MOM, Look what they've done to my LX!

Andi Lo · 04-22-2009, 09:26 PM

Wow, I've been lusting the olympus look for some time now and Pentax gave me exatcly just that.... Good job pentax

Although I'm not likely to get this over a K20D though, if you consider the potential price ^^; Oh well, my K100D will still work after this camera is released... right?

CSoars · 04-22-2009, 09:45 PM

Originally posted by MSM

@Steve (and others): I am new to Pentax and have never used any film SLR's let alone the LX. I was just curious what attributes of the LX make it so endearing to so many long-time Pentaxians. I have seen several different threads where posters say they wish this next camera is a modern digital LX. Others (MX, KX) are mentioned but it seems that the LX is more revered? Anyone care to give some insight/history? Thanks...

The LX was Pentax's first true 'balls out' fully professional SLR, made to compete with the revered Nikon F3 and Canon F1. It had a rugged alloy body with sealed controls, durable, electronic/mechanical hybrid shutter, 4-1/2000th second speeds plus the auto-exposure which goes into the minutes with the off-the-film metering. TTL flash was integrated into the IDM meter.

In addition, it was a complete system, with changeable focusing screens, viewfinders, accessory grips, winders, motor drives (0.5 to 5 fps), battery packs, remote control units for interval shooting, etc.

Pentax had never attempted such professional body before (K2 and MX sort of close), and nothing since the LX has come close to realizing the dreams of a truly competitive, supported professional system.

It's not the holy grail, lacking an AE-lock button, the EV comp wheel has a lock, and dedicated flash locks sync@ 1/60th or so, which means no slow-sync without some extra hardware, and fill flash is hit and miss (scene must meter at least 1 stop below sync, no matter how backlit your subject). But at the time it was revolutionary.

vitalsax · 04-22-2009, 11:18 PM

gazonk · 04-23-2009, 12:49 AM

Originally posted by CSoars

plus the auto-exposure which goes into the minutes with the off-the-film metering.

It's also worth mentioning that the sensitivity of that metering makes today's digital cameras look really stupid. The metering range goes all the way down to -6.5! I don't think any of today's DSLRS, even the pro ones, go below 0.

artobest · 04-23-2009, 04:12 AM

The way I see it, AE lock makes no sense on a camera with off-the-film metering. The EV compensation lock button is not a problem for anyone with three or more fingers on their left hand. And who cares about flash?

More important is that the LX was hands-down the prettiest camera ever made!

vinzer · 04-23-2009, 07:26 AM

Originally posted by MSM

@Steve (and others): I am new to Pentax and have never used any film SLR's let alone the LX. I was just curious what attributes of the LX make it so endearing to so many long-time Pentaxians. I have seen several different threads where posters say they wish this next camera is a modern digital LX. Others (MX, KX) are mentioned but it seems that the LX is more revered? Anyone care to give some insight/history? Thanks...

Originally posted by CSoars

The LX was Pentax's first true 'balls out' fully professional SLR, made to compete with the revered Nikon F3 and Canon F1. It had a rugged alloy body with sealed controls, durable, electronic/mechanical hybrid shutter, 4-1/2000th second speeds plus the auto-exposure which goes into the minutes with the off-the-film metering. TTL flash was integrated into the IDM meter.

In addition, it was a complete system, with changeable focusing screens, viewfinders, accessory grips, winders, motor drives (0.5 to 5 fps), battery packs, remote control units for interval shooting, etc.

Pentax had never attempted such professional body before (K2 and MX sort of close), and nothing since the LX has come close to realizing the dreams of a truly competitive, supported professional system.

It's not the holy grail, lacking an AE-lock button, the EV comp wheel has a lock, and dedicated flash locks sync@ 1/60th or so, which means no slow-sync without some extra hardware, and fill flash is hit and miss (scene must meter at least 1 stop below sync, no matter how backlit your subject). But at the time it was revolutionary.

