MX Focusing Screens

PGillin · 10-21-2015, 12:35 PM

Recently I had the chance to handle an MX, and really like the size and feel of it. So, I bought an MX and it's in the post, should turn up on Friday. Because it's smaller and lighter than the F2 I've been using, I'm expecting to carry it around more. The only thing that I'm not so enamored with is giving up the grid focusing screen my F2 has. To me the grid is very useful for composition, for measuring perspective distortion (I have a 17mm tamron I use frequently) and for the occasional multiple exposure.
I know that such a focusing screen, the SG-something, exists for pentax, but I'm not entirely clear on the compatibility of MX and LX screens. Are there any besides the SG's that have the grid, and what will be the practical effects of putting an LX screen in an MX?
Also, aside from ebay or the marketplace here, where would be a good place to look for the screen? Is it possible Erick would have/sell one? The MX might very well go out for a CLA in a few month's time anyways.

pete-tarmigan · 10-21-2015, 12:43 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by PGillin

I know that such a focusing screen, the SG-something, exists for pentax, but I'm not entirely clear on the compatibility of MX and LX screens. Are there any besides the SG's that have the grid, and what will be the practical effects of putting an LX screen in an MX?

MX-LX focussing screens are completely interchangeable. This old Marketplace ad reproduces the brochure with all of the available screens for the MX and the LX:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/36-sold-items/32637-sale-sold-pentax-mx-l...se-amp-sg.html

Edit: Oops. Those were the first 8 screens available when the MX came out. It looks like they released 17 screens for the LX, although many of those might be identical to MX screens, except slightly brighter:
http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/misc/focus/screens/

I bought the SG. I couldn't stand the original SC-1 (matte + split + microprism).

Eyewanders · 10-21-2015, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by pete-tarmigan

MX-LX focussing screens are completely interchangeable. This old Marketplace ad reproduces the brochure with all of the available screens for the MX and the LX:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/36-sold-items/32637-sale-sold-pentax-mx-l...se-amp-sg.html

Edit: Oops. Those were the first 8 screens available when the MX came out. It looks like they released 17 screens for the LX, although many of those might be identical to MX screens, except slightly brighter:
Pentax Focusing Screens

I bought the SG. I couldn't stand the original SC-1 (matte + split + microprism).

I'm in the other camp. With the near 1:1 finder of the MX and LX, I very much like the matte/split/micro. Normally with less magnification I don't care for them.

**ChrisPlatt** · 10-21-2015, 05:48 PM

FWIW Eric Hendrickson once told me no meter adjustment is necessary when using an LX screen in the MX.
Apparently any difference in light transmission is negligible.

Chris

pete-tarmigan · 10-22-2015, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by chickentender

I'm in the other camp. With the near 1:1 finder of the MX and LX, I very much like the matte/split/micro. Normally with less magnification I don't care for them.

I had to get away from the split/micro so that I could properly focus my Tamron Adaptall 300mm f5.6. Half of the split image and microprisms go black with such a slow lens. I can see how the split image focussing aid would be useful for macro.

wkraus · 10-22-2015, 07:48 AM

Back in my film days, I used an MX and an LX side by side (also a Super A and later a Z-1p). I put grid screens in all those bodies that offered the possibility (excluding the Super A). I did a lot of architectural shooting with the 28mm shift lens, which is how I got used to them, but came to prefer them over all other options. Although MX screens have the same dimensions as LX ones, I found that using the LX screen in the MX gave me very dark corners, if I recall correctly. Anyway, my conclusion was that it was no good. The reason is that the LX has a very different finder construction with the big lens between screen and pentaprism which the MX does not have. The screens are adapted to that. In a nutshell, the original MX screen is better in the MX.
A French seller has an SG screen on the big auction site right now for an acceptable price.

Xmas · 10-22-2015, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by pete-tarmigan

I had to get away from the split/micro so that I could properly focus my Tamron Adaptall 300mm f5.6. Half of the split image and microprisms go black with such a slow lens. I can see how the split image focussing aid would be useful for macro.

Micro prisms and split images are each optimised for the lens characteristics but both will go dark with slow lenses away from their optimum.

PGillin · 10-26-2015, 10:02 PM

I'm contemplating that certain screen from that certain auction site, but is that really a good price?
Is it just because MX focusing screens are rare?

