Pentax MX

CMoore · Jul 27, 2019

I have always wanted one..... but i own more 35mm SLR than i can use now.
So, i will probably never own an MX.
I do not own any Pentax at all, and that is another reason i never bought the MX.......having to buy more glass.

So, i thought i might enjoy the MX vicariously, through some of our members.

Any of you Guys/Gals want to talk about your experience with the Pentax MX.?
Was it the main 35mm SLR for any of you.....any of you make your living with the MX.?
Thank You

removedacct3 · Jul 27, 2019

Besides the well-known positive aspects (viewfinder, form factor, simplicity and sturdiness) of this camera I would like to add one, somewhat irrational, comment: it has the best shutter sound of all my camera's. Although it is not my main 35mm camera, that is a toss between the LX and the MZ-S, I do like it very much. In fact mine is going out for a CLA within a few days. Now if only I could find a SA-3 focus screen .....

mgb74 · Jul 27, 2019

I have one with a meter that isn't working. I've been told it's a common issue with the MX. Have been using it without the meter. So small and light with a 28mm, 35mm, or 50mm prime that I use with a wrist strap.

markbau · Jul 27, 2019

After a few years with my first proper camera, K 1000, I purchased an MX not long after they came out. Compared to the K 1000 my MX was a bit of a dud. It had a battery drain in the light meter circuit that Pentax twice tried to fix and never did. This was a blessing in disguise as it made me buy a hand held light meter which was the best thing I ever did. The film advance lever broke twice and after I purchased a 300mm the bit where the lens attached pulled away from the body. I also had trouble with the tripod mount screw, it came out of the camera body. After the K1000 which was built like a tank, the MX seemed like a tinny little toy. I then purchased another K 1000 but this was an “SE” which was not as well made as my original K 1000. Oh I forgot, the plastic things where you inserted the film leader was a joke compared to the solid grove/lip on the K 1000.

EarlJam · Jul 27, 2019

I bought my MX and 50/1.7 new in 1979 and added lenses over the years. It still works like a champ, including the meter. Adding the winder makes the size just about perfect. I once read that the MX was the SLR equivalent to the Leica M and, having both now, I'd have to agree.

mgb74 · Jul 27, 2019

Since earljam made the Leica M comparison, here's a photo I took the other day of the MX compared to a Canon P for a friend . The Canon is the approximate size of the Leica M.

abruzzi · Jul 27, 2019

I love mine, but I do have a few caveats. The large viewfinder is nice, but sometimes I think it is a little too large. My eyes sometime have trouble focusing unless my eye is perfectly lined up. The shutter speed dial is notoriously har to turn, and practically requires two fingers.

On the other hand, it it probably my favorite viewfinder information layout. Unlike the LED nikons I have, the MX has 5 LEDs, not two or three. This extra information gives me a bit more accuracy. The only part that blocks the image is the transparent shutter speed dial. Rather than overwhelming with an entire long list of shutter speeds like say the LX, I see the selected shutter speed, always in the same place, and one higher and one lower.

GRHazelton · Jul 27, 2019

I own three MXs. My first, bought second hand, worked wonderfully for perhaps 15 years, then developed the battery drain syndrome. An Atlanta area shop tried to fix the problem; despite telling them to keep the camera for a month or so since the cells drained typically within a month, they declared it fixed and returned it within;;;three weeks. Still the drain. Another MX is essentially a beater/parts camera. The Sleek Black Beauty MX also has the d****d problem. I should send all three to Eric, with the beater as a gift to replenish his store of spare parts. That screed delivered, I very much enjoy using the MX. Wonderful viewfinder, excellent meter/display, etc. With the winder and a fast 50 is is an excellent street shooter.

Theo Sulphate · Jul 27, 2019

abruzzi said:
... On the other hand, it it probably my favorite viewfinder information layout. ...

It is a very clever uncluttered layout. For the viewfinder alone I want to get an MX.

GRHazelton · Jul 27, 2019

mgb74 said:
I have one with a meter that isn't working. I've been told it's a common issue with the MX. Have been using it without the meter. So small and light with a 28mm, 35mm, or 50mm prime that I use with a wrist strap.

