Pentax MX's not-so-smooth advance lever

Daveee · 10-08-2021, 04:09 AM

Is it just me that the Pentax MX's advance lever was kinda rough? Some lubrication on the gears helped a lot; but it's still not as smooth as the other cameras.

pschlute · 10-08-2021, 04:35 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Daveee

Is it just me that the Pentax MX's advance lever was kinda rough? Some lubrication on the gears helped a lot; but it's still not as smooth as the other cameras.

My MX has a very smooth frame advance. Possibly yours needs a service.

nickthetasmaniac · 10-08-2021, 04:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Daveee

Is it just me that the Pentax MX's advance lever was kinda rough? Some lubrication on the gears helped a lot; but it's still not as smooth as the other cameras.

I currently have two MX’s, and have owned another three bodies at various points. I’ve also owned/used a lot of 35mm bodies from the same era.

I’d rate the MX advance as middle of the pack. Not as good as an M2, SV, or F2, similar to a SRT101, and much better than an OM1.

The biggest ‘downside’ of the MX advance is the long throw, but it should definitely be smooth. If yours is noticeably rough I’d suggest it isn’t working as it should. Keep in mind that there’s often a lot of sample variation on gear this old.

Which ‘other cameras’ are you talking about?

Benz3ne · 10-08-2021, 05:38 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pschlute

My MX has a very smooth frame advance. Possibly yours needs a service.

Agreed, both of mine are silky smooth.

**DonV** · 10-08-2021, 05:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

The biggest ‘downside’ of the MX advance is the long throw, but it should definitely be smooth.

You can use two shorter strokes, or three; but if it is not smooth it needs attention.

Jonathan Mac · 10-08-2021, 08:00 AM - **1 Like**

Mine are smooth enough but the pressure required at each stage of the stroke is uneven, which makes for a less enjoyable shooting experience. It's a known issue with the MX but doesn't cause any real problems.

Ediz7531 · 10-08-2021, 08:23 AM - **1 Like**

Smoothness is very subjective, but I generally agree that it's not as smooth as other Pentax bodies, such as the SV (the smoothest I've used), and the LX.

**tonyzoc** · 10-08-2021, 11:53 AM - **1 Like**

Also be aware the winding mechanism is different between the early 9###### serials and the later ones. I've seen 3 variation of the winder gears. I have a 9#### series MX that needed winding gear parts and I bought another parts 9#### series and it turns out the winding gears were more like the later version so I couldn't use it. So they might have made the change over while still using the 9##### serials.

andrewd · 10-08-2021, 01:52 PM - **1 Like**

I have one of the later versions (s/N 42xxxx) and the camera has been serviced by a Pentax specialist. I find it wonderfully smooth. Not as nice as my LX but nicer than my KX (both also serviced).

Daveee · 10-08-2021, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

I currently have two MX’s, and have owned another three bodies at various points. I’ve also owned/used a lot of 35mm bodies from the same era.

I’d rate the MX advance as middle of the pack. Not as good as an M2, SV, or F2, similar to a SRT101, and much better than an OM1.

The biggest ‘downside’ of the MX advance is the long throw, but it should definitely be smooth. If yours is noticeably rough I’d suggest it isn’t working as it should. Keep in mind that there’s often a lot of sample variation on gear this old.

Which ‘other cameras’ are you talking about?

I tried a Minolta Hi-Matic 7s which belongs to my friend. It's known for having super long throw (about 270 degrees) but it's buttery smooth compared to my MX.

---------- Post added 10-08-21 at 05:59 PM ----------

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Mine are smooth enough but the pressure required at each stage of the stroke is uneven, which makes for a less enjoyable shooting experience. It's a known issue with the MX but doesn't cause any real problems.

This basically summarized my experience with the advance lever. It's not super rough to advance or it feels broken or something. But it definitely feels very uneven and a bit sticky which is very unsatisfying to advance.

---------- Post added 10-08-21 at 06:03 PM ----------

Originally posted by tonyzoc

Also be aware the winding mechanism is different between the early 9###### serials and the later ones. I've seen 3 variation of the winder gears. I have a 9#### series MX that needed winding gear parts and I bought another parts 9#### series and it turns out the winding gears were more like the later version so I couldn't use it. So they might have made the change over while still using the 9##### serials.

Interesting. Mine was a s/n 42XXXX copy.

