PHENIX DC303N or Pentax k1000?

These are both Student Cameras
But which is better?

Well the Pentax is a long time producer of fine optical and camera equipment so is very dependable.

Phenix is a relatively new third-party camera body designed to use with Pentax K system lenses. Its performance over the long haul is unknown.

If you want to spend the least amount of money while going through your first photo class, that can be a good strategy, especially if you are not going to pursue photography as a profession.

If you even had a stray thought about going pro, look to Nikon and Canon cameras. They are what the pros use

Get the Pentax K1000. That is the standard when it comes to manual student cameras. Everyone will know what you are talking about when you say K1000.
You can easily sell it or keep it as a memento for when you are a famous photographer.

The K1000 is the most widely known film camera Pentax has made.

I have never heard of a PHENIX DC303N.

Buy the Pentax K1000. Get a 50mm f1.4 or f1.7 lens and the Owner's Manual.

Check at keh.com, adorama.com, bhphotovideo.com or on eBay.

If you buy additional lenses for the K1000 and later decide to buy a DSLR, the new Pentax DSLR cameras can still use the older manual focus K-mount lenses.