Best Pentax film SLRs?

**gofour3** · 08-08-2018, 06:34 PM

I've got two K2's serviced by Eric and they work fine. Use them on trips frequently.

I've also got one black and one silver spare K2's, boxed in like new condition, ready for Eric in case one of the other two have any issues.

Phil

**monochrome** · 08-08-2018, 07:55 PM

I think the K2 is a beautiful design but I’ve never gotten the hang of the ASA ring. I tolerate K2DMD but I’ve never bonded with the K2. Swapped a silver one for another KX with a member.

timw4mail · 08-08-2018, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

I think the K2 is a beautiful design but I’ve never gotten the hang of the ASA ring. I tolerate K2DMD but I’ve never bonded with the K2. Swapped a silver one for another KX with a member.

I haven't had a K2, but they remind me quite a bit of my Nikkormat, with its odd ISO setting system.

LesDMess · 08-08-2018, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

AFA LX, mine cost $300 in 2012 and had been CLA’ed by Eric. I have far more financial risk in the finders, winders and other accessories I’ve acquired for it than in the camera itself, if it should die.

Given the design and material selection that Pentax poured into developing the LX, I don't think it's much of a risk at all.

Incidentally, the LX was not only the best Pentax SLR, it is the best SLR of any brand and model . . .

**Moe49** · 08-09-2018, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

Why no love for the K2?

Hmmm ... no love?
The K2 is my favorite K-series camera.

I regularly shoot with a chrome K2. I bought it in 2010 for $50.
Eric outfitted it with a split-image focus screen during its CLA.

I dressed it in brown leather, too.

No love? Phiff !

I also own a Black K2 and a K2DMD.

Andrea K · 08-09-2018, 06:44 AM - **1 Like**

MX - MILF
superProgram (SuperA) - Techno Lady
Z1p (PZ1p) - Sport Lady

Eyewanders · 08-09-2018, 08:23 AM

As alluded to, the LX can certainly function without electronics, but at that point, is it really an LX? It isn't to me. It's the sum of its (working) parts, really, as every different camera is.

Insofar as board replacement, there are 3 (perhaps 4) different varieties according to Eric, and they are not interchangeable, nor identifiable from without or by serial. Further lessens repair-ability (as I've found 1st hand) and muddies the waters quite a bit.

---------- Post added 08-09-18 at 08:24 AM ----------

As alluded to, the LX can certainly function without electronics, but at that point, is it really an LX? It isn't to me. It's the sum of its (working) parts, really, as every different camera is.

Insofar as board replacement, there are 3 (perhaps 4) different varieties according to Eric, and they are not interchangeable, nor identifiable from without or by serial. Further lessens repair-ability (as I've found 1st hand) and muddies the waters quite a bit.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-09-2018, 06:59 PM - **1 Like**

I had a nice K2 which I had serviced by Eric. I too never bonded with mine, and I sold it last year.
I recently had Eric overhaul a K2DMD. It's definitely an improvement on the K2, but I prefer the KX.

Chris

**gofour3** · 08-10-2018, 06:50 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

I had a nice K2 which I had serviced by Eric. I too never bonded with mine, and I sold it last year.
I recently had Eric overhaul a K2DMD. It's definitely an improvement on the K2, but I prefer the KX.

What I really miss on the K2 is the Judas window. I keep looking up in the viewfinder for the aperture, but see nothing..........

Phil.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-10-2018, 06:24 PM

I never understood why the in-finder aperture readout was included on the mid-range KX but not on the "top-of-the-line" pro model K2.
Perhaps each model had different design teams, and they didn't talk to one another.

Chris

**Baard-Einar** · 08-12-2018, 04:44 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

I never understood why the in-finder aperture readout was included on the mid-range KX but not on the "top-of-the-line" pro model K2.
Perhaps each model had different design teams, and they didn't talk to one another.

Chris

Maybe that is why the K2DMD came out?

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-12-2018, 08:49 AM

Sure, Pentax addressed some of the K2's shortcomings with the K2DMD, but rather late in the game.

By then the MX had already been posed as the Pentax professional system camera,
soon to be replaced by the LX.

Chris

**monochrome** · 08-12-2018, 09:54 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Sure, Pentax addressed some of the K2's shortcomings with the K2DMD, but rather late in the game.

By then the MX had already been posed as the Pentax professional system camera,
soon to be replaced by the LX.

Chris

MX never really had enough unique accessories and features to be a true system camera. K2DMD came close; LX did, in a much smaller format than Nikon or Canon, but by then it was too late. Interesting that Pentax still owns Astro though.

alvaro_garcia · 08-21-2018, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by LesDMess

Given the design and material selection that Pentax poured into developing the LX, I don't think it's much of a risk at all.

Incidentally, the LX was not only the best Pentax SLR, it is the best SLR of any brand and model . . .

Well, the LX may be one of the best film SLRs ever, but many will discuss that assertion.

timw4mail · 08-22-2018, 05:08 AM

Originally posted by alvaro_garcia

Well, the LX may be one of the best film SLRs ever, but many will discuss that assertion.

In terms of system and features, yes. In terms of reliability and serviceability, though... its difficult to match the S-series, Spotmatics, K-series, and M-series cameras.

