The Pentax MX

[p.giannakis]

There’s actually a K28/f2 for sale on Pentax forums at the moment. Only ~700euro...

Personally, I wouldn't put such a big lens on a such a small camera just to gain a stop. I would prefer to push my film one stop instead.

 

[Huss]

Personally, I wouldn't put such a big lens on a such a small camera just to gain a stop. I would prefer to push my film one stop instead.

Agreed I want the set up to remain compact. I already have big fast lenses on my other bigger cameras.

 

[Huss]

This Kiron 28mm f2 (made by Kino optics, which produced some of the original Vivitar Series 1 optics), should be one heck of a 28mm f2 lens for any Pentax SLR..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kiron-28mm...h=item4d8d19fd08:g:sJwAAOSwgiRZ3AQb:rk:2:pf:0

I saw that but then became aware of the size and sticking aperture blades on some of them.

 

[dtcls100]

Having had both, they both are amazing cameras but i kept the Olympus.[/QUOTE]

I've used both and they are both excellent. I do prefer the OM-1 because it is a bit quieter and has less vibration.

 

[retinax]

I saw that but then became aware of the size and sticking aperture blades on some of them.

I have only the one data point, but my smc-m 28 2.8 also developed stickiness in the aperture mechanism that made it slow to stop down in cold weather. That, and a bit of haze somewhere inaccessible. But they're cheap enough to take a gamble.

 

[retinax]

Having had both, they both are amazing cameras but i kept the Olympus.

I've used both and they are both excellent. I do prefer the OM-1 because it is a bit quieter and has less vibration.[/QUOTE]


Not to worry, the vibration and noise occurs when the mirror comes back down, after the exposure. If there is much earlier, it needs new mirror foam. The momentum of the mirror going up can be felt slightly, as the camera is fairly light, but I doubt it's significant when held securely.

 

[p.giannakis]

Huss, i know you mentioned the 24/28mm focal length but the only reason why i kept the Pentax ME is the Pentax-M 35 f/2.8 which is a fantastic lens and very compact.

Here's a picture taken with it.

 

[Swift1]

I haven’t seen a camera that spiffy except when it came new outta the box! Is that a NOS MX you found in a storeroom somewhere?

You’re right, the chrome one is a jewel!

Stan

That was just about the nicest chrome MX that I've ever run across.
I sold it shortly after that photo was taken.
Here's a photo of it that I took for the listing.

A few years after that I found an equally nice black copy for a friend that wanted a nice one. He ended up not liking the LED meter and so I helped him sell it.

 

[Huss]

Huss, i know you mentioned the 24/28mm focal length but the only reason why i kept the Pentax ME is the Pentax-M 35 f/2.8 which is a fantastic lens and very compact.

Here's a picture taken with it.

nice! thing is the lens I already have is a 40mm so 35 is too close to
that.

 

[David Hughes]

Interesting, I was wondering when the 40mm would be mentioned. And it's been on show since the first post...


Regards, David

 

[Huss]

Nice black MX Huss. They are great cameras.
When I was first getting into photography, I inherited my grandfather's black MX. I still have it and use it every now and then.

Here it is next to my 67 🙂


David and Goliath by Colton Allen, on Flickr

Funny pic Colton! I have something similar to that w my Agfa Optima on top of my Fuji GW690iii

 

[Huss]

The SMC Pentax-M 28/3.5 lens is the true sleeper.

Chris

The winning suggestion! One is on its way to me.

I’m looking forward to having the MX around my neck, the 28 in one coat pocket, and a bunch o film in the other.
This will be fun!

 

[Prest_400]

I do have an MX with a 40mm adopted from a RFF giveaway, developed my negs from it but I still have to print or scan those. Prefer much more the huge negs of the Fuji 690 to work in the darkroom.
I do have to post results here as a courtesy from getting it. Still has had a roll of old TriX I was given at the camera club.

This one came with a metal generic grip that really improves handling. Coat pocket fitting indeed! The 40mm is tiny but makes it a nice package.


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[Huss]

hmmm interesting. can u post a pic of that grip?

 

[Prest_400]

hmmm interesting. can u post a pic of that grip?

Camera was courtesy if ruby.monkey , more thanks again! Things like that make this forum great.
I thought it would make a good student circle camera when/if the opportunity arises.

Quick tabletop setup, as you can see the grip bottom plate does add about 5mm to the camera height but otherwise does not interfere, well, only for the self timer.
Only info on the grip is "SJF A2" embossed on a screw.

All of this is coat pocketable, great set up. This particular camera has a non-functioning meter, which is fine using a handheld one and sunny 16



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[Huss]

nice! i have a similar grip like that on my Nikon F2.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I have that same grip. Unfortunately it's difficult for my average to large fingers
to operate the DOF preview (push in on self-timer lever) with it attached.

Chris

 

[nikon_sam]

I also have two black body MX's with the Winders attached...I bought them both brand new back in the early 80's...I bought a chrome MX for our daughter many years ago...she doesn't use it and it's currently hanging out in her former bedroom...I dare not sell because as soon as someone would buy it she'd ask for it...I have no plans to sell the black ones either...great little cameras...I ran a lot of B&W film through both...

 

[kram]

The MX was my favourite camera, out of all my camers. Lost it off the back of my motorbike (long story).

 

[ChrisPlatt]

The Pentax Winder MX is a good choice, if you can find one in good working condition.
Make sure auxiliary shutter release activates meter as designed
and battery cover plastic screw fastener is not stripped.

The camera handles very nicely with the winder attached.
It's rated at 2 fps but every one I owned was closer to 3 fps.

SMC Pentax-M 35/2.8 and SMC Pentax A 35/2.8 lenses are good,
however helical grease liquifies and deposits on diaphragm blades,
so anticipate cleaning sticky diaphragm every few years on these.

I recommend instead the excellent SMC Pentax (K) 35/3.5 lens.

Chris