Apropos of the meter problem: Some have "fixed" their MX by checking the leaf switch which controls the meter. If you remove the base plate you can see the switch; put a digital VOM across the contacts. Partially depressing the shutter should close the circuit, otherwise it should be open. Sadly my two "good" MXs both passed the test.
There are a couple threads on Pentaxforums.com which may be useful, including a circuit diagram. The leaf switch I mentioned above is the main switch, if the cells drain even with switch open the problem is elsewhere. This link https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums...5-location-mx-flash-contacts.html#post3497156 deals with flash sync, but it does give some idea of other possible problem areas. I suspect rapid cell drain is caused by a " "slow leak" to ground, but where??

Sirius Glass · Jul 27, 2019

I always thought that the Honeywell-Pentax cameras were well make and would stand up for good use.

GRHazelton · Jul 27, 2019

markbau said:
After a few years with my first proper camera, K 1000, I purchased an MX not long after they came out. Compared to the K 1000 my MX was a bit of a dud. It had a battery drain in the light meter circuit that Pentax twice tried to fix and never did. This was a blessing in disguise as it made me buy a hand held light meter which was the best thing I ever did. The film advance lever broke twice and after I purchased a 300mm the bit where the lens attached pulled away from the body. I also had trouble with the tripod mount screw, it came out of the camera body. After the K1000 which was built like a tank, the MX seemed like a tinny little toy. I then purchased another K 1000 but this was an “SE” which was not as well made as my original K 1000. Oh I forgot, the plastic things where you inserted the film leader was a joke compared to the solid grove/lip on the K 1000.

I also have a K1000. If you like its size, watch for a KX. It is what I feel the K1000 should have been. The KX is the same size as the K1000 but to me it feels more solid. The KX has depth of field preview, mirror lockup, a switch for the meter, center weighted metering, display of shutter speed and aperture in the viewfinder. IMHO all it lacks is a winder to approach perfection. See this link: https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-kx.html I scored my KX with a 50mm f1.4 for about $120, plus shipping. Both camera and lens in excellent - condition. An odd design "flaw" is that the rapid wind lever when offset turns on the meter, not too good for left eyed users. The KX along with its stable mates gave way to the ME, MX, and the LX. KXs are not commonly found, but worth looking for.
K1000 prices have been inflated by well-meaning photo instructors who 'push" them as ideal student cameras, while there are a number of other possibilities. I've seen K1000s with the standard f2 offered for $150 and up. Too much. You'd think that with the K1000's long production run that prices would be lower.

runswithsizzers · Jul 27, 2019

After not using them for about 8-9 years, both are now loaded with film and getting some use. One got a little balky, but after Eric Hendrickson's CLA, I believe it is now working OK (I need to develop that roll to be sure). That one was bought used in 1993 and carried 3500 miles in the saddlebag of a bicycle (no prolems on that 3 month trip). The other one was a more recent aquisition (2004), and has never given me any problems.

The Gossen Pilot 2 is mostly an age-appropriate prop for this photo. I do occasionally check an incident reading with the Gossen in tricky lighting situatons, but mostly I rely on the Pentax built-in meters with good results.

CMoore · Jul 27, 2019

Interesting. Thanks for all of the replies.
I did not realize the MX had a history of battery drain.
Too bad..... it sounds like a fine camera otherwise.
I realize the LX was their "professional" camera. But i remember quite a few guys i hung out with talking about how much they liked their MX.
So i thought i would ask about them here.
Thanks Again

cuthbert · Jul 27, 2019

CMoore said:
Interesting. Thanks for all of the replies.
I did not realize the MX had a history of battery drain.
Too bad..... it sounds like a fine camera otherwise.
I realize the LX was their "professional" camera. But i remember quite a few guys i hung out with talking about how much they liked their MX.
So i thought i would ask about them here.
Thanks Again

I am an hardcore Pentaxian and I have a MX, but to be honest I find it somewhat lightly built, I never had battery issues with mine but it's clearly not as robust as a K series, in particular the brass top is very thin and easy to be damaged.

That's the tradeoff of having a miniaturised camera if you want a small SLR it's probably one of the tiniest you can find, it was specifically designed (and advertised) to be smaller than a Leica M4 and an Olympus OM2, but the LX for instance is miles ahead and just slightly bigger. The KX is somewhat similar but it doesn't have the LEDs, it's a chunky and sturdy camera. The Super A is completely electronic, slightly bigger but feels more substantial.

