Pentax LX review, a true professional camera from the Asahi Optical Co

[@m0bob]

I just found your video, three years after it was posted to KZbin. I found a Pentax LX in very good condition on eBay and it was delivered today. I just put a roll of Ilford HP5 inside the camera and I will try it out later. Thanks for your video.

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@m0bob your welcome, superb camera

[@therealchickentender]

As of recently I've now two LXs. Just fantastic cameras - arguably my favorite 35mm SLR ever made. For years I had an early production unit that suffered from erratic metering now again, once or twice a roll. I'd learned to live with it but did not much trust it. Two trips to a very well known and experienced Pentax tech didn't solve the issue either. For the better part of a decade I'd talked myself out of purchasing another for fear of a similar fate, but a couple of months ago I finally caved in on myself and purchased a late mode. I'm very glad I did. I'd nearly forgotten how much I enjoy using these. The most bizarre development is that since that time I've taken my older LX out as well, and now in (knock on wood) the past two months and two rolls (along with a large number of no-film shutter fires in that time) it has only done its quirky metering dance a single time. Just once. I wonder if my purchasing another got it to fall in and finally behave! :D So... now it seems I've two working LX bodies after all! Anyhow - great video here and an excellent presentation of this remarkable machine. Best!

[@flowermaze___]

I have an ME which is erratic also, can relate to that feeling of not quite trusting. How're you feeling now that the new LX is in the works?

[@therealchickentender]

@@flowermaze___ I mostly love it all over again. Was always my favorite shooter and now i have one that's reliable.

[@jeli3953]

Erratic metering can be due to poor contact on the ASA/exposure compensation dial or the open-aperture metering coupler. A thin film of oxide can build up on the contacts. The simple way to remove that oxide layer is to work the dial or coupler through its full range a bunch of times, like 30 or 50.

[@richardsimms251]

Great video as usual. I have used several Pentax many years ago with black and white film only. RS. Canada

[@mortons08]

Great review and excellent photos! I love taking my LX round Leeds too when I am not at the university in the books.

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Loved the camera for years used it for many some great pics off it never let me down never sell it to many memories not used,so much now with digital cameras lovely pics mate

[@randallstewart175]

Had I not been fully invested in Nikon at the time, I would have bought the LX when it came out.- an incredible camera "system", rivaling Nikon in its accessories and flexibility. Not a lot of them were sold, probably because it cost every bit as much as its established alternatives. This was the high water mark in build quality and design for Pentax 35mm SLRs. Both earlier and later models were built to a consumer use standard. Pentax was and remained the industry leader in camera electronics, both for exposure and auto-focus, for a decade or more, and its following models emphasized those electronic features. For its vast list of LX accessories, rivaling the Nikon F3 at the time, it's modest sales meant that most of those accessories were rarely stocked in stores or sold, making it hard to impossible to find most accessories today. A very complete review - thank you.

[@jocknarn3225]

Hadda heart-stopper moment when my tech informed me their inability 2 repair the "sticky mirror" & missing shutter-speed flag in the viewfinder display. Was assessed 4 a mirror reflex & shutter box strip down. We agreed that popular sticky mirror" hacks were temporary & inadequate .. the bumpers both disintegrate & deform spoiling the LX's renowned performance. After sulking 4 a bit I went 4 an MX 4 their mechanical reliability & repairability .. only 2 find, lucky me, that the vendor is an old-school repairer. Update; that vendor just returned my LX repaired .. happy as✊. This LX will shoot colour. The MX is loaded with B&W. I now have the M42 adaptor opening up the option 2 experiment with interesting early Pentax lenses.

[@bluzizalright]

I bought one second-hand shortly after it was released. Exceptionally well-made: I have made thousands of photographs with it and it is still in great condition. Great lenses too. Thank you for the review.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Its just the right, superbly built, simple to use and at todays prices one of the best out there

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Correct great camera haven't used mind for years had some brilliant photos of it and memories must have had it 30 years plus never let it go

[@1973sonvis]

Great video! I also dreamed about the LX when it was on the shelves in the shops, but could not afford it. I have one now! 😊👍🏻

[@arricammarques1955]

Pentax LX build quality is legendary. 35mm Cameras and lenses have a distinct personality. Digital is much to sharp, images all look the same. 35mm negatives rarely crash!

