[Blooze]

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Were there any aftermarket grips made for the MX? I don't have use for the motordrive w/grip and was wondering if there was ever one made with just a plate for the bottom and the grip?

[hks_kansei]

Not a genuine Pentax one AFAIK.

But I have found these sort in my googlings.

PENTAX MX ,HANDMADE GRIP – RED | Mobilecity X HORUSBENNU Camera Accessory

It looks like it's exactly what you want (not sure on where to buy them though)

edit:
here's one of ebay for an ME.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pentax-Exclusive-Grip-Pentax-ME-ME-super-Hand-Cra...item1e84c55923

[ChrisPlatt]

I bought one of those in black. Though the camera handles nicely with it,
it makes it difficult to operate DOF preview lever, though not impossible.

Chris

[TomB_tx]

As Chris mentions, the design of the MX (and all cameras of that era) was not intended for a grip, and the controls and handling are actually better without it. Cameras then basically expected the "Leica steady hold" method where the left palm under the camera body was the main steady support, while the left fingers focused and set aperture. That left the right hand more free to trip the shutter gently and advance film. The LX had provision to attach a grip in the modern style, and while I have a grip for my LX I don't use it, as I think the camera handles better without it.

[monochrome]

As Chris mentions, the design of the MX (and all cameras of that era) was not intended for a grip, and the controls and handling are actually better without it. Cameras then basically expected the "Leica steady hold" method where the left palm under the camera body was the main steady support, while the left fingers focused and set aperture. That left the right hand more free to trip the shutter gently and advance film. The LX had provision to attach a grip in the modern style, and while I have a grip for my LX I don't use it, as I think the camera handles better without it.

Wow - learn something every day. I never knew trhat was called the Leica steady grip - just that was how we were taught to hold a Spottie in 1969. Modern grip or not I still hold a camera left palm under because I often use MF lenses with aperture rings. It just seems easier to grip the camera the same way all the time and leaves my thumb free for wheels and buttons.

I guess it's a Double-Steady Hold

[TomB_tx]

That holding method was ideal for Leica because it located the left hand away from the rangefinder window. If the left hand were to go around the top of the focus ring it blocks your view. It's always fun to let an SLR user try a Leica as they always grab the lens in a way that blocks their view, and they hand the camera back disgusted.

Leica habits also came from available light shooting when lenses were f3.5 to 2.0, and film speeds were in the 10-100 ASA range; so a steady hold was needed for slow shutter speeds.

[monochrome]

That holding method was ideal for Leica because it located the left hand away from the rangefinder window. If the left hand were to go around the top of the focus ring it blocks your view. It's always fun to let an SLR user try a Leica as they always grab the lens in a way that blocks their view, and they hand the camera back disgusted.

Leica habits also came from available light shooting when lenses were f3.5 to 2.0, and film speeds were in the 10-100 ASA range; so a steady hold was needed for slow shutter speeds.

Thanks - if my XA is a poor man's Leica then I've inadvertently avoided self-disgust.

[Blooze]

Thanks for the links. I've used the "Leica" hold on my MX for the last 30+ years, but I've found the grip that's built into some of the DSLR's I've used to be nice and always wondered what it might be like on the MX. I hardly ever use the DOF lever on my MX.

[tim60]

I almost always used my MX in the ever-ready case - which gave a bigger thing to grip with a small edge at the front near the edge, being a little 'grip'. I used the DOF lever an average of about once a year, but it was useful to have it.

[ChrisPlatt]

A half-case, or the part of an eveready case attached to the camera really helps,
especially with smaller camera bodies.
Good luck finding either one (in decent condition) for a Pentax MX though.

BTW I am always surprised how many SLR users say they never use DOF preview.
I guess Pentax market research was accurate when they began deleting the feature
around the time of the ME/K1000/ME Super etc.

Chris

[dngr]

I have the motor grip on my MX, but I never actually use it for its intended purpose. Why, you may ask? I find the MX to be really small in my hands, and thus I have a hard time holding on to it, hence the grip. I left the batteries in too, but switched them around as the added heft gives me more control.

[TomB_tx]

A half-case, or the part of an eveready case attached to the camera really helps,
especially with smaller camera bodies.
Good luck finding either one (in decent condition) for a Pentax MX though.

There is a new half-case for the MX available on eBay. I have one of these, and it is very nice:
Genuine Real Leather Bag Case Cover for Pentax MX Camera Handmade Article | eBay

[stevebrot]

There is a new half-case for the MX available on eBay. I have one of these, and it is very nice:
Genuine Real Leather Bag Case Cover for Pentax MX Camera Handmade Article | eBay

Mr. Zhou (who made my Canon P half-case) also used to sell a MX version. I don't see a current listing on his eBay store, but it might be worth making an inquiry. He molds properly placed "bumps" onto case.

jiozhou on eBay


Steve

[TomB_tx]

Zhou cases are very good. I have 5 of them on different cameras, but hadn't seen one of his for the MX. The one I linked to is comparable quality to Zhou.

[ChrisPlatt]

I too highly recommend the Winder MX. IMO it really improves the small cameras handling.
If you choose one of these make sure the plastic battery compartment screw isn't stripped.

Chris