Three Legends on the Table — The Pentax K1000, Bessa R2A, and Olympus OM-1
Few things excite a film photographer more than a table full of classic 35 mm cameras. In this image, we find three legends, each iconic in its own right: the Pentax K1000, the Voigtländer Bessa R2A, and the Olympus OM-1. Each of these cameras has shaped the way generations have learned and loved photography. Let’s break down why.
The Trio Compared
| Camera | Type | Lens Mount | Metering | Appeal |
| Pentax K1000 | SLR | K Mount | TTL Manual | Indestructible Student favorite |
| Bessa R2A | Rangefinder | Leica M | TTL Auto | Compact and precise |
| Olympus OM-1 | SLR | OM Mount | TTL Manual | Quiet and elegant |
Pentax K1000: The Brick That Taught the World 🧱
Often nicknamed “The AK-47 of cameras,” the Pentax K1000 is legendary for its durability. Used by generations of photography students, it offers complete manual control — forcing the photographer to understand the basics of exposure, composition, and metering.
First released in 1976, the K1000 is as simple and reliable as they come. No auto modes, no frills — just a fully mechanical SLR with a built-in light meter powered by a small battery. Its longevity (over 20 years in production) is a testament to its robustness and cult following.
The K1000 is especially beloved in photography education. Its straightforward controls force you to understand the exposure triangle. The tactile feedback of its shutter, the clunk of the mirror slap, and the brilliant SMC Pentax lenses make it an incredible gateway into film.
Bessa R2A and Olympus OM-1: Perfect Companions 👬
We’ve already discussed the Bessa R2A and OM-1, but here they serve another purpose: contrast. The Bessa R2A offers autoexposure in a compact rangefinder, while the OM-1 delivers the classic SLR feel with whisper-quiet operation. Compared to the K1000, these two cameras introduce different philosophies of shooting — each offering its own rhythm.
📖 Read more here: The Soul of Film — A Day with the Voigtländer Bessa R2A & Olympus OM-1
🤔 Why Use Three Film Cameras?
While digital photographers may change lenses quickly, film shooters often opt to carry multiple bodies:
- One with color film, one with black and white
- Each fitted with different focal lengths
- Variety of metering and focusing experiences
If you’re traveling or documenting an event, it can be incredibly useful to carry ⬇
- Pentax K1000 for telephoto or macro work.
- Olympus OM-1 for fast-paced street photography.
- Bessa R2A for candid moments and discreet shooting.
This setup allows greater creative flexibility and reduces downtime between reloads. Each system brings something irreplaceable to the table. They allow you to swap between different lens mounts, metering styles, and viewfinding systems depending on the subject and mood.
A Love Letter to Simplicity 💌
What unites all three cameras is a commitment to simplicity. They encourage mindfulness, patience, and a connection to the medium that’s rare in today’s instant culture. If you ever see one at a flea market or camera show, don’t hesitate. These cameras are more than gear — they’re portals to a different way of seeing.
🎞 Film Revival in 2025
The resurgence of film photography in recent years has led to new emulsions, reissued classics, and a booming second-hand market. Cameras like these are not relics — they’re creative machines waiting to be reawakened.