Originally posted by UncleVanya LX is the finest film non-autofocus camera I've ever used period. MX is very nice but the F2 Nikon is better in my opinion. The LX crushes the F2. I owned the F2 and shot the LX a lot when my dad worked for Pentax.
I think we're of a very similar mentality then. I also found the F2 superior to the MX, the LX superior to the F2, and the F3 slightly inferior to the LX but making up for it by being cheaper and taking the Nikkors I already had.
To the OP - If you're buying into a new 35mm system, starting with nothing, you should certainly consider the LX very strongly. Although the MX is well made, the 1\1000 top shutter speed and small size put me off. My pinky was always hanging off! Although this also happens on my Fuji X-E1, that system's lighter weight makes it more acceptable.
In your situation I would look for an inexpensive LX and have it CLA'd by Eric, or perhaps contact him to see if he might have one for sale. I'm sure you'll find the 35mm Pentax (and Ricoh!) lenses excellent, and for travel 35mm is MUCH easier than MF. Lighter, smaller, less chance of making a serious mistake while loading\transporting film, greater availability of film, etc.
A Pentax Spotmatic was my travel (and only) camera while I was learning. It's since been eclipsed, but the small size and high quality of Pentax lenses makes its successors, including the MX and LX, good choices.