The Pentax PC-303 - cheap and plasticky, and that’s not always a problem (All pics: Stephen Dowling)
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In the 1960s and 70s, Pentax made quite a name for itself with a family of metal SLRs that became undeniable classics. If you can't hear the name "Pentax" without following it up with the word "Spotmatic", well… welcome to the club.
In the 1980s, however, they joined the rest of the camera-making herd and made cameras out of plastic, too. And there are few Pentax cameras that look quite so plasticky as the PC-303.
The PC range of cheap compacts Pentax came out in the 1980s. Like most of the major Japanese camera makers, Pentax brought out compacts at different price points to appeal to as many customers as possible.
Those with a few more coins in their pockets might have stumped for something from the Zoom range, some of which were weather resistant. Those on a stricter budget might have to settle for something from the Pino family, or the PC stable.
That big red button feels like it should be right at home on an arcade game controller
The PC-303 is made in Hong Kong rather than Japan, and feels like a camera that's been outsourced to another outfit; don't be fooled by the snazzy gold type spelling out its name. Its curved plastic body is pliant to the touch and feels a bit like a cheap TV remote.
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