GRHazelton said:
I also have a K1000. If you like its size, watch for a KX. It is what I feel the K1000 should have been. The KX is the same size as the K1000 but to me it feels more solid. The KX has depth of field preview, mirror lockup, a switch for the meter, center weighted metering, display of shutter speed and aperture in the viewfinder. IMHO all it lacks is a winder to approach perfection. See this link: https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-kx.html I scored my KX with a 50mm f1.4 for about $120, plus shipping. Both camera and lens in excellent - condition. An odd design "flaw" is that the rapid wind lever when offset turns on the meter, not too good for left eyed users. The KX along with its stable mates gave way to the ME, MX, and the LX. KXs are not commonly found, but worth looking for.
K1000 prices have been inflated by well-meaning photo instructors who 'push" them as ideal student cameras, while there are a number of other possibilities. I've seen K1000s with the standard f2 offered for $150 and up. Too much. You'd think that with the K1000's long production run that prices would be lower.

This is an unfair comparison as the K1000 was meant to be the cheapest camera of the K series, while the KX the top end "non electronic" (so K2 and K2DMD notwithstanding), it was a simplified KM without self timer.

These are my five Kings, of course the more you spent the more camera you got, the K2DMD is definitely the best Pentax ever made not including the LX.

Paul Howell · Jul 27, 2019

I understand that the MX was the pro level body until the release of the LX. Never owned a MX, did consider it when I was thinking about trading in my F2 for an LX and a MX as a second body. I liked the size and wt of both, but a deal on the F3 and the cost of replacing my Nikon lens set kept me with Nikon.

narsuitus · Jul 27, 2019

CMoore said:
Any of you Guys/Gals want to talk about your experience with the Pentax MX.?
Was it the main 35mm SLR for any of you.....any of you make your living with the MX.?

Never used the Pentax MX but did use the Pentax ME. It was my backup camera for my Leica M6 rangefinder.

Small 35mm film Cameras by Narsuitus, on Flickr

Theo Sulphate · Jul 27, 2019

Paul Howell said:
I understand that the MX was the pro level body until the release of the LX ...

Not the MX - the K2 or K2DMD, which have better specs and robustness.

CMoore · Jul 27, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
Not the MX - the K2 or K2DMD, which have better specs and robustness.

I had never known of the DMD before.....very nice camera.
Nikon, sort of, beat everybody to the punch to become THE "Professional SLR"
But you can see how all these major Japanese camera companies had the ability to be "Number One"

GRHazelton · Jul 27, 2019

narsuitus said:
Never used the Pentax MX but did use the Pentax ME. It was my backup camera for my Leica M6 rangefinder.

Small 35mm film Cameras by Narsuitus, on Flickr

If you still need a backup, try the ME Super. Same nice handling and winder, but with manual shutter speed selection, if you want it. And what a viewfinder!

Huss · Jul 28, 2019

I really like my MX, but I think the shutter speed dial is unnecessarily stiff to turn. I use a Buttergrip on mine, which I highly recommend. Super light weight, very comfy and cheeeeeeeap!

CMoore · Jul 28, 2019

Huss said:
I really like my MX, but I think the shutter speed dial is unnecessarily stiff to turn. I use a Buttergrip on mine, which I highly recommend. Super light weight, very comfy and cheeeeeeeap!

What is it.?

Huss · Jul 28, 2019

CMoore said:
What is it.?

https://www.cameradactyl.com/butter...srj-xj938-9pllt-7sygc-ylabb-66tst-pwg4x-5hd3d

MFstooges · Jul 28, 2019

I was looking for better viewfinder experience due to old eyes and narrow it between OMs and MX until i watch a youtube video where they put MX VF layout. I looove how they arrange the info display. I also didn't know they have battery drain issue. Sigh....

CMoore · Jul 28, 2019

Huss said:
https://www.cameradactyl.com/butter...srj-xj938-9pllt-7sygc-ylabb-66tst-pwg4x-5hd3d

Oh.....OK.
I thought it was something that assisted with the hard to turn shutter speed dial.
I see it is a camera grip. Nicely made, i am kind of surprised they did not offer them for More/Other cameras.

I was amazed when i switched from a Canon AE1 to the Canon AE1-P. The P model added that rather small, grip at the battery door. It is incredible what a Big difference that Small piece made.

Pentax MX

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