LX Serial Numbers

[baltochef920]

On more than one occasion I have read a seller's assertion that the LX that they were selling was of a serial number that was less likely to have the sticky mirror syndrome..

As I recall these are supposedly late model LX's near the end of the production run..

Can any member educate me as to the serial number range to look for if one is contemplating the purchase of a used Pentax LX body??..

Thank you,

Bruce

[ChrisPlatt]

There are a few minor differences between early and late LX bodies but I don't recall reading that the mirror box was ever redesigned.
Later serial numbers will likely fail later, but by now virtually all LX bodies are candidates for the required mirror box rebuild job.
Unless seller provides evidence that this service was recently performed, you should buy anticipating that it will be necessary.

Chris

[Jimfear]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I remember that the serial should start with 53 instead of 52 to get a later model. You can also see it on the MLU/DOFP/self timer button that is often quite worn on later models.

//jim

[Tom S.]

Maybe this will help - or maybe it will add to the confusion.


From Bodjidar Dimitrov's excellent website:

"During its long production rung, the Pentax LX was updated at least three times. The latest camera revision has three visible differences compared to the earliest: there are two white points missing on the front of the first shutter curtain; pressing the button that releases the viewfinder causes the light meter to turn on, and the shutter-lock switch features a new design. Severals attempts to gather information about camera serial numbers and design variations have failed due to inconclusive data."

LX*(late*version)

[ChrisPlatt]

Also from that linked page on the authoritative B.Dimitrov website:

"Contrarary [sic] to expectations, with increasing age even the newest-design LX bodies develop the 'sticky-mirror syndrome'."

Chris