Pentax PC35AF

Harlee

Harlee

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Sep 6, 2005
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Anyone out there shooting withone of these Pentax AFs? They look pretty nice and compact, but I'm wondering how they perform.
 
They do very good. Lens for compact is very fine. Build is mixed abg - solid sturdy body with metal film door (manual wind version, at least) and flimsy lens barrier latch, shutter release somewhere between distinct and uninformal. I'd love version of same camera with scale focus.
 
I just bought one a few days ago -- $4 at the thrift store!

I am actually quite impressed with the design and features of this camera. Manual ISO, +1.5 backlight compensation, self-timer, flash override, decent prime lens.

I am running a roll of Fuji C-41 400 through it right now. I'll post the results in a few days.

BTW I think there are a lot of 'ugly ducklings' / 'sleeping beauties' out there in the P&S category. Some of them can take really good photos, and you can find them for cheap cheap cheap! :)
 
BTW yes the build quality is not all that stellar. The spring-activated lens cover does not inspire confidence, and the housing around the top-mounted controls is wobbly on mine. Then again, it's almost 30 years old.
 
Biggest problem I've encountered with this camara (yeah, just right that :D) is....cheap and easy to find AAA cells. Not batteries itself but connectors. If your are lucky enough to get camera using alkaline batteries with clean contacts, the next issue is with contacts. My PC35AF sometimes acted up, refusing to meter (judging by lamp in VF). Pressing bottom slightly up restored contact. Then I pulled springs in battery compartment a bit down and now it works like it should. But alas, it's great camera for fun but I don't rely on it anymore to take on trip or use for other important shooting.

Btw my Konica MG (also using similar cells, AA's) also has similar issue with contact somewhere on other end of batteries. Something there's made rather wrong.
 
What I like best about this camera is the little graphic inside the viewfinder that tells you where the camera is focusing. This builds confidence that the autofocus isn't miles from where you want to shoot. I wish other little P&S's did this.
 
Spaceman -- yeah good point. I like that feature too. My 1980 vintage Canon AF35M does that as well. At least you know the autofocus is more or less on target.
 
I recommend killing the low light beep. I did the modification and everything works, just no beep. Turns a great camera into a superb one.

Paul
 
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