Originally posted by kb244 You can still shoot without batteries on the LX (unless I incorrectly researched it) as long as you use the mechanical speeds 1/75 - 1/2000s (the other speeds require electronic timing).
But yea, that's one of the reasons when I was looking around that I decided to look for an MX versus say a K2 or ME Super. I didn't like the idea that if the battery died I'd be stuck with something like Bulb and 1/125th. I keep spare Energizer 357s Silver-Oxide batteries in my bag, I know they last nearly forever since it only powers the meter, but there's no warning exactly when they're going to die.
What I would like about the LX (least on paper) is the expanded meter sensitivity (-6.5EV to 20EV versus my MX's 1 - 19EV), the ability to have a waist lever finder, and mirror lockup ability.
I still need to see if I can get a Pentax-M 135/2.8 or similar telephoto prime for my MX so that I cover the telephoto range, right now I have a Pentax-M 28/3.5, Pentax-M 50/1.4, Rokinon 85/1.4, and a Tamron SP Adaptall-II 90mm f/2.8 1:1 Lifesize Macro. I never bothered to look for one because on my digital I adapt my Jupiter-11 Leica Thread Mount 135mm f/4 lens that's sharp as a tack wide open (and is a 270mm equivalent due to the 2.0x crop factor). Once I get my Industar-61LD LTM 55mm f/2.8 and Fujinon TV Z 1:1.7/9-108mm f/1.7 lens sold I'll start looking for whichever Pentax 135mm lens resolves best for film (seems the Pentax-A 135/2.8 is good for digital, but not so great for film).
Originally posted by stevebrot The base meter sensitivity is the same on the LX as the MX. What is different is the LX's ability to use the SPD meter as a voltage collector for OTF metering as well as a voltmeter for direct measurement. The LX will deliver an honest -6.5 EV metered exposure in dim light in automatic mode. The trade-off is that you will not know until the film is processed whether the 125s maximum exposure at ISO 100 (32s at ISO 800) was long enough.
Steve
Not sure if this is already said in this long post, so I add it for good measure:
One undocumented feature of the MX (and probably also K1000, but I have no way to check) is that it actually
does have mirror lock up. If you tap the shutter release of the MX it will 'fire' the mirror. The trick is to tap it (as it will make exposure with full press.) Best is to try several times with the camera without film.
The LX had no lower limit to the long exposures in auto mode: you can keep it in auto and the shutter wil stay open until the meter encounters the right exposure (for hours if need be.) Really long exposures are all yours with the LX. As a matter of fact, with a little effort long exposures are all yours with the MX too: you put the camera on Bulb, press the shutter and while still pressed push the exposure lock button to the left. As long as the button is locked the exposure is open. Releasing the button will end exposure... Of course you will have to find some way of metering.