Pentax MX - blown away

kshapero · 10-25-2015, 06:55 PM - **1 Like**

I came to Pentax Digital after years of shooting Nikon film cameras. Went crazy a short while back and bought a Pentax MX and SMC M 50/1.4 lens. I am blown away. I am very impressed. Nice bright VF with (for me anyway), great controls inside the VF. Yes it is too small, but who cares. I'm in love all over again.Or am I crazy?

**Canada_Rockies** · 10-25-2015, 07:03 PM

You are in good company. A whole bunch of folks like the MX. The M 50/1.4 isn't to be sneezed at either. I'm a big camera person, so I prefer the KX, it's quite a bit bigger and weightier; I put a battery grip on both my DSLRs.

**Mikesul** · 10-25-2015, 07:18 PM

The small size and minimal auto features are what sold me on the MX in 1978. I was never unhappy with it through 25 years of use. I still have it and it still performs flawlessly although I should send it to Eric for an overhaul to renew the gaskets.Athough I have been using Pentax DSLRs for quite a few years I have been waiting for DSLRS to return to that compact form. There is still hope.

**monochrome** · 10-25-2015, 07:19 PM

Originally posted by kshapero

Yes it is too small, but who cares.

Yeppers - another MX addict is born.

Some people eBay the MX Winder and perma-mount it to the camera. The additional grip and depth on the bottom, they think, makes the MX easier to handle.

6BQ5 · 10-25-2015, 08:13 PM - **1 Like**

I recently received a CLA'ed MX from Eric H and I'm running a roll of Cine Still 50 film through it now. The MX is an absolute pleasure to shoot with! I almost don't care if the film comes out bad. The experience of composing and firing the shutter is enough!

This camera is begging for a 40mm M series lens.

Eyewanders · 10-25-2015, 09:17 PM

Hahahaha. Welcome to the fold.

IMO truly one of the best cameras ever built. I've two. I'll never let them go.

**arnold** · 10-25-2015, 09:57 PM

What do I think of the MX? I now have five of them; what does that tell you? (Be polite

)

**gofour3** · 10-25-2015, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by arnold

what does that tell you?

You have good taste!

The MX may not be my favorite Pentax SLR, but I can acknowledge it as one of the Pentax classics. I've been "married" to my KX for 39 years and 10 months now, so I'm in for the long hall! She will always be my favorite.

Phil.

kshapero · 10-25-2015, 10:29 PM

Originally posted by chickentender

Hahahaha. Welcome to the fold.

IMO truly one of the best cameras ever built. I've two. I'll never let them go.

What lenses do you have?

---------- Post added 10-26-15 at 01:30 AM ----------

Originally posted by arnold

What do I think of the MX? I now have five of them; what does that tell you? (Be polite

)

What lenses do you have?

**arnold** · 10-26-2015, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by kshapero

What lenses do you have?

Leaving the screw mounts aside, and the quantity of each:
K50/1.8, K24/2.8
M28/2.8, M50/1.7, M50/2.0, M100/4.0, M135/3.5, M200/4.0
Sarka 28mm/2.8
edit: Forgot my A 50/1.4, M50/1.4 and A50/1.7

**PKMike** · 10-26-2015, 11:19 AM

MX was my favorite and the only film cameras (2) that I still own ( other than a Mamiya 6x6 and an old KM that I have never used). I started on a borrowed Spotmatic. Then proceeded to buy a K1000, ME Super, Super Program, Lx and PZ1. In between the LX and PZ1 I bought 2 well used MXs at local swap meets and wound up favoring them over everything! I found that I did my best with metered manual. I liked that they were mechanically fully manual could even function W/O batteries if needed. MX was fully featured (I even found a way to lock up the mirror) and more compact than all butt the ME Super. Although the LX was better built and had even more features (a true masterpiece) I never liked the strap lugs because with lighter lenses the body would tilt and the prism would ride against my chest. I even tried the vertical position but didn't like that either. The MXs became my favorites and got by far the most use. Although I will probably never revert to film I am a true lover of the MX!

Eyewanders · 10-26-2015, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by kshapero

What lenses do you have?

Not as many as I used to thanks goodness - I've thinned the herd a bit. I've no real need for anything else at this point.
Pentax:
A 50/1.4
K 50/1.2
M 20/4.0
FA 31/1.8 ltd
FA 43/1.9 ltd
FA 77/1.8 ltd
FA 50/2.8 Macro
Vivitar Series-1 70-200/3.5
and Soligor 20/2.8 (for sale in the marketplace actually)

the only DA lens I have left is the 50-135/2.8. Can't get myself to let it go, though I use it perhaps once or twice a year on the K-3.

