Pentax MX vs Nikon FM

mehguy · Jan 24, 2021

Over the years I've accumulated cameras (a result of GAS...) from thrift stores, ebay auctions and stuff like that (3-4 SLR bodies, stuff like Pentax ME and Canon AE-1), and it really doesn't make sense to have a bunch of 35mm cameras with different lens mounts and with just a nifty 50 for each one. I think the more wise decision would be to sell them and just have a single SLR body with a few lenses to choose from. The good thing is that I can probably get a little more for what I paid for them a few years ago, so it's not all bad. I've narrowed it down to these two models and I can't choose between the two. The Pentax MX is more affordable (upfront cost for the body seems to be the same as the Nikon FM but the lenses are a lot cheaper) but from what it seems, the FM seems to have the edge over the MX and just pentaxes in general as the more reliable and all around better built camera.

BradS · Jan 24, 2021

Which lenses do you have or prefer? Compared to the optic, the box doesn't matter that much. So, if you do not have a strong opinion about one or the other box, think about the glass and let that guide your decision.

jwd722 · Jan 24, 2021

My MX sits in a drawer with a dead meter (second one to do so) plus the shutter speed knob seems somewhat stiff on them, at least both of mine did.
My Nikons, FG,FA,FE,F,F2,F3(2 of them),F4 and F5 just hum merrily along.
I am sure others will state the opposite but this is my experience.

Ariston · Jan 24, 2021

I agree with you (and Brad). If the ergonomics don't matter, the lenses are the most important. The FM isn't a blazing fast camera. I have two and love them, but that is because I am invested in the Nikon system. I don't use different brands of 35mm bodies because I like having a filled-out lens line instead of having to mix and match bodies to lenses.

If you are not partial to Nikon and Pentax lenses are cheaper, go for Pentax.

mehguy · Jan 24, 2021

BradS said:
Which lenses do you have or prefer? Compared to the optic, the box doesn't matter that much. So, if you do not have a strong opinion about one or the other box, think about the glass and let that guide your decision.

I've never used Nikon lenses, so I can't really say.

Ariston · Jan 24, 2021

mehguy said:
...the FM seems to have the edge over the MX and just pentaxes in general as the more reliable and all around better built camera.

jwd722 said:
My MX sits in a drawer with a dead meter (second one to do so)...

I should mention that one of my two FMs has an inoperative meter. It doesn't stop it from taking photos, though...

.

Zathras · Jan 24, 2021

mehguy said:
I've never used Nikon lenses, so I can't really say.

I've used both and prefer Pentax for most things, but I did keep my FM body so I can still use my old Nikkor 105mm ƒ2.5 lens for portraits and other suitable subjects.

jwd722 · Jan 24, 2021

I have many non-metered cameras that I use, I just prefer a working meter if it has one.
It mainly sits in a drawer because I prefer my Nikons and rangefinders.

Ariston · Jan 24, 2021

jwd722 said:
I have many non-metered cameras that I use, I just prefer a working meter if it has one.
It mainly sits in a drawer because I prefer my Nikons and rangefinders.

I can relate - I bought the second FM because the meter in the first didn't work... yet I can't let go of the first since there is a limited supply of them in the world.

narsuitus · Jan 24, 2021

For decades, I have used Pentax and Nikon. I have found both to be well made and very dependable. Both have excellent lenses capable of high-quality images.

If I were forced to sell one of them but wanted to keep just one system, I would keep the Nikon because my Nikon system is much larger than my Pentax system.

If I were forced to sell one of them and keep just a single SLR body with a few lenses, either would do for me.

Pentax & Nikon by Narsuitus, on Flickr

jimjm · Jan 24, 2021

For the most part, 35mm system lenses from the major brands during the 70's, 80's and 90's aren't going to differ by too much in terms of image quality. Everyone had their share of outstanding lenses, and also a few dogs, but most companies made sharp, well-corrected lenses.
I'm committed to Nikon as my main 35mm system, but I also have or have had Canon, Minolta, Pentax and Olympus. I've had good results from all of them, but stuck with Nikon as I built out a considerable collection of lenses and bodies.
One big advantage of Nikon is that you can use AF lenses (with an aperture ring) on manual-focus bodies, and vice-versa, in most cases. I have Nikon AF bodies that I use for shooting sports, and I like being able to use most of my older Nikkor lenses on them if I want to.

AnselMortensen · Jan 24, 2021

Might I suggest loading a roll of film in each one, and taking 2 walks around your neighborhood?
The one that feels better, and does what you want to do more easily is the one to keep.

If it were me, I'd go with the FM, because I'm familiar with it, and I could use it without batteries, or with a dead meter.
I am unfamiliar with K-mount Pentaxes.

voceumana · Jan 24, 2021

If you want to be in the Pentax system, I'd recommend the KX model--iit is full sized rather than compact, but has a better set of features for a manual camera than the MX (whcih pretty much replace the KX).

That said the Nikon FM2n is a fine manual control SLR.

I would suggest that you choose based on what lenses you want and how easy it is to find them in the appropriate mount in the condition you want. Though I've always liked Pentax, I have Nikon cameras and lenses now and would not change. Their equipment seems more available.

mehguy · Jan 24, 2021

voceumana said:
If you want to be in the Pentax system, I'd recommend the KX model--iit is full sized rather than compact, but has a better set of features for a manual camera than the MX (whcih pretty much replace the KX).

