Gear Talk - Pentax MX

[@christopherward5065]

This was my first SLR. I also used the gridded screen. It went everywhere with me and produced excellent results. It is a machine that gets out of the way and lets me concentrate on subject and composition whilst making adjustments for exposure intuitive and unambiguous. The greatness of it as a photographic tool is undeniable. You could operate all the controls without taking it from your eye and as the action unfolded you can stay with it. It’s tiny without being too small or ergonomically poor. I could keep it in the palm of my hand and have it up to my eye taking pictures in a moment.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the MX. I agree, it's a fantastic camera!

[@markteague8889]

Thought this was going to be a “gear” talk, but I got a lesson on how focusing mattes and being obsessively concerned with focus impedes creativity in one’s composition efforts. Lol. Pleasantly surprised!

[@LuigiBarbano]

Thanks. I do the gear talks 'cause are the videos bringing more views and people to the channel, but at the end I think what matters are the little things that change our photographic attitude :)

[@voek8054]

Another great review, thank you Luigi!

[@LuigiBarbano]

Thank you again.

[@Flavio.Bucciarelli]

Ciao Luigi. Grazie per questa recensione. Ho acquistato una MX come quella tua con il Pentax smc-m 50mm f1.7 e da poco ho preso anche il Pentax smc -k 24mm f2.8. Adoro questa macchina fotografica. Le fotocamere digitali sono arrivate a prezzi insostenibili. E' un piacere scattare a pellicola e la MX è fantastica. Il mirino è unico e il suono dello scatto....pura poesia. Un saluto.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Grazie, mi fa piacere quando queste recensioni vengono apprezzate. Goditi la MX, sono sicuro ti dara` molte soddisfazioni come le ha date a me negli anni.

[@dragangrasic1328]

Great review, Luigi! 😆 The PENTAX MX is one of the most tactile and smooth film cameras ever made and I love it, it's my favourite. I liked the part when you talked about the viewfinder and the half stop indicators, which are a fantastic tool on a manual camera! The shutter sound on your copy is a bit metallic, maybe check the mirror damper cushions under the focusing screen. This is a relatively cheap and simple repair that you can do yourself, much less complicated as replacing the light seals.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Thanks. Yes, that MX is in need to have the mirror bumper replaced. It's on the to do list. I have another one with new seals and mirror bumper. I'm waiting to have more cameras with the seals to be replaced so I can do an order from Aki-Asahi for them and save on shipping.

[@thomasmoje5926]

The Pentax MX was on my short list of choices for my first 35mm film SLR camera back in late 1970's when I was shopping for my first SLR camera. I was fascinated by the LED exposure indicators vs. the more common match-needle exposure indication at the time. It came down to Pentax MX vs. the Nikon FM. The Nikon won out only because my brother in law had a Nikkormat Ftn and after trying his camera I decided to go with Nikon and the FM also has the LED exposure indicators in the viewfinder. However the Pentax MX still holds a fascination to me and I feel it was ahead of it's time. Closest I have in a Pentax SLR is a Spotmatic I picked up recently it is a very different machine from the MX but still a quality piece. The lens that came with it: 55 mm f/1.8 Pentax Super Takumar; is the best 'normal lens' I have the color rendition and sharpness is just amazing. The Pentax MX is an example of simple, no frills quality camera from 'back in the day'. I run across one in good condition I'll grab it.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Thanks for sharing your story. I now have a couple of MX and I really enjoy them, very reliable also after a lot of years and uses. Also very easy to repair. I agree on the 55 1.8, really a great lens!

[@dragangrasic1328]

As much as I love the PENTAX MX the NIKON FM is also a fabulous camera. Just a bit larger but FM fits male hands a bit better that the MX. What I don't like about the FM is the viewfinder layout, because you have to look at 3 different places to check the aperture, exposure time and your light meter reading. MX is much more elegant here. Similarly clever as the MX the FM light meter system also shows multiple exposure gradations, but unfortunately the genuine NIKON focusing screen was darker and inferior to PENTAX.

