Originally posted by Uluru
The LX is somehow in Pentax users' minds because, I presume, it was the closest thing to a professional camera ever produced by Pentax. In reality it was a niche product. However, is that body approach indeed the ideal start for a new digital camera?
I doubt it. The LX is almost 25% heavier than the ME Super, and is bigger too. Considering that a modern digital camera is a different product anyway, I think Pentax product designers can borrow from many models of the brand's past and build something new.
I don't disagree but I think it's used as a shortcut for describing an aesthetically attractive, retro design, combined with high end features - rather than something people want carbon copied. It wouldn't have to look exactly like an LX but follow those principles. Whereas an ME Super would be the above but lower specced.
New materials might make it lighter but size and weight are bound to be somewhat higher due to all the digital elements not present in a film camera.
The LX was also innovative with changeable viewfinders and off film exposure. I think people just hark back to when Pentax was perceived as being more at the leading edge.