Originally posted by RKKS08 Your survey has certainly shown you all the differencies between the cameras.
Just to highlight the difference in every day usage:
The MX offers the same concept as the K1000.
Just a lot of additional features, like seeing the exposure time and (at good light) the aperture in the viewfinder, changeable screens for the viewfinder, DOF preview, self timer, the possibility to use a winder, a motor drive, a data back, or a bulk film back (forgot the name of this device).
Motor drive in connection with bulk film compartment and timer (or photo cell trigger) enabled the usage as a surveillance device.
Not to forget: the MX is smaller than the K1000.
I do own a MX, but it does not get much usage. In the 1980s, for a while a ME Super was my only SLR, and I really loved that camera.
Compared with the MX, it misses the DOF preview, the changeable screens, and does not show the aperture in the viewfinder. But it has manual mode AND aperture priority, which comes handy if unexpectedly a subject worth photographing appears. If you are not prepared, the opportunity may be lost with manual mode only.
The ME Super also has a fall back if the batteries are empty or electronics fail to work: in X mode you can still shoot with 1/125 sec exposure time.
Alternative solutions all depend heavily on electronics, and your question seems to indicate you prefer mechanics with minimum automation.
With all cameras of this age, keep in mind CLA may be needed, even if offered as being in perfect working condition. Every model has its known issues, if so old and likely not been in usage for a decade or more. Some faults may only start showing after you used it for 2-3 rolls of film.
WOW, thank you for this... it would be nice to have DOF preview, not that its needed really. I have found a black ME Super that looks fantastic. I honestly love the black bodies of the KX, MX, and LX. Not that I do alot of street photography, but even when trying to shoot the kids, or the wife when she's not looking, it'd be nice to have aperture priority. We also shoot weddings, which I do use a DSLR when doing so. I bring my K1000 to get shots here and there, so AP would be nice to have in those situations as well. If it wren't for the price tag, and the rare parts for an LX, I would totally pull the trigger on one...