[@carlosencarnacion9667]

Looking at the X series Pentaxes, KX, MX, LX, I want to have one of each. My first bought camera was a KX, black, I loved it because it was perfect at that time. Two things that the MX doesn't have and the KX had, mirror lock up and the match needle meter allowed me to see instantly how far from the required exposure it was, the meter needle ran from 1/1000 sec to 1 sec. and the blue speed index needle too, all I had to do was match one to the other. It is nice to know that it is fully mechanical operation like the KX and that it has dof preview. I am planning on buying one of each x series and a Spotmatic.

[@LuigiBarbano]

All great cameras to have in a collection. As workhorse I use mostly the LX, but love to have them all!

[@CarmineGroe]

Grazie Luigi! Great video and very insightful! I love Pentax cameras and history.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Prego, glad you enjoyed it.

[@CarmineGroe]

@@LuigiBarbano Saluti da Toronto!

[@LuigiBarbano]

@@CarmineGroe not a bad place! :)

[@CarmineGroe]

@@LuigiBarbano Toronto fa schifo!

[@LuigiBarbano]

@@CarmineGroe ok, buono a sapersi! :)

[@Goldy-zw7fp]

Still have mine, got it in the earlier 80's.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Was smart to keep it! :)

[@alanrivas2950]

I had a Pentax lx but I didn’t work so I got a Pentax Mx ! Excited to use

[@LuigiBarbano]

fix the LX, it's a great camera to use. With the MX you will have plenty of satisfaction.

[@enrimt]

Me gustó demasiado tu reseña de esta gran camara!

[@LuigiBarbano]

gracias! If I wrote it correctly :)

[@robinj.9329]

I learned the "Craft" of photography a long time ago. It began as a hobby while in my teens, but then I spent a few years working in a Studio with professionals. Once your used to the idea of adjusting your own settings you'll never need or want an Automatic camera again! These micanical wonders are perfect for the actual, genuine Photographer. I've always used aperture to center attention on the primary subject of my photo. For panoramic Scenic shots, the small f/16 or even f/22 openings give a great range and depth to the photo. I've never understood the attraction of "Auto-focus"! If your can't just turn a dial and focus yourself, give the camera to someone who can. 😉 Cheers!

[@LuigiBarbano]

Amen.

[@markteague8889]

I suppose it has its place in shooting fast moving subjects at varying distances where the camera’s autofocus system can precisely focus on the subject faster than the photographer operating it. But, I understand and agree with your sentiment. Only recently acquired my first autofocus SLR and I’ve been shooting for 40+ years. I’ve yet to acquire a digital SLR. But, the prices for used digital cameras are so low … and there is such a myriad of options from which to choose … I’m finding it difficult to resist the temptation.

[@Gynra]

I used an MX in the 1990s, and loved it. I still have it, though it doesn't get any employment these days.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Get a film and have some fun with it!

[@Gynra]

@@LuigiBarbano Sir, yes sir!! :)

[@LuigiBarbano]

@@Gynra That's how I like my followers!!! :D :D

[@carvera9496]

Hola Luigi! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on why you liked & chose that camera, perfecto! Maybe you could do a part 2 on the lens image quality. If so... why do you like it or not. What do you like about the lens or not? Can you share your images that you’ve taken or favorite images that you’re pleased with. Pretty much show & tell. Muchisimas gracias Luigi... Ciao!

[@LuigiBarbano]

Hello, thanks for your words. I will do a part about lenses after I will finish with the Pentax cameras (still Pz1 and Mz-S). I will also show some pictures... I can tell which lens I used but not the camera... that's why I didn't show any pictures :D

[@carvera9496]

Luigi Barbano Good Morning Señor Luigi! 😃. Yes, I understand completely. As I did expect there was a method to your genius! 😉. Ciao!

[@flowermaze___]

Thanks! Thoughts on this VS the Pentax LX?

[@LuigiBarbano]

Pentax LX is a more complex camera. LX is more precise as exposure, film advancing, shutter speed and has many more options. MX is one of the simplest camera wit mechanical shutter. I love them both, LX for the precision, MX for simplicity and reliability. You can run out of battery with the MX and still have all the shutter speeds, LX will be limited to 1/75 and shorter. If you want a mule that will never stop to work go with the MX, if you want a very precise camera go with LX knowing electronic could fail (just happened to one of mine) and it will need more cure.