CSoars has covered it pretty much. The allure of the LX (at least for me) was that it's a fully-professional body in a relatively light package. I wasn't around yet when the LX was first marketed, but I'm glad to be able to source one for myself recently. More amazing is how the metering system is still spot-on after all these years.

digitalphil · 04-23-2009, 08:27 AM

I've been thinking that if the LX is the inspiration, then it wouldn't be outa line to assume that the prism comes right off. That would explain the dramatic change in the prism/flash/viewfinder component. That would be too cool!

**RuiC** · 04-23-2009, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by RBellavance

Oh no, RuiC has been possessed by the spirit of WendyB

WOW... Put that away... vade retro tormented soul

.

**RuiC** · 04-23-2009, 02:48 PM

Originally posted by vitalsax

It's simply the most thoughtful camera ever built.

Rui

**RuiC** · 04-23-2009, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by pop4

Must.
Not.
Speculate.

Ah, what the heck. 8fps?

I said 8 frames, not fps.

Rui

MSM · 04-23-2009, 08:44 PM

@Csoars et. al : Thanks for the history. I can see why everyone is so excited or at least hopeful for the next Pentax model. Hope Pentax can deliver.

So far, my K10d has done just fine. Though, I do feel like I am becoming a more complete Pentaxian as I now hear myself saying I wish the metering and autofocus was updated.

@vitalsax: thanks for the photo! It is nice to actually see the LX.

Ratmagiclady · 04-24-2009, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by digitalphil

I've been thinking that if the LX is the inspiration, then it wouldn't be outa line to assume that the prism comes right off. That would explain the dramatic change in the prism/flash/viewfinder component. That would be too cool!

I honestly wouldn't necessarily expect *that:* I think this almost certainly houses this new magnified prism design we've seen the patents for. It does look like the interchangeable finder concept has been pretty much dropped by the industry: too expensive, (lots of additional precision parts) and a lot of what you can do with them could be supplanted by Live View combined with electronics.

**Canada_Rockies** · 04-24-2009, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by MSM

@Steve (and others): I am new to Pentax and have never used any film SLR's let alone the LX. I was just curious what attributes of the LX make it so endearing to so many long-time Pentaxians. I have seen several different threads where posters say they wish this next camera is a modern digital LX. Others (MX, KX) are mentioned but it seems that the LX is more revered? Anyone care to give some insight/history? Thanks...

The LX was equipped with dust proofing
The shutter would automatically work to 2 minute exposures
It was built like a tank
It had interchangeable viewfinders
Every speed from 1/75 (flash sync) up worked without batteries
The viewfinders were beyond excellent
5 fps motor drive available
2 fps winder available
250 exposure magazine available
Strap lugs allowed for either top or left side straps
Exchangeable grips, including a wooden one you could carve to taste
Pentax professional was there for you (a la Nikon and Canon)

Every advert from those days has my drool on it.

The only flaw was "sticky mirror syndrome". I met a former pro (he is now a professional nature painter) and he got two in a row with this. The mirror would go up and stay up. It drove him from Pentax to Nikon.

There was an article in one of the photographic magazines highlighting a pro rodeo shooter who wore two LX's, one with a short zoom, the other a medium zoom, into the arena. He praised the dust proofing as the best in the business at the time.

artobest · 04-24-2009, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

I met a former pro (he is now a professional nature painter) and he got two in a row with this. The mirror would go up and stay up. It drove him from Pentax to Nikon.

With respect, he was a fool! Sticky mirror syndrome is easily fixed, and once fixed, it stays fixed.

**Canada_Rockies** · 04-24-2009, 10:37 AM

Originally posted by artobest

With respect, he was a fool! Sticky mirror syndrome is easily fixed, and once fixed, it stays fixed.

I know that, and you know that, but he seemed to be an impulsive sort of guy. He actually said that he threw the body at a garbage can. Pentax did an immediate replace under their professional service at the time, but the second one did the same thing after a short while. I wish I had been there - he had over a dozen top of the line lenses.