That said the Nikon FM2n is a fine manual control SLR.

I would suggest that you choose based on what lenses you want and how easy it is to find them in the appropriate mount in the condition you want. Though I've always liked Pentax, I have Nikon cameras and lenses now and would not change. Their equipment seems more available.

I'm finding that Pentax lenses are a lot easier to find and cheaper than their nikon counterparts, especially here in Canada. There are much more canadian sellers selling their pentax 50mm lens, for example. then nikkor 50mm on ebay.

BobD · Jan 24, 2021

I've used both and like them both. I suppose if I were to choose one it would be the FM due to more numerous "interesting" lenses available for it. For example, try finding a 35/2 by Pentax vs Nikkor or a fast tele like 180/2.8, etc.

But, the MX does have some advantages. Interchangeable focusing screens for one and I think there was a choice of two motor drives for the MX, but neither of these interests me very much. The MX can also use M42 lenses via a simple adapter. On the other hand, the FM can use pre-AI lenses.

Andrew O'Neill · Jan 24, 2021

voceumana said:
If you want to be in the Pentax system, I'd recommend the KX model--iit is full sized rather than compact, but has a better set of features for a manual camera than the MX (whcih pretty much replace the KX).

That said the Nikon FM2n is a fine manual control SLR.

I would suggest that you choose based on what lenses you want and how easy it is to find them in the appropriate mount in the condition you want. Though I've always liked Pentax, I have Nikon cameras and lenses now and would not change. Their equipment seems more available.

I forgot all about the KX! Gonna have to get my hands on one.

Les Sarile · Jan 24, 2021

If you don't wear glasses then you might find the gigantic viewfinder of the Pentax MX - biggest of all fixed viewfinder SLRs, a distinct advantage in achieving critical focus with fast lenses wide open.

mgb74 · Jan 24, 2021

I like my MX; and the fact it's so compact. But the meter is flaky and this is a common issue with the MX. While any camera can have issues, I think - on the whole - the FM might be more reliable.

Les Sarile · Jan 24, 2021

mgb74 said:
I like my MX; and the fact it's so compact. But the meter is flaky and this is a common issue with the MX. While any camera can have issues, I think - on the whole - the FM might be more reliable.

It's common for any used anything to have flaky something or another . . .

I have two perfectly functional MX's. First I bought local CL for cheap many years ago now - even came in a plastic grocery shopping bag! The black one I bought local CL again for cheap and not only is it in great cosmetic condition but it is fully functional and accurate.

mrosenlof · Jan 24, 2021

I've owned both and would be hard pressed to claim one is better than the other. Both companies made excellent lenses. I think you could be happy with either

Paul Howell · Jan 24, 2021

In terms of system and cost, Pentax, not only will K mount work, but with an adaptor M42 in stopped metering mode. I would get a fully functional MX and send it out for cleaning, lube and adjust right of the box. A Kx is another good option, but need a motor drive body if you want a drive or winder. Lens, Pentax primes are as good they got in the day, the K were multicoated, 3rd party lens, Cosina, Ricoh and Chinon made lens that were sharp and had good contrast, for Zooms, Vivitar Series 1. Just to drill down on my point, a MX could between 45 and 35 years old, sitting in a closest, luburants drying, seals failing, unless the seller had documentation of servicing, just get it done.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 24, 2021

mehguy said:
Over the years I've accumulated cameras (a result of GAS...) from thrift stores, ebay auctions and stuff like that (3-4 SLR bodies, stuff like Pentax ME and Canon AE-1), and it really doesn't make sense to have a bunch of 35mm cameras with different lens mounts and with just a nifty 50 for each one. I think the more wise decision would be to sell them and just have a single SLR body with a few lenses to choose from. The good thing is that I can probably get a little more for what I paid for them a few years ago, so it's not all bad. I've narrowed it down to these two models and I can't choose between the two. The Pentax MX is more affordable (upfront cost for the body seems to be the same as the Nikon FM but the lenses are a lot cheaper) but from what it seems, the FM seems to have the edge over the MX and just pentaxes in general as the more reliable and all around better built camera.

A few years ago I was in a similar situation. I kept one of my FMs Because the lenses are compatible with my digital Nikon. I never regretted that decision.

voceumana · Jan 24, 2021

As for lenses, I find both to be excellent. If you wear glasses, I'd recommend the F3HP--it was a revelation to me, as I wear glasses and need to with SLRs because of my astigmatism--a simple diopter change won't work for me.

Andrew O'Neill · Jan 24, 2021

Les Sarile said:
If you don't wear glasses then you might find the gigantic viewfinder of the Pentax MX - biggest of all fixed viewfinder SLRs, a distinct advantage in achieving critical focus with fast lenses wide open.

I do have an MX whose shutter is not working. Been meaning to get it repaired. It's a lovely camera.

runswithsizzers · Jan 24, 2021

I don't know how easy it is to send a camera across the Canadian-US border for repairs, but here in the US, Eric Hendrickson in Knoxville, Tennessee does good work on Pentax cameras at reasonable rates. His simple website is found <here>.

Two or three years ago I sent him two Pentax MX bodies for repair/ CLA, and they are both still working fine. More recently he repaired a Pentax 50mm f/1.4 lens for me. Still film testing that one, but I expect good results.

BTW, recently I had no trouble "finding a 35/2 by Pentax" in K-mount on the US eBay site.

Pentax MX vs Nikon FM

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Pentax MX vs Nikon FM

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