---------- Post added 10-08-21 at 06:11 PM ----------

Thank you for all the comments; I really appreciate it. The Pentax MX was indeed an excellent camera and I really loved it. I also posted a review yesterday!

nickthetasmaniac · 10-08-2021, 10:06 PM

Originally posted by Daveee

This basically summarized my experience with the advance lever. It's not super rough to advance or it feels broken or something. But it definitely feels very uneven and a bit sticky which is very unsatisfying to advance.

It shouldn’t feel uneven or sticky if working correctly.

andrewd · 10-08-2021, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

It shouldn’t feel uneven or sticky if working correctly.

I agree. My MX is the same serial number range as OP’s and does not feel uneven or sticky. The problem with OPs camera could be due to lack of service or serviced incorrectly (wrong lubricants used).

The cost of a service by a Pentax specialist will be as much or more than paid for the camera, but this expenditure is justified in my opinion.

filmmaster · 11-23-2021, 06:19 PM

All winding levers are different,,,,

I just got an MX, serial number in the 9.1 to 9.2 mil range, and its feels odd. But i am a canon Ftb n user who wants something lighter.. and the throw is different on both of my current canons and from others i have sampled

LesDMess · 11-23-2021, 09:44 PM

Originally posted by Daveee

I tried a Minolta Hi-Matic 7s which belongs to my friend. It's known for having super long throw (about 270 degrees) but it's buttery smooth compared to my MX.

You cannot compare a rangefinder to an SLR as obviously the film advance of an SLR involves more parts like the mirror system. Have you compared it to other manual SLRs? But of course comparing it to other cameras doesn't take into account the condition of either.

Both of mine are smooth through the full stroke.

stevebrot · 11-23-2021, 09:57 PM

Originally posted by Daveee

This basically summarized my experience with the advance lever. It's not super rough to advance or it feels broken or something. But it definitely feels very uneven and a bit sticky which is very unsatisfying to advance.

A service shop should be able to fix that for you, possibly just by polishing the gears. As noted above, the MX has pervasive reputation for rough film transport.

Steve

10-08-2021, 04:09 AM	#1
Daveee New Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 2	Pentax MX's not-so-smooth advance lever Is it just me that the Pentax MX's advance lever was kinda rough? Some lubrication on the gears helped a lot; but it's still not as smooth as the other cameras.

10-08-2021, 05:53 PM	#10
Daveee New Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac I currently have two MX’s, and have owned another three bodies at various points. I’ve also owned/used a lot of 35mm bodies from the same era. I’d rate the MX advance as middle of the pack. Not as good as an M2, SV, or F2, similar to a SRT101, and much better than an OM1. The biggest ‘downside’ of the MX advance is the long throw, but it should definitely be smooth. If yours is noticeably rough I’d suggest it isn’t working as it should. Keep in mind that there’s often a lot of sample variation on gear this old. Which ‘other cameras’ are you talking about? I tried a Minolta Hi-Matic 7s which belongs to my friend. It's known for having super long throw (about 270 degrees) but it's buttery smooth compared to my MX. ---------- Post added 10-08-21 at 05:59 PM ---------- Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Mine are smooth enough but the pressure required at each stage of the stroke is uneven, which makes for a less enjoyable shooting experience. It's a known issue with the MX but doesn't cause any real problems. This basically summarized my experience with the advance lever. It's not super rough to advance or it feels broken or something. But it definitely feels very uneven and a bit sticky which is very unsatisfying to advance. ---------- Post added 10-08-21 at 06:03 PM ---------- Originally posted by tonyzoc Also be aware the winding mechanism is different between the early 9###### serials and the later ones. I've seen 3 variation of the winder gears. I have a 9#### series MX that needed winding gear parts and I bought another parts 9#### series and it turns out the winding gears were more like the later version so I couldn't use it. So they might have made the change over while still using the 9##### serials. Interesting. Mine was a s/n 42XXXX copy. ---------- Post added 10-08-21 at 06:11 PM ---------- Thank you for all the comments; I really appreciate it. The Pentax MX was indeed an excellent camera and I really loved it. I also posted a review yesterday! Last edited by Daveee; 10-08-2021 at 06:06 PM.

