Pentax K2DMD

In 1975 Pentax abandoned the M42 lens mount and introduced their new K mount, which in various incarnations remains in use until today.  The first three models were the basic KM, the more advanced KX, and the top-level K2.  The K2 featured an aperture priority exposure mode.  The following year Pentax introduced the ultra-basic K1000 and the advanced K2DMD.  This was a upgraded K2 with the facility to fit a data back and a motordrive if necessary.  It also had a number of smaller additions such as a "judas" window so that one could see the aperture through the viewfinder and an red-flag in the viewfinder to indicate that the exposure compensation dial had been used.

The most unusual (for Pentax) aspect of this camera is the fact that the ASA dial (now ISO) is around the lens throat.  This can get sticky and non-functional.  It is also not obvious how to set it!  To do so, one firstly makes sure the exposure compensation is set to zero.  One then pushes the small button on the bottom right of the lens throat and then rotate the ASA dial from the bottom of the camera. The most common mistake is to try and move the ASA dial using the protruding lugs which are for the exposure compensation setting.

Despite this oddity, the camera is a rugged and well built model and a pleasure to use.  Here it is shown with the SMC Pentax "K" 35mm f/2 lens which was made between 1975 and 1977.