the meantime. I also have a lead at a camera shop in my hometown that might have the camera I lost.

Thanks for the help, everyone! Being burgled is no fun, get renters insurance!
posted by agregoli at 2:50 PM on April 13, 2004

Response by poster: Whoops. See where my head goes when things have been stolen from me? Sorry about that.
posted by agregoli at 2:53 PM on April 13, 2004

I'm a huge fan of the Pentax 1000, it's the only camera I'll ever use for art photography. I just saw one at my local camera store (in Northern VA) for $195. I picked mine up at a computer show (!) for about the same amount. I've even seen them at ham fests and gun shows. Keep your eyes open, and ask around...and good luck!
posted by JoanArkham at 5:01 AM on April 14, 2004

Response by poster: That's the one I lost, Joan, I just confirmed it, and found one at a local camera shop for $150. If the condition is good, I'll probably buy it, and with cedar's generosity, I'll have twice the camera fun!
posted by agregoli at 8:41 AM on April 14, 2004