[@ianthomas465]

the thing I like most in your videos is to seeing the pictures you are taking. You are a great photographer. Thank you for sharing. Very inspiring 👍

[@senkawascott]

Thanks very much for this explanation of the LX. I shoot with an MX and just yesterday a man in a camera shop saw my camera and suggested I should check out the LX, as he thought it was Pentax’s best film era camera. Your video came up coincidentally, but certainly was timely. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for a reasonably priced LX (I live in Tokyo, so there should be some around). Wonderful shots at the end of the video, too.

[@hanswi336]

Great pictures! I was lucky to own an LX for more than 25 years. I bought it 1982 in Singapore and it gave me some thousands of super sharp orchid macros...

[@gregoryh2772]

Beautiful and Camera and such Majestic Photos. Thank you so much for reviewing it.

[@rockartistet]

Probably one of best reviews. I learnt a couple of things .. the quick check of the electronics 27 sec rule. Great photos too . Subscribed

[@malcolmtice175]

Great video Martin. Stunning shots and a superb camera.

[@lesdmess845]

Very well done review of arguably the best of the three interchangeable viewfinder professional cameras released at that time. The LX is even more remarkable considering that it was Pentax first attempt while the other two - Nikon F3 and Canon New F-1, where expected and were their third generation. BTW, beautiful images on your website. YOu obviously put your cameras to good use!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Yea I love the LX , thanks Les

[@dominicmeakin]

Great video, I have an Pentax LX (a fairly early one, possibly from 1981) with the same viewfinders and also a motor winder, a superb camera that is often overlooked compared to Nikon and Canon's contemporary offerings. The metering is so great that most of the time I just leave it in aperture priority and get the exposures I'm looking for. I also recognised St Marks church, just round the corner from me!

[@martinhensonphotography]

It really is a super camera, thanks

[@film.fiasco]

Great review. I was in doubt about buying it, but now I am sold. Thank you Martin!

[@marcusoroberts]

Excellent vid of a most excellent 35mm. I also dreamt of owning one in 1980 and finally have acquired two serviced ones with many of the working accessories. I never knew after all this time that pressing the top left button on the plate activates the metering. Thanks for that!

[@jdebultra]

Beautiful camera and thorough review. I've always wanted one, maybe someday. I have a nifty fifty 1.7 and no body. Wonderful imagery, you are a very skilled photographer. I always enjoy your productions. Thank you sir.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you and your welcome

[@laer2873]

Beautiful pictures, beautiful review, beautiful camera :)) It's definitely on my wishlist now

[@currystore2000]

Thanks for the detailed review. Stunning photos at the end there.

[@PrestonThomasCafe]

Thank you! Well done. I started with film, like many photographers, then made the switch to Nikon digital, just to satisfy the immediate gratification clients. I then dumped Nikon and dove into Pentax DSLRs because of the IBIS and their utterly fantastic classic manual focus lenses. My desire for digital minimalism and simplicity ultimately led me to Leica. I love the M system, but chose Zeiss ZM lenses instead of the Leica brand. The Zeiss lenses felt like the Pentax lenses to me. I later discovered that Pentax and Zeiss partnered on the famous "Kubrick Hollywood lens." These days, I'm reacquainting myself with my film roots. I've been shooting the Pentax ME Super and I love it. However, I realize that it's not exactly built for the long-haul or for professional work. I thought about the Leica M6 or MP, and then read a review about this Pentax LX. Your video was the icing on the cake... I'm sold!

[@padmakarsrivastava9018]

I believe, it was introduced in 1980, I bought it in 1981 and never regretted. The best camera which Pentax has introduced. I still have it, but don't use it. Now I use a full frame Pentax DSLR. Again, a very versatile camera.

[@jonlouis2582]

That was a very comprehensive review! I have had a lot of fun with my two, but when one needed a service I received an eye-watering bill when it was done. My second one is now showing signs of developing the same issues. Great pictures you showed, thanks for sharing.

[@milandragojlovich5500]

Great presentation; patient, very informative and enjoyable. Good luck; please keep moving on!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I just love your videos Martin. I always learn so much and could listen to you all day. But my wallet doesn't like me so much after one of these, grin... Cheers!

