K1000 with sprocket issues - help!

[grapejohnson]

My friend just gave me a K1000 in great shape except for the fact that the advance sprocket seems to be broken. It twists as it should when you advance the lever for the most part, but if any pressure is put on it, it stays in place, which is why he stopped using it. If there was film in this camera, it wouldn't advance, properly at least. Does anyone know either if I can fix it myself, or is anyone an expert with K1000s who does repairs? I've always wanted this camera so it's worth it to me to get it up and working.

 

[grapejohnson]

If it makes any difference, by looking up the serial number [6753018] it seems to be from the second production run, from ~1977 to ~1982, it still says ASAHI PENTAX on the prism so it wouldn't be one of the later models that has plastic gears

 

[grapejohnson]

can anyone help?

 

[oftheherd]

Can't help, but without looking at ebay or Craig's list, I am guessing it would make more sense to just get another rather than pay for a repair. However, have you looked inside the baseplate to see if there are any clues as to why it isn't working?

 

[grapejohnson]

Can't help, but without looking at ebay or Craig's list, I am guessing it would make more sense to just get another rather than pay for a repair. However, have you looked inside the baseplate to see if there are any clues as to why it isn't working?

Since it's one of the most classic cameras of all time, and should be repairable, I'd rather just try and fix it or get it fixed. I haven't opened the baseplate as I have no idea what to look for.

 

[grapejohnson]

hey! great recommendation! The baseplate was the issue. it was bent just enough that it was pushing on the rewind button slightly, making the sprocket give while i advanced the film! i just bent it back into place! works great, gonna shoot a test roll with it!!

 

[oftheherd]

Wonderful! Be sure and show us some pictures.

 

[nikon_sam]

hey! great recommendation! The baseplate was the issue. it was bent just enough that it was pushing on the rewind button slightly, making the sprocket give while i advanced the film! i just bent it back into place! works great, gonna shoot a test roll with it!!

Best thing I've read all day...congrats...😎

 

[grapejohnson]

everything seems to be spot-on with this camera!

i used a bunch of the kitschy 70s fllters that came in the box with it

 

[oftheherd]

With a little practice, some of those crazy filters can be used rather artistically good results. But one usually tires of them rather quickly. I know I did. But I am really glad your camera is working well for you.

 

[grapejohnson]

Yeah, they're much more amusing on video. Nonetheless, it was a lot of fun taking them out on the street.

 

[BradM]

It's great that it works again. It's a good simple SLR as you well know.

 

[grapejohnson]

dog by scottkessler, on Flickr

got a 28mm 2.8 off-brand lens for it for only $23! it's surprisingly sharp! it's harder to tell in this picture, but believe me