[@rideplanet4823]

Great review

[@LuigiBarbano]

Thanks

[@GONZOFAM7]

Nice video Luigi. I just received mine back from CLA service. It was an anniversary gift from my wife. Could you make a video of you using it in town and the results. I lived in Napoli back in 2009-2012.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Thanks. That's a good idea. I'm going to publish a video, at the end of the Pentax series, with images I took in the years with the Pentax 35mm. I looked at the archive but I'm not able to say what images were taken with each camera, so I will just do something generic with Pentax.

[@mikepxg6406]

I love the MX

[@LuigiBarbano]

It's a great camera

[@jocknarn3225]

watching ur Super, MX & LX vids with interest. My Super is freshly serviced but will sell it in favour of my LX (which i think i've found an old-school repairer 4) & the MX as a mechanical & therefore reliable & repairable backup 2 the LX. 🤞🤞🤞i can have the LX repaired of "sticky mirror" & funky minions running havoc in the view-finder display .. bad minions🤨

[@LuigiBarbano]

LX is a great choice.

[@neilpiper9889]

I am adding to my Pentax /Ricoh collection. I have a Spotmatic with a 55mm f1. 8 lens. A Ricoh Mirai 105 and a Ricoh 8.1 megapixel GR digital camera. My Mx I bought for £50 on ebay. I will have a foursome then.

[@LuigiBarbano]

never too many pentax!

[@trotomas]

Ciao, per caso hai idea se si riesce a cambiare la semipelle senza dover rimuovere la leva di autoscatto? Grazie

[@LuigiBarbano]

Non credo si possa riuscire, ma togliere la leva e` davvero semplice. Stacchi la copertura e c'e` una vite. A memoria non ricordo, ma controlla che non sia una vite sisnistrorsa.

[@mymagicmurals]

Morning Luigi, I have very recently purchased the MX and loaded it up with film. I also put in new batteries twice now to discover the connection is probably stuck because the red light shows it's on all the time. So twice now the battery has run out. Do you know how I can fix this myself? Thank you for your video on this camera.

[@LuigiBarbano]

Hello Dinah, the MX is supposed to turn off the meter when the advancement lever is in the closed position, probably that switch is the one with problems. To fix it yourself... it depends on your skills, if you have some familiarity with fixing things, the MX is pretty easy to open and repair, but you must have the right tools and "hands". In case you can find here the Service Manual, with that you can diagnose the problem and have a guide to open the camera and fix it.

[@mymagicmurals]

@@LuigiBarbano Thank you Luigi - I do have all the correct tools, oils and cleaning material (Japanese) specially ordered to repair other old cameras as well as replace light seals. Yes, the meter is not being turned off, so I guess perhaps age and dirt has jammed it. I will see if I can find the Service Manual to help me. Again, many thanks

[@LuigiBarbano]

@@mymagicmurals I thought I had put link... or youtube canceled it? Here again learncamerarepair.com/product.php?product=47&category=2&secondary=10

[@mymagicmurals]

@@LuigiBarbano Thank you

[@mlindblom]

Took some of my best pictures with my MX... safari, dirty roads, salty water.. no problems...

[@LuigiBarbano]

a great camera!

[@trotomas]

Hi Luigi, I'm a very happy owner of an mx with the M50 1.7, now i'm looking for a wide angle, approximately 28mm and i generally shoot from 5.6 to f11 so i'm not interested in wide open performance. Which one do you suggest between M28 3.5, A28 2.8? I believe the viewfinder is going to be too dark and grainy with the 3.5 lens (M28 2.0 and A28 2.0 seems to be rare and not so cheap) Thank you

[@LuigiBarbano]

I have the 28mm 2.8 and it's a great lens. I never tested the other version personally.

[@trotomas]

@@LuigiBarbano bought the M28 2.8 second version (with the updated optical scheme of the A28 2.8), can't wait to enjoy it with a roll of tri-x

[@LuigiBarbano]

@@trotomas You will like it!