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10-08-2021, 04:35 AM - 1 Like	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,204	Originally posted by Daveee Is it just me that the Pentax MX's advance lever was kinda rough? Some lubrication on the gears helped a lot; but it's still not as smooth as the other cameras. My MX has a very smooth frame advance. Possibly yours needs a service.

10-08-2021, 04:59 AM - 1 Like	#3
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by Daveee Is it just me that the Pentax MX's advance lever was kinda rough? Some lubrication on the gears helped a lot; but it's still not as smooth as the other cameras. I currently have two MX’s, and have owned another three bodies at various points. I’ve also owned/used a lot of 35mm bodies from the same era. I’d rate the MX advance as middle of the pack. Not as good as an M2, SV, or F2, similar to a SRT101, and much better than an OM1. The biggest ‘downside’ of the MX advance is the long throw, but it should definitely be smooth. If yours is noticeably rough I’d suggest it isn’t working as it should. Keep in mind that there’s often a lot of sample variation on gear this old. Which ‘other cameras’ are you talking about?

10-08-2021, 05:38 AM - 1 Like	#4
Benz3ne Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Cymru Posts: 2,356	Originally posted by pschlute My MX has a very smooth frame advance. Possibly yours needs a service. Agreed, both of mine are silky smooth.

10-08-2021, 05:42 AM - 1 Like	#5
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac The biggest ‘downside’ of the MX advance is the long throw, but it should definitely be smooth. You can use two shorter strokes, or three; but if it is not smooth it needs attention.

10-08-2021, 08:00 AM - 1 Like	#6
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	Mine are smooth enough but the pressure required at each stage of the stroke is uneven, which makes for a less enjoyable shooting experience. It's a known issue with the MX but doesn't cause any real problems.

10-08-2021, 08:23 AM - 1 Like	#7
Ediz7531 Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 155	Smoothness is very subjective, but I generally agree that it's not as smooth as other Pentax bodies, such as the SV (the smoothest I've used), and the LX.

10-08-2021, 11:53 AM - 1 Like	#8
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	Also be aware the winding mechanism is different between the early 9###### serials and the later ones. I've seen 3 variation of the winder gears. I have a 9#### series MX that needed winding gear parts and I bought another parts 9#### series and it turns out the winding gears were more like the later version so I couldn't use it. So they might have made the change over while still using the 9##### serials.

10-08-2021, 01:52 PM - 1 Like	#9
andrewd Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 238	I have one of the later versions (s/N 42xxxx) and the camera has been serviced by a Pentax specialist. I find it wonderfully smooth. Not as nice as my LX but nicer than my KX (both also serviced).

10-08-2021, 10:06 PM	#11
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by Daveee This basically summarized my experience with the advance lever. It's not super rough to advance or it feels broken or something. But it definitely feels very uneven and a bit sticky which is very unsatisfying to advance. It shouldn’t feel uneven or sticky if working correctly.

10-08-2021, 11:57 PM	#12
andrewd Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 238	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac It shouldn’t feel uneven or sticky if working correctly. I agree. My MX is the same serial number range as OP’s and does not feel uneven or sticky. The problem with OPs camera could be due to lack of service or serviced incorrectly (wrong lubricants used). The cost of a service by a Pentax specialist will be as much or more than paid for the camera, but this expenditure is justified in my opinion.

11-23-2021, 06:19 PM	#13
filmmaster Banned Join Date: Nov 2021 Posts: 141	All winding levers are different,,,, I just got an MX, serial number in the 9.1 to 9.2 mil range, and its feels odd. But i am a canon Ftb n user who wants something lighter.. and the throw is different on both of my current canons and from others i have sampled

11-23-2021, 09:44 PM	#14
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Daveee I tried a Minolta Hi-Matic 7s which belongs to my friend. It's known for having super long throw (about 270 degrees) but it's buttery smooth compared to my MX. You cannot compare a rangefinder to an SLR as obviously the film advance of an SLR involves more parts like the mirror system. Have you compared it to other manual SLRs? But of course comparing it to other cameras doesn't take into account the condition of either. Both of mine are smooth through the full stroke.

11-23-2021, 09:57 PM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Daveee This basically summarized my experience with the advance lever. It's not super rough to advance or it feels broken or something. But it definitely feels very uneven and a bit sticky which is very unsatisfying to advance. A service shop should be able to fix that for you, possibly just by polishing the gears. As noted above, the MX has pervasive reputation for rough film transport. Steve