Pentax KX, sound like a good deal for beginner?

NJ Bob · 02-11-2018, 04:33 PM

cooltouch, I used Kodachrome a bit back in the day but I don't think I appropriated it as much as I should have. I wish I would have tried it with a slight underexposure the way you did.

I also no longer care to play the "my camera is better than your camera" game. In fact my reaction to all of that is that I now find myself using a Pentax Auto 110 of all things. It is so much fun and its limitations make it all the better in my mind!

timw4mail · 02-11-2018, 05:26 PM

Originally posted by NJ Bob

cooltouch, I used Kodachrome a bit back in the day but I don't think I appropriated it as much as I should have. I wish I would have tried it with a slight underexposure the way you did.

I also no longer care to play the "my camera is better than your camera" game. In fact my reaction to all of that is that I now find myself using a Pentax Auto 110 of all things. It is so much fun and its limitations make it all the better in my mind!

Doesn't that cost a lot more to get film, and get it developed, than a 35mm body, though?

NJ Bob · 02-11-2018, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by timw4mail

Doesn't that cost a lot more to get film, and get it developed, than a 35mm body, though?

If you're asking about 110 film, yes, it does cost a bit more.

The film is about $7 a roll and processing, at least where I have it done, runs about $20. Still, I really enjoy it and since I don't shoot a lot of rolls it doesn't really seem that bad.

johnha · 02-18-2018, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by jtkratzer

I wish Pentax had kept up better with others on their mechanical shutter speeds. 1/1000 is on the slow end compared to the 1/4000th offered by others. I really enjoy the KX body I have. It’s the only one of my regularly used cameras that hasn’t made the holy pilgrimage to Eric’s bench. The one I have was owned by a journalist for a newspaper in Wyoming. Inprobably don’t use my LX to its capabilities, but it just has some basic features not found on other Pentax bodies. ME Super goes to 1/2000, but lacks the DOF preview and MLU of the KX.

The LX hybrid electronic/mechanical shutter will shoot from 1/75th (X sync) to 1/2000th without batteries. The difference between the KX & MX comes down whether you prefer a slightly bigger/smaller camera or prefer LEDs over needles. The LX is better than both, it's better built/sealed, has more options and is much nicer to use - the dials click much more positively and the moving parts seem slicker and better engineered.

**gofour3** · 02-19-2018, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by johnha

The LX hybrid electronic/mechanical shutter will shoot from 1/75th (X sync) to 1/2000th without batteries. The difference between the KX & MX comes down whether you prefer a slightly bigger/smaller camera or prefer LEDs over needles. The LX is better than both, it's better built/sealed, has more options and is much nicer to use - the dials click much more positively and the moving parts seem slicker and better engineered.

True the LX is a better overall camera than the KX/MX. However you can buy a KX & MX and have them both CLAed for the cost of one LX with a CLA.

That's what makes the cheaper to buy/service KX/MX more attractive to some people.

Phil.

**ChrisPlatt** · 02-19-2018, 01:47 PM

Better for some perhaps, but not all.

I sold my Pentax LX but kept my KX bodies, and I will probably always have an MX as well.

Chris

LesDMess · 02-19-2018, 02:38 PM - **1 Like**

And even better yet . . .

**ChrisPlatt** · 02-19-2018, 04:08 PM

Awww, my black Pentax KM is just as pretty as those.
And my silver Pentax KM takes photos equally well.

Chris

LesDMess · 02-19-2018, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Awww, my black Pentax KM is just as pretty as those.

Chris

Maybe even prettier . . .

**monochrome** · 02-19-2018, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Awww, my black Pentax KM is just as pretty as those.
And my silver Pentax KM takes photos equally well.

Chris

I once had a silver KM.

Xmas · 02-20-2018, 04:25 AM - **1 Like**

I’d find it difficult separating the photos by my S1a, Sv, SP and K1000.

Skilpent · 04-01-2018, 02:30 PM

So often I read ¨have it CLA´d"or ¨send it to Eric¨ ...but how would I do a basic check and re-lube my self? is there a guide on the forum for this? The mirror on my KX just started being sluggish, slow to rise up.

stevebrot · 04-01-2018, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by Skilpent

So often I read ¨have it CLA´d"or ¨send it to Eric¨ ...but how would I do a basic check and re-lube my self? is there a guide on the forum for this? The mirror on my KX just started being sluggish, slow to rise up.

There might be some answers on this thread

Simple CLA for KX - seeking do it yourself advice - Skilpent

Steve

Eyewanders · 04-01-2018, 10:52 PM

Originally posted by Xmas

I’d find it difficult separating the photos by my S1a, Sv, SP and K1000.

I would find it difficult-to-near-impossible to separate ANY of my film bodies that use the same glass if I didn't remember using one specifically or write it down (which isn't uncommon really). In the end they're all just light-tight boxes.

If I ever lose my scans and notes, i'll never tell what took what just looking at the slides and negatives.

Originally posted by LesDMess

Maybe you just forgot or haven't spent enough time with the MX as it has dof preview. What it doesn't have is MLU.

Sure it does! It just takes a bit of finesse (though much less finesse than I thought when I'd first heard about the lil bump trick for MX).

Skilpent · 04-09-2018, 11:07 AM

Thanks Steve, I must make a mental note to look in the mirror more often!
To chickentender, I alas cannot agree to the ¨simply a black box¨ label - while the body does not lend a character to the result of the lens and film combination, it does enable the photographer to exploit their abilities as well as to introduce the photographer´s skills and creativity. Each feature, be it metering, MLU, DoF, stability, etc. adds to the resources.

