I ended up buying a K-1000 on ebay for my photography class (8 weeks, now ended).
But initially I took a quick look at new cameras at the local camera store. Which is the only camera store really (rest are photo labs) in the area. It's been there 20-30 years, and while I feel it's overly pricey, the store has a good reputation. The first camera he pulled out was a Pentax. I said, "Whoa, Pentax, but that must cost a lot." Well, excuse me, when I was growing up either I heard or was under the impression that Pentax was the best. (Probably back during the time the K-1000 was selling a lot, but maybe not.) So he put it back and pulled out a Nikon. Both were more than I wanted to pay at that time. This is in Northern California. Anyway, the Pentax was pulled out first (I told him I was taking my first photography class.) So some of the more expensive camera stores still seem to be pushing them. Or at least this one. For what it's worth. Doe aka Marnie
