• 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 — Dubai same-day before 12 PM (AED 50), UAE-wide in 2–3 business days (AED 40), international tracked in 5–10 business days (calculated at checkout). Insurance can be added on request. Customs and import duties are the buyer's responsibility on international orders. Full shipping policy.
  • 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