Pentax · 35mm SLR · From 1985 (P30n, P3n and P30t about three years later)
The P30 arrived in 1985 as a plastic-bodied, budget K-mount SLR, sold as the all-black P3 in the US and in dark gray as the P30 elsewhere. It reads film speed from DX codes, ISO 25 to 1600, with no manual ISO setting and no exposure compensation, though there is an exposure lock button. The dial gives you program, manual, X for dedicated Pentax flashes and B. Program only works with a Pentax-A lens set to A, so with older Pentax-M lenses it's a manual camera, which has caught out at least one reviewer. In manual the finder shows the speed you've set and blinks the one the meter suggests. About three years later Pentax brought out the P30n, P3n and P30t, which add aperture priority, and the P30t gets a diagonal split-image screen.
The variants
The P30n, P3n and P30t came about three years after the P30 and add aperture priority, and the P30t has a diagonal split-image screen. Early P30s can't take a cable release, while later ones can.
The shutter is electronically controlled, so with dead cells or failed electronics the camera does nothing at all. Owners report a common fault where winding on doesn't cock the shutter unless the lever is moved slowly. A tripod plate screwed in too far can also stop the shutter firing.
Buying guide
We'd buy the P3 titled CLA'd, new light seals and tested at $164 delivered, since its SMC-A 35-70mm zoom is the Pentax-A type that program mode needs. To spend less, the P3 kit titled works at $88 delivered is the better bet, but check its Sakar zoom for an A setting on the aperture ring, since without one the camera only works in manual. There are about 200 for sale, nearly all in the US, and most ask $55–140 delivered. The shutter is electronically controlled, so it does nothing at all without its two SR44 or LR44 cells. Owners report winds that only cock the shutter when the lever is eased slowly, so ask for a video winding at normal speed and firing several frames in a row. Skip the Japan Mint kit at $213, over twice the median, and check feedback on the item page for listings that don't show a seller.
$45.09est. delivered
The lowest delivered P30 that isn't titled untested or for parts, a body with a flash at $45. There's no test claim, so ask for a video with fresh SR44 cells, winding at normal speed and firing.
PENTAX Pentax P30 35mm SLR Film Camera Body + Flash
$87.52est. delivered
A P3 kit titled works, with a Sakar 28-85mm zoom, a Zykkor flash and a bag, at $88 delivered from a 100% seller. Look for an A setting on the zoom's aperture ring, since without one you're limited to manual.
Pentax P3 35mm SLR Film Camera Kit Sakar 28-85mm Lens Zykkor Flash & Bag Works!
$163.85est. delivered
Titled CLA'd, new light seals and tested, the only one here that claims all three, with an SMC-A 35-70mm zoom so program mode works. At $164 delivered it's over the band, and the service is what the extra buys.
Pentax P3 w/SMC-A Takumar 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 Zoom CLA'D New Light Seals Tested!
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$45.09est. delivered
$38.00 + $7.09 shipping
Buy It Now$38.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
P30 body with a flash. No test claim.
Seller: wandboy
100% positive
Used$87.52est. delivered
$80.00 + $7.52 shipping
Buy It Now$80.00
Good buy
P3 kit with a Sakar 28-85mm zoom, flash and bag. Titled works.
Seller: patcobooks
100% positive
Serviced$163.85est. delivered
$149.00 + $14.85 shipping
Buy It Now$149.00
Good buy
Titled CLA'd, new light seals and tested, with an SMC-A 35-70mm.
Seller: fap-ezonline.com
99.9% positive
Used$27.49delivered
$27.49 · free shipping
Buy It Now$27.49
Our take
P30t body only, titled untested. The lowest price on the page.
Seller: misterb77
99.6% positive
Used$57.52est. delivered
$50.00 + $7.52 shipping
Buy It Now$50.00
Our take
P30T with an SMC 50mm. No test claim, so check the lens for an A setting.
Seller: tapesguy61
100% positive
Used$134.80est. delivered
$124.95 + $9.85 shipping
Buy It Now$124.95
Our take
P3 with three lenses and a bag, titled tested. The lenses aren't named.
Seller: ibejunkin
99.7% positive
Used$112.77est. delivered
$93.00 + $19.77 shipping
Buy It Now$93.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
No seller shown on the card, so check feedback on the item page. P30t with a 28-200mm and flash.
Seller: Seller on eBay
Check feedback on the listing
Used$212.89est. delivered
$137.89 + $75.00 shipping
Buy It Now$137.89
Priced high
Dealer grade Mint, with an SMC A 35-70mm. About 2.4 times the median, $75 of it shipping.
Seller: dub0804-55
99.7% positive
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