K-mount SLR?

**jersey** · 05-04-2023, 12:37 AM

Hi guys, need advice

I was M42 film shooter my whole life with Zenits, Prakticas, Spotmatic etc. Now, with possibility of new (YAY) Pentax K-Mount film camera I am thinking of getting something nice to start testing and building lens setup in K-Mount for my future brand new film SLR

So, question is easy - what Pentax K-Mount camera? Something other then K-1000 (I have Spotmatic and I like to have something else). As for subject it is documentary of a city look (street, but without portraits etc) and train photography. I would prefer old-style camera body, not modern one like PZ. Anything interesting in K-mount film world to look at? Or just grab LX and be happy?

**arnold** · 05-04-2023, 01:54 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jersey

Hi guys, need advice

I was M42 film shooter my whole life with Zenits, Prakticas, Spotmatic etc. Now, with possibility of new (YAY) Pentax K-Mount film camera I am thinking of getting something nice to start testing and building lens setup in K-Mount for my future brand new film SLR

So, question is easy - what Pentax K-Mount camera? Something other then K-1000 (I have Spotmatic and I like to have something else). As for subject it is documentary of a city look (street, but without portraits etc) and train photography. I would prefer old-style camera body, not modern one like PZ. Anything interesting in K-mount film world to look at? Or just grab LX and be happy?

Pentax MX or KX. You can use your M42 lenses with an adaptor.

pschlute · 05-04-2023, 01:55 AM

Originally posted by jersey

Anything interesting in K-mount film world to look at? Or just grab LX and be happy?

Given the age of the film cameras I would advise you keep things simple. MX or ME or Super-A/Super Program. Later cameras like the Z range will have the familiar e-dials and more features.....but more to go wrong too.

**wirrah** · 05-04-2023, 03:12 AM

There were also quite a few other brands sporting PK mounts. Cosina, Ricoh, Chinon and others so a wide field.

**boriscleto** · 05-04-2023, 03:19 AM

MX or KX. KX has a Spotmatic sized body, but more features. MX is the smallest SLR, smaller than Olympus OM by a half mm...

Sadly most Pentax manual SLRs have electronic shutters and are 30 years old or older...The ZX/MZ-M has a plastic mirror gear that will break and metal replacements no longer seem to be available. I have 2 LX bodies that both have electronic issues (battery drain), no longer serviceable (mechanical shutter speeds are limited to 1/75 to 1/2000).

Ricoh made K-mount SLRs, most were electronic, but there are mechanical options (XR-1, KR-5)

Cosina made lots of mechanical SLRs (CT-1 Super is the basis of many rebranded models like the Ricoh KR-5 Super II)

Vivitar was selling mechanical SLRs right up till a few years age (Most were made by Cosina who at one time owned the brand) The last ones were from China.

Chinon CM series camera are mechanical.

artrasa · 05-04-2023, 05:36 AM

Program A is great too if you can live with the push button operation. I like the program mode and how it can do up to 15-second exposures in manual mode. But some might not like using push buttons for shutter speed selection.

kypfer · 05-04-2023, 06:10 AM

My Chinon CE-4 seems totally reliable.
I bought it on a whim when it was advertised locally and no-one else was interested … I've used it for i/r work (no DX window to leak) with a variety of lenses and been happy with the results.
I've no working experience with older Pentax K-mount slr's, all the ones I do have suffer from "sticky-itis".
Good luck

**FozzFoster** · 05-04-2023, 07:55 AM

+1 MX
smallest body, with largest viewfinder ever

**Cerebum** · 05-04-2023, 09:31 AM - **1 Like**

The MX is gorgeous, sadly mine has been a money pit. I had it serviced (£135) when I got it (£45) and it was fine for 18 months but now its capping (£100) so its in the naughty box. MX is fully manual with proper dials as are the KX, KM & K1000. There are lots of ME Supers around, they're pretty good so long as you are happy with the buttons. Program A is good but the Super A is better, once again, the shutter speed is operated by up and down buttons and manual options. I am not mentioning the Pentax automatic cameras because I have little interest. They are great cameras but I know I will want full control at some point. One I do love is my P30. Its a bit plastic and very cheap, it is DX coded but that's not a problem as I have coded canisters, the meter is nice and it is effectively disposable as it costs so little. Worth considering, maybe

**pres589** · 05-04-2023, 09:40 AM

I really like my Ricoh XR7. I also like my Chinon CE-4 and -4s cameras after that. Then I like my MX. In that order. I own a Super Program and I have yet to bother messing with it; the user interface seems awful. I only got it to shoot with a DA 40 XS, which in retrospect is an odd thing to do with my money, and I should sell all of that stuff.

mickey · 05-04-2023, 10:00 AM

KX or K2 are excellent choices.
MX a kind of smaller KX in a way.
Exacty two weeks ago I bought a LX. What a camera.

garywakeling · 05-04-2023, 11:33 AM

LX is wonderful, MX is great, just find one that you can try before buying and if it is functional just go with it.