04-22-2009, 11:18 PM	#18
vitalsax Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: U.S. /Miami - Florida. Posts: 208	for those who don't know :)

04-23-2009, 08:27 AM	#22
digitalphil Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Victoria BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 35	What if the prism is removable? I've been thinking that if the LX is the inspiration, then it wouldn't be outa line to assume that the prism comes right off. That would explain the dramatic change in the prism/flash/viewfinder component. That would be too cool!

04-23-2009, 02:45 PM	#23
RuiC Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lisboa - The best destination in Europe Posts: 633 Original Poster	Originally posted by RBellavance Oh no, RuiC has been possessed by the spirit of WendyB WOW... Put that away... vade retro tormented soul.

04-24-2009, 09:55 AM	#28
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by MSM @Steve (and others): I am new to Pentax and have never used any film SLR's let alone the LX. I was just curious what attributes of the LX make it so endearing to so many long-time Pentaxians. I have seen several different threads where posters say they wish this next camera is a modern digital LX. Others (MX, KX) are mentioned but it seems that the LX is more revered? Anyone care to give some insight/history? Thanks... The LX was equipped with dust proofing The shutter would automatically work to 2 minute exposures It was built like a tank It had interchangeable viewfinders Every speed from 1/75 (flash sync) up worked without batteries The viewfinders were beyond excellent 5 fps motor drive available 2 fps winder available 250 exposure magazine available Strap lugs allowed for either top or left side straps Exchangeable grips, including a wooden one you could carve to taste Pentax professional was there for you (a la Nikon and Canon) Every advert from those days has my drool on it. The only flaw was "sticky mirror syndrome". I met a former pro (he is now a professional nature painter) and he got two in a row with this. The mirror would go up and stay up. It drove him from Pentax to Nikon. There was an article in one of the photographic magazines highlighting a pro rodeo shooter who wore two LX's, one with a short zoom, the other a medium zoom, into the arena. He praised the dust proofing as the best in the business at the time.

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04-22-2009, 09:26 PM	#16
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Wow, I've been lusting the olympus look for some time now and Pentax gave me exatcly just that.... Good job pentax Although I'm not likely to get this over a K20D though, if you consider the potential price ^^; Oh well, my K100D will still work after this camera is released... right?

04-22-2009, 09:45 PM	#17
CSoars Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 322	Originally posted by MSM @Steve (and others): I am new to Pentax and have never used any film SLR's let alone the LX. I was just curious what attributes of the LX make it so endearing to so many long-time Pentaxians. I have seen several different threads where posters say they wish this next camera is a modern digital LX. Others (MX, KX) are mentioned but it seems that the LX is more revered? Anyone care to give some insight/history? Thanks... The LX was Pentax's first true 'balls out' fully professional SLR, made to compete with the revered Nikon F3 and Canon F1. It had a rugged alloy body with sealed controls, durable, electronic/mechanical hybrid shutter, 4-1/2000th second speeds plus the auto-exposure which goes into the minutes with the off-the-film metering. TTL flash was integrated into the IDM meter. In addition, it was a complete system, with changeable focusing screens, viewfinders, accessory grips, winders, motor drives (0.5 to 5 fps), battery packs, remote control units for interval shooting, etc. Pentax had never attempted such professional body before (K2 and MX sort of close), and nothing since the LX has come close to realizing the dreams of a truly competitive, supported professional system. It's not the holy grail, lacking an AE-lock button, the EV comp wheel has a lock, and dedicated flash locks sync@ 1/60th or so, which means no slow-sync without some extra hardware, and fill flash is hit and miss (scene must meter at least 1 stop below sync, no matter how backlit your subject). But at the time it was revolutionary.

04-23-2009, 12:49 AM	#19
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by CSoars plus the auto-exposure which goes into the minutes with the off-the-film metering. It's also worth mentioning that the sensitivity of that metering makes today's digital cameras look really stupid. The metering range goes all the way down to -6.5! I don't think any of today's DSLRS, even the pro ones, go below 0.

04-23-2009, 04:12 AM	#20
artobest Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Swansea, Wales Posts: 455	The way I see it, AE lock makes no sense on a camera with off-the-film metering. The EV compensation lock button is not a problem for anyone with three or more fingers on their left hand. And who cares about flash? More important is that the LX was hands-down the prettiest camera ever made!

