Re: Pentax P30 It's major drawback is that you are stuck using the modified ISO for the
entire roll. I always shoot at the recommended speed, so it is not an issue
for me, but I can see how this limitation may be frustrating to some people.
Pentax marketed the P series toward amateurs, and the automatic speed
selection would probably be a good feature in such a camera (I have been
known to forget to check my film speed dial and end up with rolls of film
shot at the wrong speed).
But, given the nice feature set, coupled with the ability to mount Pentax
lenses at a price under $100.00, those cameras are diamonds in the rough. I
also happen to think that they are among the nicest-looking cameras Pentax
ever made, with their beveled top edges, surface mounted speed dial and
rewind dial, semi-matte black or gray finishes and that very nice rubber
hand grip.
The aperture-preferred automation, and the program mode that always seeks
the highest available shutter speed for action shots, are more than adequate
for me. My typical subject is static, so I don't require shutter-preferred
(it is available in the P-50, I think). What is really convenient is that
the camera can be used in full manual mode, just like a Spotmatic, or in
either of the two automated modes (my ES-II offers only shutter-preferred
automation, not program auto). No need to make decisions about whether to
bring a Spotmatic or an ES--the P30T and the P3N have both manual and auto
covered.
I didn't think I'd like the plastic bottom plate, but I do like the fact
that there are no scratches or marks from tripods on the bottoms of the P
series cameras. I've acquired 4 bodies--2 P3Ns and 2 P30Ts--and they all
look brand new, despite being nearly 20 years old.
They're dirt cheap in the used market, and they are among the most
underrated Pentaxes ever. Anyone looking to get into Pentax photography on
the cheap need look no further than these models--especially if they can do
without autofocus and all the fancy bells and whistles.
Jeremy
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