Interesting SLR camera (body only) with program and auto exposure modes, and built in auto winder

• Pentax automatic SLR
• Program auto exposure
• Aperture priority auto
• Motorised film winding
• LED viewfinder display
• Dedicated flash shoe
• Cable release socket
• Popular KA lens mount
• For K, KA, AF lenses

The Pentax A3 (sold in some countries as the A3000) was the company's first motorised SLR camera, and has a useful selection of exposure modes, including program (fully automatic), aperture priority plus programmed auto flash with suitable flashguns.

Pentax KA lenses (and many AF ones) allow program mode operation, where the camera sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically. Aperture priority auto sets the shutter speed automatically after you select the aperture. This mode also works with standard K-mount lenses (or even older screw lenses, with an adapter - not included). Film speeds are set automatically with DX coding or manually from ISO 25 to 1600, and there's a backlight button for preventing large amounts of bright sky from causing under-exposure.

The viewfinder includes a comprehensive LED display, which shows shutter speeds, flash ready and other signals and warnings. The shutter speeds and other indicators light up so you can easily read them in low light, and are colour coded for instant recognition. Split image and microprism focusing aids are provided, and the screen is bright and easy to use.

The Seiko electronic shutter provides speeds from 2 seconds to 1/1,000th, plus B for time exposures, with flash sync at 1/60th via the hot shoe. Suitable Pentax and independent flash units (not included) can set the shutter speed and/or aperture automatically when they're charged, and show flash ready in the viewfinder.

Film wind is motorised, and the camera loads the film automatically and winds on after each shot at up to 1.5 frames per second (rewind at the end is manual). A standard cable release socket is provided (no expensive electronic remote cables required here!), along with an electronic self timer. There's a film preview window on the rear so you can see at a glance if the camera is loaded, and what with.

Despite its comprehensive specification, the camera is quite compact and lightweight, and handles very well. Small front and rear grips are built in to help you hold the camera securely. The camera is nicely made, with a metal lens mount and film guide rails. Power is supplied by two standard AA batteries (included) which are inexpensive and easy to obtain in many places, and a battery check is provided.

An interesting manual focus camera body for PK, KA and many AF lenses!

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10), trivial fault
This camera is in fully working order (apart from a really small fault - see below) and good condition. The viewfinder is bright and clear with only a few specks of dust and other marks (which can't affect the pictures). The ISO dial locks at all settings apart from 80 and 100, but this has little effect on normal operation (most films are DX coded so the setting on the dial is irrelevant, and even with non-coded films the difference is just 1/3 of a stop). Cosmetically there are the usual signs of use with some surface scratches and scrapes here and there - mainly on the base and around the strap lugs - and a tiny crack on the base. The manual is showing signs of age but complete.

Overall, the camera is in good used shape!
Pictures in this listing show the actual item offered for sale.

Includes Pentax instruction manual and body cap, plus batteries

Compatibility
Hundreds of lenses are available for this camera. Pentax KA lenses (marked SMC Pentax A) have the A (Auto) setting on the aperture ring plus electrical contacts on the mount, and work with all exposure modes, as do independent KA lenses from Vivitar, Tamron, Sigma and many others. These are usually marked KA or PKA, though some are designated PKA/R, which indicates compatibility with both Pentax KA and Ricoh XR cameras, again in all modes.

Pentax AF lenses (usually marked SMC Pentax F or FA) and most independent Pentax AF-fit lenses will fit and work fine in all exposure modes, with manual focusing. The budget Pentax FA-J AF lenses will fit and work, but only in program mode, as they have no aperture rings. Not suitable for Pentax DA digital lenses, which won't cover the full frame.

Pentax K lenses (marked SMC Pentax) and independent K-mount lenses also fit, with auto diaphragm and full aperture metering. Shutter priority and program modes are unavailable with these lenses, though all others still work fine. The Pentax K mount was also used on cameras by other manufacturers, including some from Chinon, Cosina, Ricoh, Vivitar and many others. Manual or fixed diaphragm optics and accessories (such as t-mount or mirror lenses, slide copiers, etc.) also work in manual and aperture priority modes.

Finally, adapters are available (not included) for most M42 screw fit lenses, and Pentax 645 or 67 medium format lenses. These don't retain auto diaphragm, so the lens must be stopped down manually, and metering is at the taking aperture. Metered manual and aperture priority modes will work correctly, though.