**tonyzoc** · 05-04-2023, 01:24 PM

MX or KX. The LX is great but not as reliable and expensive to get repaired if even possible. I say this because today when I set my LX shutter to 1/30th, it took 2-3 seconds to close. The second shot tool about 1-2 secs. On the third shot it finally sounded correct. I may get it looked at by Eric H and see if its repairable...in the mean time I have 3 MX and 2 KX and they just keep working.

BTW...KX fits spotmatic cases. So you can get a full leather case for it allot cheaper than those $60 half cases. If you find an MX case, the plastic will be all crackled.

andrewd · 05-04-2023, 01:44 PM

The KX is excellent but is very similar to the K1000. If you want to try something different I would definitely recommend a late model MX (serial number starting with 4).

I actually prefer the larger size and more solid build of the KX, but the MX viewfinder is vastly superior. I also prefer the simple LED meter interface of the MX. Factor in the cost of a service from a reputable Pentax technician.

To stick your toe in the water cheaply, the Pentax P30T is a great choice for around 25 £/€/$. Despite being plastic it feels surprisingly solid and has a nice viewfinder and meter interface. The T model has labrynth-sealed plastiic back so no deteriorating foam seals to replace.

**boriscleto** · 05-04-2023, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by tonyzoc

MX or KX. The LX is great but not as reliable and expensive to get repaired if even possible. I say this because today when I set my LX shutter to 1/30th, it took 2-3 seconds to close. The second shot tool about 1-2 secs. On the third shot it finally sounded correct. I may get it looked at by Eric H and see if its repairable...in the mean time I have 3 MX and 2 KX and they just keep working.

BTW...KX fits spotmatic cases. So you can get a full leather case for it allot cheaper than those $60 half cases. If you find an MX case, the plastic will be all crackled.

Eric doesn't do LX repairs anymore.

05-04-2023, 12:37 AM	#1
jersey Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 3City agglomeration Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,056	K-mount SLR? Hi guys, need advice I was M42 film shooter my whole life with Zenits, Prakticas, Spotmatic etc. Now, with possibility of new (YAY) Pentax K-Mount film camera I am thinking of getting something nice to start testing and building lens setup in K-Mount for my future brand new film SLR So, question is easy - what Pentax K-Mount camera? Something other then K-1000 (I have Spotmatic and I like to have something else). As for subject it is documentary of a city look (street, but without portraits etc) and train photography. I would prefer old-style camera body, not modern one like PZ. Anything interesting in K-mount film world to look at? Or just grab LX and be happy?

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05-04-2023, 01:54 AM - 1 Like	#2
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,294	Originally posted by jersey Hi guys, need advice I was M42 film shooter my whole life with Zenits, Prakticas, Spotmatic etc. Now, with possibility of new (YAY) Pentax K-Mount film camera I am thinking of getting something nice to start testing and building lens setup in K-Mount for my future brand new film SLR So, question is easy - what Pentax K-Mount camera? Something other then K-1000 (I have Spotmatic and I like to have something else). As for subject it is documentary of a city look (street, but without portraits etc) and train photography. I would prefer old-style camera body, not modern one like PZ. Anything interesting in K-mount film world to look at? Or just grab LX and be happy? Pentax MX or KX. You can use your M42 lenses with an adaptor.

05-04-2023, 01:55 AM	#3
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by jersey Anything interesting in K-mount film world to look at? Or just grab LX and be happy? Given the age of the film cameras I would advise you keep things simple. MX or ME or Super-A/Super Program. Later cameras like the Z range will have the familiar e-dials and more features.....but more to go wrong too.

05-04-2023, 03:12 AM	#4
wirrah Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lower Hunter, NSW Photos: Gallery Posts: 527	There were also quite a few other brands sporting PK mounts. Cosina, Ricoh, Chinon and others so a wide field.