[@RichardSilvius]

I enjoyed learning about this camera, which I had never heard of - but I enjoyed your photos even more. Wow - stunningly beautiful work. I'm so happy you were able to buy your dream camera after all those years and go out to take such fantastic images with it.

[@flowermaze___]

Great look at this amazing camera. I'm curious to know your thoughts on reliability and investing in an LX nowadays?

[@martinhensonphotography]

The main areas were the LX fails is the electronics and a less serious problem the sticking mirror, I would aim to get one of the later models as the LX was improved internally as the years passed

[@flowermaze___]

@@martinhensonphotography thanks! I continue to undulate between the LX and MX. I probably should decide! The LX looks amazing, and I enjoy the removable finders. The MX is simpler but mechanical and possible better long term? Hmm!

[@donrose3071]

I really enjoy your work Martin, you have inspired me to get back at it, working on sitting up the darkroom again, camera poor now like you I have many, small, medium and large formats and maybe next time after a few clients a scanner :) Enjoy

[@PhotoTubeUK]

Excellent review of the Pentax LX Martin! I really love some of your images at the end too!

[@crackup3296]

Great review - great images!

[@krustysurfer]

❤ *PENTAX* Sweet camera, images and video 😉 thank you

[@sindbadsailor7868]

That’s really impressive review… great camera also… and the pictures are beautiful… Take care…

[@tomislavmiletic_]

I was too drooling over that camera back in the day, the second I found out about her (what was in about 1982-83), but like you said, too expensive for a teenager. Subscribed, by the way...

[@Ortie92]

Thank you so much for your very detailed video and explanation, i can now use my old pentax i though was broken ! You have a good day sir, thanks again

[@rickhauser9698]

Thanks sooo much Martin. Fantastic video of a great great camera. Your channel is absolutely stunning 🤩

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank I do appreciate your comments

[@rvilletto123]

Beautiful work!

[@georgesealy4706]

Thanks, Martin. Beautiful photos too.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Great photos! 👏 I love the Pentax LX

[@billkaroly]

When Pentax released the LX I was shooting on the MX and I wanted that to be my next camera. Unfortunately that never happened because I couldn't afford it at the time.

[@jameslane3846]

Beautiful photos taken over the years with this!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you, James

[@renerazon4008]

My dream camera at the time, I ended up with the KX.

[@sdhute]

I admit I was expecting pictures of that caliber awesome photos.

[@robhowarth77]

What about the Pentax MZ-S ? That was a really pro camera. I had one one, but it was stolen in 2010 and despite doing a search of world pentax distributors, none were in stock anymore. I really miss that camera ! X sync through the entire shutter range, up to 1/6000 sec, with the Pentax AF360 FGZ. Amazing !

[@iaincphotography6051]

Very enjoyable Martin. Way back when, I thought it was a superb bit of kit but by then I was well into Nikon. Loving the shots at the end, the really is something about film.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you ,Ian

[@tonyb2760]

What a selection of fantastic images. Thanks for sharing

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@DaveBowman]

I always wanted an LX back in the early 80's. I loved the form factor but when I turned professional in '83 I bought the F1n as I had Canon lenses from an A1 I'd owned previously and didn't want to invest in new glass. I've also owned Nikon pro film cameras over the years so the LX was really the one that got away. I did shoot with a couple of ME Supers for a while and they were fun little cameras. I've pondered buying an LX a few times over recent years if I can find a really clean one, but realistically I have to ask myself how much would I use it now? It's probably more to do with me being able to say that I owned one at some point 😅. For now I'll stick with my Nikon FM3a.

[@pwood5733]

Love the loading system.

[@tuisitala9068]

My MX (new in 1982) and ME both have a very accurate metering system. Like you I could not afford the £450 for the LX in 1980 but now.................. I had not realised that you could combine the Sports Finder with another to effectively create a 'digital live view' finder. This is why I may sell my F3 (bought for the waist level finder) and go back to my Asahi roots with the ultimate Pentax. BTW, if the electronics do fail it seems that the mechanical speeds of 1/75-1/2000 plus B provide a very useful range for everyday use.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Yes if the batteries fail you can still keep shooting for general photography, thanks

[@diegomartinez9785]

Hello Martin! Thank you for this great review. I had one question regarding the electronics. Is it possible to operate the camera without batteries? If the answer is yes, how do electronics not working could affect its functionality and make the camera unusable? Again, thank you very much for this video

[@GeorgiosKalaydjian]

Like all your post, very informative session. What about Nikon, such as the F or F2 had you used them?

