• Pentax P30 — view 2
  • Pentax P30 — view 3
  • 1985
  • 35mm SLR
  • Program AE

Pentax P30

Pentax's friendliest K-mount SLR.

The P30 is what happened when Pentax decided the K-mount needed an entry-level body for the mid-80s. Three modes — Program AE, Aperture priority, Manual — a clean center-weighted meter, and a full plastic body that keeps the weight under 500g. KA mount means it talks to most modern Pentax lenses and works fully manually with older K-mount glass.

The trade-off versus an X-700 is mostly tactile: the controls are plastic, the dials feel lighter, the shutter sound is closer to a soft electronic click than a mechanical thunk. The trade-off versus a P30T or MZ-series is range: this is a beginner-friendly K-mount body, not a power-user's tool.

If you want a forgiving body to start on with full access to the Pentax K-mount lens system, this is the answer.

Match

Who this is for

Good for

  • First SLR
  • Beginners who want auto modes
  • Pentax K-mount lens collectors
  • Travel

Not for

  • Photographers who want all-mechanical
  • Sports / fast action

Character

What it feels like to shoot

Light enough that you forget it's around your neck. The viewfinder is bright and uncluttered — a row of small lights on the side tells you what the camera is doing. The body is plastic, but the dials still have a little click to them. The kind of camera you can hand to a beginner and they'll be shooting in five minutes.

Born 1985

History of the Pentax P30

Released in 1985 as the entry-level K-mount body of the P-series. Followed by the P30N (1987) which added a self-timer, and the P30T (1990) which added a few small refinements. All three share the same body and lens compatibility.

Technical specifications

MFG. 1985 – 1987
01
Format
35mm SLR
02
Manufacturer
Pentax · Japan
03
Production
1985 – 1987
04
Lens mount
Pentax KA
05
Metering
TTL center-weighted silicon cell
06
Viewfinder
Pentaprism, ~92% coverage, 0.85x magnification
07
Shutter
1/1000s – 1s + B (electronic vertical metal-blade)
08
ISO range
ASA 25 – 1600
09
Flash sync
1/100s X-sync
10
Exposure modes
Program AE, Aperture priority, Manual
11
Dimensions
137 × 88 × 49 mm
12
Weight
460 g
13
Power
2 × LR44 / SR44 cells

Original manual · Pentax P30

Get the factory user guide as a PDF. We'll also drop you a note with film + dev tips for this body.

Thanks. → Download the Pentax P30 manual (PDF)

Backed by GPP

Service & guarantees

Every analog camera ships through our bench

This unit has been bench-tested by GPP. Shutter speeds verified across the range, light seals replaced where age had taken them, meter calibrated against a known reference. Cosmetic condition is reflected in the listing photos — knicks and dings consistent with a working camera body. Mechanically, it's good to shoot.

Comes with our 7-day functional return policy: if anything we declared isn't working as described, we'll exchange or refund.

  • CLA'd by GPP — shutter speeds checked, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a known reference.
  • 7-day functional return — if it doesn't work as we declared on this listing, we exchange or refund. Wear-and-tear consistent with the listed condition isn't returnable.
  • UAE & worldwide shipping — Domestic next-day, international tracked. Insurance can be added to any order on request. Customs and import duties are the buyer's responsibility on international orders.
  • Walk in to inspect — Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Mon–Sat, 10am–7pm. Bring a roll if you'd like to test-fire on the spot.

Questions

Things people ask

What film does it take?

Standard 35mm film. We carry the widest selection in the Middle East — colour, B&W, slide — across consumer, professional, and cinema stocks. Need a recommendation for this body? Just ask us.

Is the camera serviced before sale?

Yes — every analog camera at GPP goes through our bench before it goes on the listing. Shutter speeds verified, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a reference.

What's your return policy?

7-day functional return. If anything we declared isn't working as described, contact us within 7 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange.

Can GPP develop and scan the photos I shoot with this?

Yes — our in-house film lab handles colour, B&W, and slide development with scanning. 24-48 hour rush available. More on the film lab.

Can I see the camera before I buy?

Always welcome. Visit Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am–7pm.

Reading

Further reference

Camera-Wiki entry on the Pentax P30

Pentax P30
Dhs. 650.00Dhs. 800.00 Save Dhs. 150.00
  • ✓ CLA'd by GPP
  • ✓ 7-day functional return