---------- Post added 10-26-15 at 12:14 PM ----------

I've also an LX which I adore, an MZ-3 which has really become my daily due simply to its weight (but if I were to travel I'd take an MX in its stead). In the past three years I've sold (or given away) a Super Program, KX, K1000.

My favorite of those that remain is hard to say - I love the MX, LX and MZ-3 for different reasons. Gun-to-my-head I'd likely choose the MX, then a second later choose the MX, then the LX again at which point I'd be swept off the bridge and never reach the holy grail with King Arthur.

I've been shooting quite a bit with my newly acquired Bessa R3M which VERY much reminds me of the MX.... all mechanical but for the meter, compact, utilitarian etc. I'd keep the MX over it though.

j0n4hpk · 10-26-2015, 12:38 PM

If you were left in a deserted island with just 35 mm b/w film, a developing film tank, just enough D-76 developer for it, white vinegar (yes, vinegar) and fixer, then were given a choice of K-mount cameras and lenses, you'll be a winner with an MX, KX or LX with prime M 50/1.4, 28/2.8 and 100/2.8 lenses (no nostalgic tears, please).

gfurm · 10-26-2015, 12:54 PM

I got one last week with 50mm 1.7 for very good price and after looking through that viewfinder I was speechless. Why they don't make them that big anymore? Even top pro canikon DSLR have smaller viewfinders. K3II, wich has large OVF for crop DSLR seems like a narrow tunnel in comparison.

I haven't shot with it yet as it needs new lightseals but I got the kit and after it's fixed I have a roll of ISO100 Ektar waiting.

Eyewanders · 10-26-2015, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by gfurm

I got one last week with 50mm 1.7 for very good price and after looking through that viewfinder I was speechless. Why they don't make them that big anymore?

Half the reason I just can't pick up the K-3 very often anymore. Same reason I really like the Bessa R3m.
If you like that, you should look through and LX.

Even brighter. Even bigger. True both-eyes-open shooting with a 50mm.

10-25-2015, 06:55 PM - 1 Like	#1
kshapero Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Florida, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 437	Pentax MX - blown away I came to Pentax Digital after years of shooting Nikon film cameras. Went crazy a short while back and bought a Pentax MX and SMC M 50/1.4 lens. I am blown away. I am very impressed. Nice bright VF with (for me anyway), great controls inside the VF. Yes it is too small, but who cares. I'm in love all over again.Or am I crazy?

10-25-2015, 10:29 PM	#9
kshapero Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Florida, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 437 Original Poster	And your lenses? Originally posted by chickentender Hahahaha. Welcome to the fold. IMO truly one of the best cameras ever built. I've two. I'll never let them go. What lenses do you have? ---------- Post added 10-26-15 at 01:30 AM ---------- Originally posted by arnold What do I think of the MX? I now have five of them; what does that tell you? (Be polite ) What lenses do you have?

10-26-2015, 12:01 AM	#10
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,299	Originally posted by kshapero What lenses do you have? Leaving the screw mounts aside, and the quantity of each: K50/1.8, K24/2.8 M28/2.8, M50/1.7, M50/2.0, M100/4.0, M135/3.5, M200/4.0 Sarka 28mm/2.8 edit: Forgot my A 50/1.4, M50/1.4 and A50/1.7 Last edited by arnold; 10-26-2015 at 04:09 PM.

10-26-2015, 12:06 PM	#12
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by kshapero What lenses do you have? Not as many as I used to thanks goodness - I've thinned the herd a bit. I've no real need for anything else at this point. Pentax: A 50/1.4 K 50/1.2 M 20/4.0 FA 31/1.8 ltd FA 43/1.9 ltd FA 77/1.8 ltd FA 50/2.8 Macro Vivitar Series-1 70-200/3.5 and Soligor 20/2.8 (for sale in the marketplace actually) the only DA lens I have left is the 50-135/2.8. Can't get myself to let it go, though I use it perhaps once or twice a year on the K-3. ---------- Post added 10-26-15 at 12:14 PM ---------- I've also an LX which I adore, an MZ-3 which has really become my daily due simply to its weight (but if I were to travel I'd take an MX in its stead). In the past three years I've sold (or given away) a Super Program, KX, K1000. My favorite of those that remain is hard to say - I love the MX, LX and MZ-3 for different reasons. Gun-to-my-head I'd likely choose the MX, then a second later choose the MX, then the LX again at which point I'd be swept off the bridge and never reach the holy grail with King Arthur. I've been shooting quite a bit with my newly acquired Bessa R3M which VERY much reminds me of the MX.... all mechanical but for the meter, compact, utilitarian etc. I'd keep the MX over it though. Last edited by Eyewanders; 10-26-2015 at 12:15 PM.