[@hamish5214]

Beautiful images... Love how simple and compact the Pentax LX looks compared to its Nikon and Canon counterparts. Really like the shots you took with this camera Martin!

[@martinhensonphotography]

thanks, glad you liked the images

[@257squadron]

Couldn’t afford one either! Great video Martin. Just picked up a Zeiss contaflex to play with. Another classic.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks, I’ve been think about the contaflex to add to my collection

[@257squadron]

@@martinhensonphotography Got one from Ebay, mint, in an ERC for £26!

[@user-is4jf8yr4z]

Great review! I wasn't even aware of this camera. From that era I have always used the Canon F-1n and was very happy with ist. But the Pentax seems to be an outstanding camera as well.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Its is often overlooked, your Canon is a great camera as well

[@popcorny11]

Loved the overview. Thanks!

[@rickschimmoller9960]

Can you advise me as to what would be the maximum size print I could realistically have made? Loved your video enough to pull out my non working MESuper and ponder the possibilities.

[@thecaveofthedead]

Wonderful photographs.

[@TheGazmondo]

Interesting about the IDM metering , My Minolta CLE has the similar metering of curtain with the same square pattern. Love the Pentax. The Spotmatic SP 500 was my first SLR. A solid review !

[@martinhensonphotography]

thank you

[@kindgott]

I just discovered this camera while attending a Helmut Newton exposition in Berlin. He had 2 of these.

[@martinhensonphotography]

If it was good enough for him

[@raygeary1698]

Nice cover review 👍

[@GixxerZilla]

A very special camera indeed

[@dalex60]

The Pentax K2 was pro grade, the LX was modeled after it.

[@Raevenswood]

I've had the MX and the ME super and I loved both of them but sadly the ME super is not built with the same longevity in mind that the MX or LX are built with. I still have my dads MX that be purchased in 1983 and it worked service free for years until the take up spool had some problems around 2007 and then the shutter eventually started sticking but after having it overhauled it has been back in action like new. I've had a few ME supers and they feel great in the hand but the issue that every one of them has had is they eventually get a slow mirror/shutter mechanism that sticks. I had one overhauled and then a year later the meter died so I just gave up on fixing that and continued using the MX. As far as the LX I think I might pick one up since I already have the SMC glass.

[@larsulrich2863]

thanks you for the video, what about the Pantax K2 camera ?

[@leotomma3494]

I know there are a few great cameras they shouldn't have quit making, just a few improvements or upgrades

[@harrywlodawski2120]

Thanks for making these wonderful and informative videos. I'm always inspired by them. Did you make your living as a photographer?

[@martinhensonphotography]

I have only worked as a semi pro, thanks

[@petercooper9054]

Beautiful review and photos. Dam that's put the price up again! They are still expensive today and as you say a paperweight if the circuits go bad. I have the Minolta xk working and another one that is a paperweight! I was lucky enough to get it with lenses and flashgun etc and billingham look alike camera bag from USA when I lived in Canada for $200!! Those days are long gone as most sellers know what the value is these days.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Soz about the price increase lol, thanks

[@petercooper9054]

@@martinhensonphotography today's cheapest one was from Japan at around £275

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@petercooper9054 would that be a well used one, good price

[@petercooper9054]

@@martinhensonphotography it's says it's mint but has a weird brown colour but I think that's the lighting. £500 will get you a good one. More than all my bronica EC TL kit!!

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@petercooper9054 I think I paid around £500 for mine but it was mint

[@behindeachfilmgrain]

I need to buy this and add it to my Pentax line up!

[@tommorgan3125]

There is a certain artistic charm to images taken with 35mm cameras which can be even more alluring than images taken with larger format cameras. The only drawback is that the photographer has got to be able to use his/her 35mm format camera to its maximum potential in order to achieve results like what Martin has shown here.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you Tommy,

[@silvestersze9968]

Is Pentax LX a better camera than Canon F-1 and Nikon F/F2 in general? What about in photojournalism and sports? Has this camera ever been popular like other professional grade SLRs?

