What Kind of Battery Does a Pentax K1000 Use?

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Drew Barrymore points a battery-powered Pentax K1000 at photographers in 2000.

Pentax introduced its K1000 single-lens reflex film camera in 1976, and sold more than 3 million units before ending the model's production in 1997. Because of its basic controls, ease of use and low price, the K1000 was a popular entry-level camera for photography students and novice photographers. The camera requires a battery for full operation.

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Camera Specs

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The Pentax K1000 uses 35mm film and accepts Pentax K-mount and compatible lenses. Its shutter speeds range from 1/1000 of a second to 1 second, with a bulb setting for longer exposures. It measures 5.6 inches by 3.7 inches by 1.9 inches, and weighs 18 1/2 oz. without a battery.

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Power Requirements

The K1000 has minimal power needs. It has a manual shutter release and manual film advance. It requires one 1.5v battery to power its through-the-lens exposure meter.

Pentax recommends a 1.5-volt LR44 alkaline battery or a SR44 silver-oxide battery, or an equivalent.

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As of May 2011, Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic and other manufacturers market LR44 and SR44 batteries. A manufacturer's model number may differ from LR44 or SR44, but the battery's packaging indicates it is LR44- or SR44-compatible.

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Battery Installation

The K1000's battery chamber is located on the bottom face of the camera. Use a coin to screw out the chamber plug and insert a battery with its positive pole facing out. Use the coin to screw in the chamber plug.

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Battery Check

Set the K1000's ASA/ISO dial to 100 and its shutter speed dial to B. Look through the camera's viewfinder. The meter will point upward if the battery has sufficient power.

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Tip

Take photographs with the K1000 without a battery. All of the camera's functions except the exposure meter operate normally without a battery. Either use a handheld light meter to determine exposure, or estimate the appropriate aperture-shutter speed combination for the scene from experience.

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Caution

Remove the battery from the K1000 if you plan to store the camera for a long period of time.

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