08-09-2018, 06:01 AM	#65
Moe49 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz Mtns. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 874	Originally posted by TwoUptons Why no love for the K2? Hmmm ... no love? The K2 is my favorite K-series camera. I regularly shoot with a chrome K2. I bought it in 2010 for $50. Eric outfitted it with a split-image focus screen during its CLA. I dressed it in brown leather, too. No love? Phiff ! I also own a Black K2 and a K2DMD. Last edited by Moe49; 09-14-2018 at 06:51 AM.

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08-08-2018, 06:34 PM	#61
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,088	I've got two K2's serviced by Eric and they work fine. Use them on trips frequently. I've also got one black and one silver spare K2's, boxed in like new condition, ready for Eric in case one of the other two have any issues. Phil

08-08-2018, 07:55 PM	#62
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I think the K2 is a beautiful design but I’ve never gotten the hang of the ASA ring. I tolerate K2DMD but I’ve never bonded with the K2. Swapped a silver one for another KX with a member.

08-08-2018, 08:00 PM	#63
timw4mail Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Driving a Mirage Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,670	Originally posted by monochrome I think the K2 is a beautiful design but I’ve never gotten the hang of the ASA ring. I tolerate K2DMD but I’ve never bonded with the K2. Swapped a silver one for another KX with a member. I haven't had a K2, but they remind me quite a bit of my Nikkormat, with its odd ISO setting system.

08-08-2018, 09:21 PM	#64
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by monochrome AFA LX, mine cost $300 in 2012 and had been CLA’ed by Eric. I have far more financial risk in the finders, winders and other accessories I’ve acquired for it than in the camera itself, if it should die. Given the design and material selection that Pentax poured into developing the LX, I don't think it's much of a risk at all. Incidentally, the LX was not only the best Pentax SLR, it is the best SLR of any brand and model . . .

08-09-2018, 06:44 AM - 1 Like	#66
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	MX - MILF superProgram (SuperA) - Techno Lady Z1p (PZ1p) - Sport Lady

08-09-2018, 08:23 AM	#67
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	As alluded to, the LX can certainly function without electronics, but at that point, is it really an LX? It isn't to me. It's the sum of its (working) parts, really, as every different camera is. Insofar as board replacement, there are 3 (perhaps 4) different varieties according to Eric, and they are not interchangeable, nor identifiable from without or by serial. Further lessens repair-ability (as I've found 1st hand) and muddies the waters quite a bit. ---------- Post added 08-09-18 at 08:24 AM ---------- As alluded to, the LX can certainly function without electronics, but at that point, is it really an LX? It isn't to me. It's the sum of its (working) parts, really, as every different camera is. Insofar as board replacement, there are 3 (perhaps 4) different varieties according to Eric, and they are not interchangeable, nor identifiable from without or by serial. Further lessens repair-ability (as I've found 1st hand) and muddies the waters quite a bit.

08-09-2018, 06:59 PM - 1 Like	#68
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	I had a nice K2 which I had serviced by Eric. I too never bonded with mine, and I sold it last year. I recently had Eric overhaul a K2DMD. It's definitely an improvement on the K2, but I prefer the KX. Chris

08-10-2018, 06:50 AM - 1 Like	#69
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,088	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt I had a nice K2 which I had serviced by Eric. I too never bonded with mine, and I sold it last year. I recently had Eric overhaul a K2DMD. It's definitely an improvement on the K2, but I prefer the KX. What I really miss on the K2 is the Judas window. I keep looking up in the viewfinder for the aperture, but see nothing.......... Phil.

08-10-2018, 06:24 PM	#70
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	I never understood why the in-finder aperture readout was included on the mid-range KX but not on the "top-of-the-line" pro model K2. Perhaps each model had different design teams, and they didn't talk to one another. Chris

08-12-2018, 04:44 AM	#71
Baard-Einar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Oslo Photos: Gallery Posts: 964	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt I never understood why the in-finder aperture readout was included on the mid-range KX but not on the "top-of-the-line" pro model K2. Perhaps each model had different design teams, and they didn't talk to one another. Chris Maybe that is why the K2DMD came out?

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08-12-2018, 08:49 AM	#72
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Sure, Pentax addressed some of the K2's shortcomings with the K2DMD, but rather late in the game. By then the MX had already been posed as the Pentax professional system camera, soon to be replaced by the LX. Chris

08-12-2018, 09:54 AM - 1 Like	#73
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Sure, Pentax addressed some of the K2's shortcomings with the K2DMD, but rather late in the game. By then the MX had already been posed as the Pentax professional system camera, soon to be replaced by the LX. Chris MX never really had enough unique accessories and features to be a true system camera. K2DMD came close; LX did, in a much smaller format than Nikon or Canon, but by then it was too late. Interesting that Pentax still owns Astro though.

08-21-2018, 11:37 PM	#74
alvaro_garcia Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 185 Original Poster	Originally posted by LesDMess Given the design and material selection that Pentax poured into developing the LX, I don't think it's much of a risk at all. Incidentally, the LX was not only the best Pentax SLR, it is the best SLR of any brand and model . . . Well, the LX may be one of the best film SLRs ever, but many will discuss that assertion.

08-22-2018, 05:08 AM	#75
timw4mail Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Driving a Mirage Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,670	Originally posted by alvaro_garcia Well, the LX may be one of the best film SLRs ever, but many will discuss that assertion. In terms of system and features, yes. In terms of reliability and serviceability, though... its difficult to match the S-series, Spotmatics, K-series, and M-series cameras.