05-04-2023, 03:19 AM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	MX or KX. KX has a Spotmatic sized body, but more features. MX is the smallest SLR, smaller than Olympus OM by a half mm... Sadly most Pentax manual SLRs have electronic shutters and are 30 years old or older...The ZX/MZ-M has a plastic mirror gear that will break and metal replacements no longer seem to be available. I have 2 LX bodies that both have electronic issues (battery drain), no longer serviceable (mechanical shutter speeds are limited to 1/75 to 1/2000). Ricoh made K-mount SLRs, most were electronic, but there are mechanical options (XR-1, KR-5) Cosina made lots of mechanical SLRs (CT-1 Super is the basis of many rebranded models like the Ricoh KR-5 Super II) Vivitar was selling mechanical SLRs right up till a few years age (Most were made by Cosina who at one time owned the brand) The last ones were from China. Chinon CM series camera are mechanical.

05-04-2023, 05:36 AM	#6
artrasa Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 185	Program A is great too if you can live with the push button operation. I like the program mode and how it can do up to 15-second exposures in manual mode. But some might not like using push buttons for shutter speed selection.

05-04-2023, 06:10 AM	#7
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,594	My Chinon CE-4 seems totally reliable. I bought it on a whim when it was advertised locally and no-one else was interested … I've used it for i/r work (no DX window to leak) with a variety of lenses and been happy with the results. I've no working experience with older Pentax K-mount slr's, all the ones I do have suffer from "sticky-itis". Good luck

05-04-2023, 07:55 AM	#8
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	+1 MX smallest body, with largest viewfinder ever

05-04-2023, 09:31 AM - 1 Like	#9
Cerebum Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lancaster Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,828	The MX is gorgeous, sadly mine has been a money pit. I had it serviced (£135) when I got it (£45) and it was fine for 18 months but now its capping (£100) so its in the naughty box. MX is fully manual with proper dials as are the KX, KM & K1000. There are lots of ME Supers around, they're pretty good so long as you are happy with the buttons. Program A is good but the Super A is better, once again, the shutter speed is operated by up and down buttons and manual options. I am not mentioning the Pentax automatic cameras because I have little interest. They are great cameras but I know I will want full control at some point. One I do love is my P30. Its a bit plastic and very cheap, it is DX coded but that's not a problem as I have coded canisters, the meter is nice and it is effectively disposable as it costs so little. Worth considering, maybe

05-04-2023, 09:40 AM	#10
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I really like my Ricoh XR7. I also like my Chinon CE-4 and -4s cameras after that. Then I like my MX. In that order. I own a Super Program and I have yet to bother messing with it; the user interface seems awful. I only got it to shoot with a DA 40 XS, which in retrospect is an odd thing to do with my money, and I should sell all of that stuff.

05-04-2023, 10:00 AM	#11
mickey Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,146	KX or K2 are excellent choices. MX a kind of smaller KX in a way. Exacty two weeks ago I bought a LX. What a camera.

05-04-2023, 11:33 AM	#12
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,759	LX is wonderful, MX is great, just find one that you can try before buying and if it is functional just go with it.

05-04-2023, 01:24 PM	#13
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	MX or KX. The LX is great but not as reliable and expensive to get repaired if even possible. I say this because today when I set my LX shutter to 1/30th, it took 2-3 seconds to close. The second shot tool about 1-2 secs. On the third shot it finally sounded correct. I may get it looked at by Eric H and see if its repairable...in the mean time I have 3 MX and 2 KX and they just keep working. BTW...KX fits spotmatic cases. So you can get a full leather case for it allot cheaper than those $60 half cases. If you find an MX case, the plastic will be all crackled.

05-04-2023, 01:44 PM	#14
andrewd Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 238	The KX is excellent but is very similar to the K1000. If you want to try something different I would definitely recommend a late model MX (serial number starting with 4). I actually prefer the larger size and more solid build of the KX, but the MX viewfinder is vastly superior. I also prefer the simple LED meter interface of the MX. Factor in the cost of a service from a reputable Pentax technician. To stick your toe in the water cheaply, the Pentax P30T is a great choice for around 25 £/€/$. Despite being plastic it feels surprisingly solid and has a nice viewfinder and meter interface. The T model has labrynth-sealed plastiic back so no deteriorating foam seals to replace.

05-04-2023, 02:19 PM	#15
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by tonyzoc MX or KX. The LX is great but not as reliable and expensive to get repaired if even possible. I say this because today when I set my LX shutter to 1/30th, it took 2-3 seconds to close. The second shot tool about 1-2 secs. On the third shot it finally sounded correct. I may get it looked at by Eric H and see if its repairable...in the mean time I have 3 MX and 2 KX and they just keep working. BTW...KX fits spotmatic cases. So you can get a full leather case for it allot cheaper than those $60 half cases. If you find an MX case, the plastic will be all crackled. Eric doesn't do LX repairs anymore.