Originally posted by Kim Coxon
The KX/MX debate is a very old one. Personally, I prefer the KX. The balance etc is better with the SMC lenses rather than the M series ones. (But if you have mainly M lenses the MX is better). The KX has the mirror lock up and I prefer the twin needle display in the KX. Still think the LX is the best of the 3 though.
Certainly the LX is "up-market" from the others, and its lightmeter is a marvel. If one enjoys automation then that is the way to go. My first camera in 1961 was a Kodak Retinette, and I could quickly set the three variables - Aperture - speed and focus leaving me time to concentrate on the picture. These days, with a K1, I dare not take a shot before I have confirmed a multitude of menu settings which translates into automation getting in the way and slowing me down by demanding my attention.
With the MX, I would set out with an estimated minimum appropriate speed for the light of that day and the aperture that that required. The focus was set to cover the range from about 20 feet to infinity. This meant that I would generally never miss a shot, and if I had a few seconds, I could turn the aperture to fine tune the exposure or adjust the focus. This is perfect for street photography.
I liken this to a fast draw in an old Western, where the target takes precedence over adjusting the gun sights. Besides all this, electronics don't last as long as the rest of the camera, and just expose one to an increased risk of failure, or dependence on batteries. My LX is a near mint example serviced by Erik, but I just don't enjoy it as much as my MX or even my SV.