02-19-2018, 04:08 PM	#38
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	Simply beautiful! Awww, my black Pentax KM is just as pretty as those. And my silver Pentax KM takes photos equally well. Chris

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02-11-2018, 04:33 PM	#31
NJ Bob New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 19	cooltouch, I used Kodachrome a bit back in the day but I don't think I appropriated it as much as I should have. I wish I would have tried it with a slight underexposure the way you did. I also no longer care to play the "my camera is better than your camera" game. In fact my reaction to all of that is that I now find myself using a Pentax Auto 110 of all things. It is so much fun and its limitations make it all the better in my mind!

02-11-2018, 05:26 PM	#32
timw4mail Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Driving a Mirage Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,670	Originally posted by NJ Bob cooltouch, I used Kodachrome a bit back in the day but I don't think I appropriated it as much as I should have. I wish I would have tried it with a slight underexposure the way you did. I also no longer care to play the "my camera is better than your camera" game. In fact my reaction to all of that is that I now find myself using a Pentax Auto 110 of all things. It is so much fun and its limitations make it all the better in my mind! Doesn't that cost a lot more to get film, and get it developed, than a 35mm body, though?

02-11-2018, 08:17 PM	#33
NJ Bob New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 19	Originally posted by timw4mail Doesn't that cost a lot more to get film, and get it developed, than a 35mm body, though? If you're asking about 110 film, yes, it does cost a bit more. The film is about $7 a roll and processing, at least where I have it done, runs about $20. Still, I really enjoy it and since I don't shoot a lot of rolls it doesn't really seem that bad.

02-18-2018, 05:25 PM	#34
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	Originally posted by jtkratzer I wish Pentax had kept up better with others on their mechanical shutter speeds. 1/1000 is on the slow end compared to the 1/4000th offered by others. I really enjoy the KX body I have. It’s the only one of my regularly used cameras that hasn’t made the holy pilgrimage to Eric’s bench. The one I have was owned by a journalist for a newspaper in Wyoming. Inprobably don’t use my LX to its capabilities, but it just has some basic features not found on other Pentax bodies. ME Super goes to 1/2000, but lacks the DOF preview and MLU of the KX. The LX hybrid electronic/mechanical shutter will shoot from 1/75th (X sync) to 1/2000th without batteries. The difference between the KX & MX comes down whether you prefer a slightly bigger/smaller camera or prefer LEDs over needles. The LX is better than both, it's better built/sealed, has more options and is much nicer to use - the dials click much more positively and the moving parts seem slicker and better engineered.

02-19-2018, 01:12 PM	#35
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Originally posted by johnha The LX hybrid electronic/mechanical shutter will shoot from 1/75th (X sync) to 1/2000th without batteries. The difference between the KX & MX comes down whether you prefer a slightly bigger/smaller camera or prefer LEDs over needles. The LX is better than both, it's better built/sealed, has more options and is much nicer to use - the dials click much more positively and the moving parts seem slicker and better engineered. True the LX is a better overall camera than the KX/MX. However you can buy a KX & MX and have them both CLAed for the cost of one LX with a CLA. That's what makes the cheaper to buy/service KX/MX more attractive to some people. Phil.

02-19-2018, 01:47 PM	#36
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	Better for some perhaps, but not all. I sold my Pentax LX but kept my KX bodies, and I will probably always have an MX as well. Chris

02-19-2018, 02:38 PM - 1 Like	#37
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	And even better yet . . .

02-19-2018, 05:04 PM	#39
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Awww, my black Pentax KM is just as pretty as those. Chris Maybe even prettier . . .

02-19-2018, 05:31 PM	#40
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Awww, my black Pentax KM is just as pretty as those. And my silver Pentax KM takes photos equally well. Chris I once had a silver KM.

02-20-2018, 04:25 AM - 1 Like	#41
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	I’d find it difficult separating the photos by my S1a, Sv, SP and K1000.

04-01-2018, 02:30 PM	#42
Skilpent New Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Soest Posts: 4	So often I read ¨have it CLA´d"or ¨send it to Eric¨ ...but how would I do a basic check and re-lube my self? is there a guide on the forum for this? The mirror on my KX just started being sluggish, slow to rise up.

04-01-2018, 04:29 PM	#43
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Skilpent So often I read ¨have it CLA´d"or ¨send it to Eric¨ ...but how would I do a basic check and re-lube my self? is there a guide on the forum for this? The mirror on my KX just started being sluggish, slow to rise up. There might be some answers on this thread Simple CLA for KX - seeking do it yourself advice - Skilpent Steve

04-01-2018, 10:52 PM	#44
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by Xmas I’d find it difficult separating the photos by my S1a, Sv, SP and K1000. I would find it difficult-to-near-impossible to separate ANY of my film bodies that use the same glass if I didn't remember using one specifically or write it down (which isn't uncommon really). In the end they're all just light-tight boxes. If I ever lose my scans and notes, i'll never tell what took what just looking at the slides and negatives. Originally posted by LesDMess Maybe you just forgot or haven't spent enough time with the MX as it has dof preview. What it doesn't have is MLU. Sure it does! It just takes a bit of finesse (though much less finesse than I thought when I'd first heard about the lil bump trick for MX).

04-09-2018, 11:07 AM	#45
Skilpent New Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Soest Posts: 4	Thanks Steve, I must make a mental note to look in the mirror more often! To chickentender, I alas cannot agree to the ¨simply a black box¨ label - while the body does not lend a character to the result of the lens and film combination, it does enable the photographer to exploit their abilities as well as to introduce the photographer´s skills and creativity. Each feature, be it metering, MLU, DoF, stability, etc. adds to the resources.