Not quite true with regard to the viewfinder, but otherwise the super program is still a very capable and handy camera.
By the way, the MX has the largest viewfinder image of all 35mm Pentax cameras ever made, including the LX...
Regards,
Sven
Pentax MX - Smallest 35mm SLR body?
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- Thread starter Steve Smith
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Not quite true with regard to the viewfinder, but otherwise the super program is still a very capable and handy camera.
By the way, the MX has the largest viewfinder image of all 35mm Pentax cameras ever made, including the LX...
Regards,
Sven
The MX really is a great and under-appreciated camera. I think I actually enjoy shooting with it more than my LX.
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2011
- Messages
- 365
- Format
- 35mm
The really under-rated ones have to be the P3/P30 series.
They're not hugely popular as they need batteries to work (but how hard is it to carry a couple of spare button cells?) and have a lot of plastic trim, but the chassis is metal from lens mount to tripod socket, the meter and shutter are accurate, the viewfinder is bright and displays shutter speed/mode/flash ready with Pentax dedicated flashguns, it has DOF preview and full manual mode. I'd actually recommend them over a K1000 for beginners as they're smaller, lighter, cheaper, have a better light meter and nicer handling thanks to that little finger grip on the front.
The only flaws are that you don't have manual control over film speed (they use DX coding) and early P3/P30s don't have a cable release socket (later ones and the n/t suffix upgrades do). The former isn't much of a problem as you can easily remember to change the settings by a given number of stops from what the meter says.
I've paid as little as 99p for one in full working order before now. £10-£20 will get you one with a lens, although you should check what you're getting as the non-SMC 28-80mm zoom bundled with some of them is terrible. Stick an M or A 50mm f1.7 on the front and it'll handle pretty much anything.
They're not hugely popular as they need batteries to work (but how hard is it to carry a couple of spare button cells?) and have a lot of plastic trim, but the chassis is metal from lens mount to tripod socket, the meter and shutter are accurate, the viewfinder is bright and displays shutter speed/mode/flash ready with Pentax dedicated flashguns, it has DOF preview and full manual mode. I'd actually recommend them over a K1000 for beginners as they're smaller, lighter, cheaper, have a better light meter and nicer handling thanks to that little finger grip on the front.
The only flaws are that you don't have manual control over film speed (they use DX coding) and early P3/P30s don't have a cable release socket (later ones and the n/t suffix upgrades do). The former isn't much of a problem as you can easily remember to change the settings by a given number of stops from what the meter says.
I've paid as little as 99p for one in full working order before now. £10-£20 will get you one with a lens, although you should check what you're getting as the non-SMC 28-80mm zoom bundled with some of them is terrible. Stick an M or A 50mm f1.7 on the front and it'll handle pretty much anything.
I always enjoy Les Sarile's comparison images, what a great and easy way to see camera comparisons which are to scale!
I have both the MX and the ME-Super with winders, which I find makes the camera fit my not so large hands better. Wonderful picture takers, although why Pentax omitted a depth of field preview on the ME I'll never know. Same reason they omitted an AE lock on the LX, which otherwise is essentially perfect.
I also have an Olympus OM-10 with winder, which for whatever reason doesn't feel as good in the hands as the Pentax. Something to do with the contours of the winder, I think.
I also have an Olympus OM-10 with winder, which for whatever reason doesn't feel as good in the hands as the Pentax. Something to do with the contours of the winder, I think.
After many years of desire I purchased an MX from a local dealer last year, with /f1.7 lens for £59. The meter doesn't always work but I carry the Sekonic L208 and it's still a compact package. I quickly added a 28mm and 35mm lens for very little money. A 135mm was purchased from a charity shop but hasn't been used yet.
I used to be a fan of Canon FD equipment but my remaining Canon bodies (FX and FTBn) are giants in comparison with the MX and I don't have a practical reason to choose them over the Pentax.
I used to be a fan of Canon FD equipment but my remaining Canon bodies (FX and FTBn) are giants in comparison with the MX and I don't have a practical reason to choose them over the Pentax.
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2011
- Messages
- 365
- Format
- 35mm
I don't think it's just the winder. I have an OM-10 too which just doesn't feel as good as an ME or MX. I think the corners are just a little more rounded on the Pentax bodies.
I have an OM-10 and it doesn't feel as good as an OM-1. But there's nothing wrong with it and it takes fine photos. It's light and rugged and if it gets run over by a steam tractor, it's easily replaceable. And no one will ever steal it.
I would love to have a cool Pentax too.
I would love to have a cool Pentax too.
OP
OP
I finally got around to using the MX today and agree that the viewfinder was good. It was a pleasure to use it and it seemed to make focusing easy.
Great... now I want a black one!!
Steve.
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