Pentax K2

1975

Released in 1975 along with its siblings, the KX and KM, the K2 was briefly the flagship model of the Pentax line. Along with the new camera came a multitude of new lenses featuring the new K-bayonet mount, as these were the first models to abandon the old M42 screw mount.

This “flagship” position is brief due to the fact that only a year later Pentax released the MX and ME bodies. These M-bodies were much smaller and followed the contemporary trend of the era. However, the K2 should not be overlooked.

The K2 offered Aperture-priority exposure control as well as manual and had an impressive set of shutter speeds for the time – ranging from 8s – 1/1000. Flash x-sync was 1/125 due to the new metal, vertical-travel shutter.

Pentax K2 Viewfinder / Black body has split image

Even though the shutter was electonically controlled, the K2 would allow use of shutter speeds 1/125 – 1/1000 (and B) without any battery power – a feature that I still consider unique.

The camera is not without its quirks, however – the main one being the very odd and fiddly method of setting film speeds. ASA was controlled via a ring around the lens mount that was hard to grip. And if you weren’t familiar with this feature, you ran the risk of shifting the Exposure Compensation dial (also on the same ring) instead.

In use, though, that feature isn’t too difficult to master, and I think the camera is a real joy to use. You can read more about my experiences with it on this post.

Technicals Specifications:

Original List Price (1976): $265.00 (body only)
Price in 2022 Dollars: $1379.36*
Manufacturer: Asahi Kogaku (Pentax)
Model: K2
Year Introduced: 1975
Film Format: 35mm SLR
Lens: K-Mount
Shutter: metal, vertical travel
Self-timer: yes
Shutter Speeds: 8- 1/1000 (1/125-1/1000 without battery)
Shutter Release: on top
Built-in Meter: TTL
Film Speed/ASA Range: 8-6400
Flash Sync: 1/125
Film Advance: on top
Frame Counter: on top
Exposure Modes: manual, aperture-priority
Finder: shutter speeds visible
Focusing Screens: center micro-prism (black body has split image)
Mirror: instant-return
Battery: 1.5v MS76 or equivalent

*Based on current information at
in2013dollars.com

All text and photographs on this website (other than found-photography and otherwise noted) are © 2014-2021 Steven Broome. All rights reserved.