[bikehead90]

It’s not even close to being a big deal, but I recently bought a lot of 70’s SLR’s, with the target being a lone MX. Now, I’m more than happy to have a very well-taken care of MX, but it doesn’t have “Asahi opt. Co. Japan” on the back. My intuition is that they moved MX production out of Japan like the K1000, but I’m not sure. I thought they would have kept the higher end models in Japan.

[stevebrot]

Perhaps stamped on the bottom plate?


Steve

[Just1MoreDave]

Look at the bottom edge of the pocket for the film box top.

[LesDMess]

AFAIK, the K1000 was the first to be manufactured outside Japan but I believe that didn't start till late 70s or early 80s. Certsinly after the MX was released.

[bikehead90]

Unless it was on a sticker, there’s nothing on the bottom. The pentaprism has the ACO diamond on it, but nothing indicating country of manufacture.

---------- Post added 02-18-20 at 11:03 AM ----------

Look at the bottom edge of the pocket for the film box top.

What pocket?

---------- Post added 02-18-20 at 11:06 AM ----------

AFAIK, the K1000 was the first to be manufactured outside Japan but I believe that didn't start till late 70s or early 80s. Certsinly after the MX was released.

That’s what I thought too. My ME Super and the other ME’s I got in that lot all have Asahi opt. Co. Japan on them. I’ve seen some on eBay that don’t have country of manufacture either.

[jopenmx]

Pentax MX was always produced in Japan , in the factory of Mashiko Park in Tokio , where also were produced the SMC lenses. The main factory was increased to produce the MX and other new factory in Saitama produced an assembled the ME´s.
The "Asahi optical company . Japan " must be in the pocket of the rear panel of the camera , where the top of the film cartridge can be placed .

[stevebrot]

What pocket?

The black frame on the back of the film door. Unless it has fallen off, it should say "Asahi Opt. Co., Japan" either there or on the rear of the top cover.


Steve

[monochrome]

What pocket?

The MX was made in Japan.

In the very center of the camera back there is a 1 3/4” x 1 1/4” black metal frame* properly desribed as the Memo Holder. One slips the detached tab end of the film box into the frame through the top slit to remind oneself what film is loaded.

Asahi Optical Co. - Japan is engraved on the bottom border of the frame. It’s hard to see the black paint filled letters in the black metal. Edit - from memory. My MX with the black metal Memo Holder has no engraving.

* on later production models the frame was black plastic and the letters were molded in. MESuper also has the plastic version.

[murrelet]

I think there's some variation on where it is located. Mine is stamped in the metal, just under the wind lever. For what it's worth, mine is serial #932___.

[Astro-Baby]

And I always thought they were made in wonderland, fashioned using pixie dust and magic

[stevebrot]

And I always thought they were made in wonderland, fashioned using pixie dust and magic

No...the MX was forged by dwarfs deep beneath the roots of Mt. Fuji.


Steve

[aslyfox]

And I always thought they were made in wonderland, fashioned using pixie dust and magic

that is where Kebbler cookies are made

and the Pentax Limiteds

[ChrisPlatt]

AFAIK, the K1000 was the first to be manufactured outside Japan but I believe that didn't start till late 70s or early 80s. Certainly after the MX was released.

My SP1000 was made in Hong Kong.

Chris

[LesDMess]

Look at the bottom edge of the pocket for the film box top.

I just checked miy MXs out and see it there. Seems odd since the back is removable/replaceable.

---------- Post added 02-18-20 at 09:13 PM ----------

My SP1000 was made in Hong Kong.

Chris

Thanks as I was not previously aware. Where is it on the camera?

[monochrome]

I just checked miy MXs out and see it there. Seems odd since the back is removable/replaceable.

---------- Post added 02-18-20 at 09:13 PM ----------



Thanks as I was not previously aware. Where is it on the camera?

Maybe the replacement backs also had MIJ on them.