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10-25-2015, 07:03 PM	#2
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	You are in good company. A whole bunch of folks like the MX. The M 50/1.4 isn't to be sneezed at either. I'm a big camera person, so I prefer the KX, it's quite a bit bigger and weightier; I put a battery grip on both my DSLRs.

10-25-2015, 07:18 PM	#3
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	The small size and minimal auto features are what sold me on the MX in 1978. I was never unhappy with it through 25 years of use. I still have it and it still performs flawlessly although I should send it to Eric for an overhaul to renew the gaskets.Athough I have been using Pentax DSLRs for quite a few years I have been waiting for DSLRS to return to that compact form. There is still hope.

10-25-2015, 07:19 PM	#4
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by kshapero Yes it is too small, but who cares. Yeppers - another MX addict is born. Some people eBay the MX Winder and perma-mount it to the camera. The additional grip and depth on the bottom, they think, makes the MX easier to handle.

10-25-2015, 08:13 PM - 1 Like	#5
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I recently received a CLA'ed MX from Eric H and I'm running a roll of Cine Still 50 film through it now. The MX is an absolute pleasure to shoot with! I almost don't care if the film comes out bad. The experience of composing and firing the shutter is enough! This camera is begging for a 40mm M series lens.

10-25-2015, 09:17 PM	#6
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Hahahaha. Welcome to the fold. IMO truly one of the best cameras ever built. I've two. I'll never let them go.

10-25-2015, 09:57 PM	#7
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,299	What do I think of the MX? I now have five of them; what does that tell you? (Be polite )

10-25-2015, 10:19 PM	#8
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Originally posted by arnold what does that tell you? You have good taste! The MX may not be my favorite Pentax SLR, but I can acknowledge it as one of the Pentax classics. I've been "married" to my KX for 39 years and 10 months now, so I'm in for the long hall! She will always be my favorite. Phil.

10-26-2015, 11:19 AM	#11
PKMike Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 628	MX was my favorite and the only film cameras (2) that I still own ( other than a Mamiya 6x6 and an old KM that I have never used). I started on a borrowed Spotmatic. Then proceeded to buy a K1000, ME Super, Super Program, Lx and PZ1. In between the LX and PZ1 I bought 2 well used MXs at local swap meets and wound up favoring them over everything! I found that I did my best with metered manual. I liked that they were mechanically fully manual could even function W/O batteries if needed. MX was fully featured (I even found a way to lock up the mirror) and more compact than all butt the ME Super. Although the LX was better built and had even more features (a true masterpiece) I never liked the strap lugs because with lighter lenses the body would tilt and the prism would ride against my chest. I even tried the vertical position but didn't like that either. The MXs became my favorites and got by far the most use. Although I will probably never revert to film I am a true lover of the MX!

10-26-2015, 12:38 PM	#13
j0n4hpk Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 293	If you were left in a deserted island with just 35 mm b/w film, a developing film tank, just enough D-76 developer for it, white vinegar (yes, vinegar) and fixer, then were given a choice of K-mount cameras and lenses, you'll be a winner with an MX, KX or LX with prime M 50/1.4, 28/2.8 and 100/2.8 lenses (no nostalgic tears, please).

10-26-2015, 12:54 PM	#14
gfurm Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 53	I got one last week with 50mm 1.7 for very good price and after looking through that viewfinder I was speechless. Why they don't make them that big anymore? Even top pro canikon DSLR have smaller viewfinders. K3II, wich has large OVF for crop DSLR seems like a narrow tunnel in comparison. I haven't shot with it yet as it needs new lightseals but I got the kit and after it's fixed I have a roll of ISO100 Ektar waiting.

10-26-2015, 04:45 PM	#15
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by gfurm I got one last week with 50mm 1.7 for very good price and after looking through that viewfinder I was speechless. Why they don't make them that big anymore? Half the reason I just can't pick up the K-3 very often anymore. Same reason I really like the Bessa R3m. If you like that, you should look through and LX. Even brighter. Even bigger. True both-eyes-open shooting with a 50mm.