Eyewanders · 10-26-2015, 10:44 PM

Originally posted by PGillin

I'm contemplating that certain screen from that certain auction site, but is that really a good price?
Is it just because MX focusing screens are rare?

This could start you down a different sort of road... but... I got the screen I wanted by purchasing another MX.

PGillin · 10-27-2015, 12:18 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by chickentender

This could start you down a different sort of road... but... I got the screen I wanted by purchasing another MX.

Well, that's an option as well I suppose, but I'd end up selling one of them pretty quick.
Having too much space and money tied up in gear is no good

After all, part of the reason for getting the MX was that it might convince me to trade off the massive F2.

grimnicholas · 06-22-2023, 04:50 AM

This is an old thread, BUT could an ME screen be made to work with an MX? By a bit of jiggery to make it fit, would it display and meter okay?
I got a cheap MX in rough condition but I’m determined to revive it!

**tonyzoc** · 06-22-2023, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by grimnicholas

This is an old thread, BUT could an ME screen be made to work with an MX? By a bit of jiggery to make it fit, would it display and meter okay?

I got a cheap MX in rough condition but I’m determined to revive it!

I'm guessing, but I doubt it would fit. The MX viewfinder is very different from the ME. LX screens do fit MX, though I think there is a brightness issue of 1/2 stop. I've checked eBay and there are some but at ridiculous prices and $30-$40 shipping! Nuts! I've got a few MX parts bodies and I'm pretty sure I have a few standard screens. DM me an address and I'll send you one.

grimnicholas · 06-22-2023, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by tonyzoc

I'm guessing, but I doubt it would fit. The MX viewfinder is very different from the ME. LX screens do fit MX, though I think there is a brightness issue of 1/2 stop. I've checked eBay and there are some but at ridiculous prices and $30-$40 shipping! Nuts! I've got a few MX parts bodies and I'm pretty sure I have a few standard screens. DM me an address and I'll send you one.

Thats amazing news, thanks!
I was willing to file away the tab on the ME so it might fit into the MX, but not having to do that is probably best

womble · 06-26-2023, 06:19 AM

Useful link...

10-21-2015, 12:35 PM	#1
PGillin Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southern Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 343	MX Focusing Screens Recently I had the chance to handle an MX, and really like the size and feel of it. So, I bought an MX and it's in the post, should turn up on Friday. Because it's smaller and lighter than the F2 I've been using, I'm expecting to carry it around more. The only thing that I'm not so enamored with is giving up the grid focusing screen my F2 has. To me the grid is very useful for composition, for measuring perspective distortion (I have a 17mm tamron I use frequently) and for the occasional multiple exposure. I know that such a focusing screen, the SG-something, exists for pentax, but I'm not entirely clear on the compatibility of MX and LX screens. Are there any besides the SG's that have the grid, and what will be the practical effects of putting an LX screen in an MX? Also, aside from ebay or the marketplace here, where would be a good place to look for the screen? Is it possible Erick would have/sell one? The MX might very well go out for a CLA in a few month's time anyways.

10-21-2015, 12:43 PM - 2 Likes	#2
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Originally posted by PGillin I know that such a focusing screen, the SG-something, exists for pentax, but I'm not entirely clear on the compatibility of MX and LX screens. Are there any besides the SG's that have the grid, and what will be the practical effects of putting an LX screen in an MX? MX-LX focussing screens are completely interchangeable. This old Marketplace ad reproduces the brochure with all of the available screens for the MX and the LX: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/36-sold-items/32637-sale-sold-pentax-mx-l...se-amp-sg.html Edit: Oops. Those were the first 8 screens available when the MX came out. It looks like they released 17 screens for the LX, although many of those might be identical to MX screens, except slightly brighter: http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/misc/focus/screens/ I bought the SG. I couldn't stand the original SC-1 (matte + split + microprism). Last edited by pete-tarmigan; 10-21-2015 at 12:54 PM. Reason: additional info

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10-21-2015, 01:36 PM	#3
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by pete-tarmigan MX-LX focussing screens are completely interchangeable. This old Marketplace ad reproduces the brochure with all of the available screens for the MX and the LX: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/36-sold-items/32637-sale-sold-pentax-mx-l...se-amp-sg.html Edit: Oops. Those were the first 8 screens available when the MX came out. It looks like they released 17 screens for the LX, although many of those might be identical to MX screens, except slightly brighter: Pentax Focusing Screens I bought the SG. I couldn't stand the original SC-1 (matte + split + microprism). I'm in the other camp. With the near 1:1 finder of the MX and LX, I very much like the matte/split/micro. Normally with less magnification I don't care for them.