04-23-2009, 07:26 AM	#21
vinzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philippines Posts: 1,399	Originally posted by MSM @Steve (and others): I am new to Pentax and have never used any film SLR's let alone the LX. I was just curious what attributes of the LX make it so endearing to so many long-time Pentaxians. I have seen several different threads where posters say they wish this next camera is a modern digital LX. Others (MX, KX) are mentioned but it seems that the LX is more revered? Anyone care to give some insight/history? Thanks... Originally posted by CSoars The LX was Pentax's first true 'balls out' fully professional SLR, made to compete with the revered Nikon F3 and Canon F1. It had a rugged alloy body with sealed controls, durable, electronic/mechanical hybrid shutter, 4-1/2000th second speeds plus the auto-exposure which goes into the minutes with the off-the-film metering. TTL flash was integrated into the IDM meter. In addition, it was a complete system, with changeable focusing screens, viewfinders, accessory grips, winders, motor drives (0.5 to 5 fps), battery packs, remote control units for interval shooting, etc. Pentax had never attempted such professional body before (K2 and MX sort of close), and nothing since the LX has come close to realizing the dreams of a truly competitive, supported professional system. It's not the holy grail, lacking an AE-lock button, the EV comp wheel has a lock, and dedicated flash locks sync@ 1/60th or so, which means no slow-sync without some extra hardware, and fill flash is hit and miss (scene must meter at least 1 stop below sync, no matter how backlit your subject). But at the time it was revolutionary. CSoars has covered it pretty much. The allure of the LX (at least for me) was that it's a fully-professional body in a relatively light package. I wasn't around yet when the LX was first marketed, but I'm glad to be able to source one for myself recently. More amazing is how the metering system is still spot-on after all these years.

04-23-2009, 02:48 PM	#24
RuiC Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lisboa - The best destination in Europe Posts: 633 Original Poster	Originally posted by vitalsax It's simply the most thoughtful camera ever built. Rui

04-23-2009, 02:50 PM	#25
RuiC Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lisboa - The best destination in Europe Posts: 633 Original Poster	Originally posted by pop4 Must. Not. Speculate. Ah, what the heck. 8fps? I said 8 frames, not fps. Rui

04-23-2009, 08:44 PM	#26
MSM Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 994	@Csoars et. al : Thanks for the history. I can see why everyone is so excited or at least hopeful for the next Pentax model. Hope Pentax can deliver. So far, my K10d has done just fine. Though, I do feel like I am becoming a more complete Pentaxian as I now hear myself saying I wish the metering and autofocus was updated. @vitalsax: thanks for the photo! It is nice to actually see the LX.

04-24-2009, 08:13 AM	#27
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by digitalphil I've been thinking that if the LX is the inspiration, then it wouldn't be outa line to assume that the prism comes right off. That would explain the dramatic change in the prism/flash/viewfinder component. That would be too cool! I honestly wouldn't necessarily expect that: I think this almost certainly houses this new magnified prism design we've seen the patents for. It does look like the interchangeable finder concept has been pretty much dropped by the industry: too expensive, (lots of additional precision parts) and a lot of what you can do with them could be supplanted by Live View combined with electronics.

04-24-2009, 10:31 AM	#29
artobest Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Swansea, Wales Posts: 455	Originally posted by Canada_Rockies I met a former pro (he is now a professional nature painter) and he got two in a row with this. The mirror would go up and stay up. It drove him from Pentax to Nikon. With respect, he was a fool! Sticky mirror syndrome is easily fixed, and once fixed, it stays fixed.

04-24-2009, 10:37 AM	#30
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by artobest With respect, he was a fool! Sticky mirror syndrome is easily fixed, and once fixed, it stays fixed. I know that, and you know that, but he seemed to be an impulsive sort of guy. He actually said that he threw the body at a garbage can. Pentax did an immediate replace under their professional service at the time, but the second one did the same thing after a short while. I wish I had been there - he had over a dozen top of the line lenses.