10-21-2015, 05:48 PM	#4
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	FWIW Eric Hendrickson once told me no meter adjustment is necessary when using an LX screen in the MX. Apparently any difference in light transmission is negligible. Chris

10-22-2015, 06:34 AM	#5
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Originally posted by chickentender I'm in the other camp. With the near 1:1 finder of the MX and LX, I very much like the matte/split/micro. Normally with less magnification I don't care for them. I had to get away from the split/micro so that I could properly focus my Tamron Adaptall 300mm f5.6. Half of the split image and microprisms go black with such a slow lens. I can see how the split image focussing aid would be useful for macro.

10-22-2015, 07:48 AM	#6
wkraus Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Near Vienna, Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,059	Back in my film days, I used an MX and an LX side by side (also a Super A and later a Z-1p). I put grid screens in all those bodies that offered the possibility (excluding the Super A). I did a lot of architectural shooting with the 28mm shift lens, which is how I got used to them, but came to prefer them over all other options. Although MX screens have the same dimensions as LX ones, I found that using the LX screen in the MX gave me very dark corners, if I recall correctly. Anyway, my conclusion was that it was no good. The reason is that the LX has a very different finder construction with the big lens between screen and pentaprism which the MX does not have. The screens are adapted to that. In a nutshell, the original MX screen is better in the MX. A French seller has an SG screen on the big auction site right now for an acceptable price.

10-22-2015, 08:21 AM	#7
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Originally posted by pete-tarmigan I had to get away from the split/micro so that I could properly focus my Tamron Adaptall 300mm f5.6. Half of the split image and microprisms go black with such a slow lens. I can see how the split image focussing aid would be useful for macro. Micro prisms and split images are each optimised for the lens characteristics but both will go dark with slow lenses away from their optimum.

10-26-2015, 10:02 PM	#8
PGillin Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southern Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 343 Original Poster	I'm contemplating that certain screen from that certain auction site, but is that really a good price? Is it just because MX focusing screens are rare?

10-26-2015, 10:44 PM	#9
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by PGillin I'm contemplating that certain screen from that certain auction site, but is that really a good price? Is it just because MX focusing screens are rare? This could start you down a different sort of road... but... I got the screen I wanted by purchasing another MX.

10-27-2015, 12:18 AM - 1 Like	#10
PGillin Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southern Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 343 Original Poster	Originally posted by chickentender This could start you down a different sort of road... but... I got the screen I wanted by purchasing another MX. Well, that's an option as well I suppose, but I'd end up selling one of them pretty quick. Having too much space and money tied up in gear is no good After all, part of the reason for getting the MX was that it might convince me to trade off the massive F2.

06-22-2023, 04:50 AM	#11
grimnicholas Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 59	This is an old thread, BUT could an ME screen be made to work with an MX? By a bit of jiggery to make it fit, would it display and meter okay? I got a cheap MX in rough condition but I’m determined to revive it!

06-22-2023, 08:03 AM	#12
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	Originally posted by grimnicholas This is an old thread, BUT could an ME screen be made to work with an MX? By a bit of jiggery to make it fit, would it display and meter okay? I got a cheap MX in rough condition but I’m determined to revive it! I'm guessing, but I doubt it would fit. The MX viewfinder is very different from the ME. LX screens do fit MX, though I think there is a brightness issue of 1/2 stop. I've checked eBay and there are some but at ridiculous prices and $30-$40 shipping! Nuts! I've got a few MX parts bodies and I'm pretty sure I have a few standard screens. DM me an address and I'll send you one.

06-22-2023, 02:21 PM	#13
grimnicholas Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 59	Originally posted by tonyzoc I'm guessing, but I doubt it would fit. The MX viewfinder is very different from the ME. LX screens do fit MX, though I think there is a brightness issue of 1/2 stop. I've checked eBay and there are some but at ridiculous prices and $30-$40 shipping! Nuts! I've got a few MX parts bodies and I'm pretty sure I have a few standard screens. DM me an address and I'll send you one. Thats amazing news, thanks! I was willing to file away the tab on the ME so it might fit into the MX, but not having to do that is probably best

06-26-2023, 06:19 AM	#14
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324	Useful link...