[@lensman5762]

Those old cameras are a work of art. Besides my Pentax 67, I don't own any other Pentax camera, but they were properly manufactured for pro use and the lenses are pretty good. May I ask where the photo of the horse and the power station was taken? I have this desire to photograph cooling towers before they all disappear. Thank you.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks, It was taken just outside Leeds city center

[@lensman5762]

@@martinhensonphotography Thanks Martin.

[@arricammarques1955]

Lucky if DSLR lasts 10 years with no issues. 35mm cameras lasts decades with proper care.

[@wcwendychapman]

Excellent video. I recently purchased this beautiful camera and your tutorial was very informative. I have the standard viewfinder and screen. What recommendations do you have if I wanted to add to these accessories? My view finder does not have the extended diopter like yours. Thank you.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Hi Wendy, I would highly recommend the FB 1 action finder and fit the FC 1 eye piece, makes the camera more versatile for eye and waist level viewing ( you can see that setup at 33.38 on the vids timeline), and it has diopter adjustments, Cannot figure out why your standard viewfinder does not have that diopter facility, thanks

[@wcwendychapman]

@@martinhensonphotography thanks- it has a diopter but with less range than yours. There are two versions of the standard view finder. I appreciate the advise.

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@wcwendychapman No problem , thanks

[@jbezerk]

Hi Martin! I use a Nikon FM2 but I've found with time that the F lenses don't compare to the K lenses, and my adaptor didn't work out too well with some lenses for some reason (a 85mm SMC-M - a mystery I'm still trying to solve). How do you think the Fm2 compares to the LX? The Nikon has fantastic shutter and lever feel/sounds, but the K lenses colors are just truly fantastic. Thanks!

[@martinhensonphotography]

To be honest I have not used the Nikon, I have been a Pentax user for years so can’t comment really, one thing I do know is the metering system on the LX is truly superb,

[@jbezerk]

@Martin Henson thanks for that! Also, where the photos at the end of the video scans of silver prints? They looked fantastic

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@jbezerk thanks, they were scans of the negatives

[@keironstoneman6938]

I have the MX which is absolutely superb, but there is a niggle in my head to get an LX. I want to use the SMC A lenses and the well renowned limited lenses, as the MX does not have any auto modes at all it is purely a mechanical manual camera. It only uses the SMC M lenses.

[@jeli3953]

On Automatic, the LX adjusts the shutter speed to match lens opening. It does not adjust lens opening to match shutter speed. So there is no advantage to SMC-A lenses over the earlier K-mount lenses. But they will work fine on it otherwise. The LX will take any K-mount lens with an aperture ring and retain all of the camera's functions.

[@JanKowalski-ux6nt]

Which series of Pentax lenses is the best? I have only one lens with my K1000 (which I love for its simplicity) - SMC Pentax 55 mm, f 1.8 and I heard that this one is from mythical "K series" which is considered the best, better tham M or A series lenses. Unfortunatelly there is no K letter on the lens. Can you give me advice on choosing the best pentax lenses please? Cheers

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@JanKowalski-ux6nt I think the K and M are very good , build quality than the A series

[@JanKowalski-ux6nt]

@@martinhensonphotography Thank you :)

[@johnforbes1659]

Just one correction. The LX wasn't one of the finest cameras Pentax ever made - it was THE finest. It was also arguably the finest SLR camera ever made by any company.

[@lexlayabout5757]

@27:45 Ouch! I would not call the viewfinder meter a traffic light system! That usually means single red, yellow & green LEDs with no other speed information, which some much cheaper SLRs and Point&Shoots had, eg the Pentax MV. The LX has a long row of LEDs alongside those speed values, one of which lights up to show the metered speed. True the slower ones are yellow, but the colour is secondary and not relevant with telephoto or wide angle lenses. That graphic also does not show the aperture window.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Proberbly not described as well as should be, the aperture window is dependant on the type of finder fitted, thanks

[@vasyapupken]

23:46 but no ) Olympus OTF works exactly like that. it measures continuously during exposure and adjusts exposure time. all the same as Pentax do.

[@martinhensonphotography]

As far as I understand it is the LX has one metering cell that meters during the actual exposure and correcting the time if the lighting condition changed, the OM uses two pairs of cells for its metering function that causes a lag time in terms of accuracy. The LX can meter at a lower EV than the OM system down to minus EV6.5. The Pentax LX 's IDM metering was ahead of its rivals including Nikon and Olympus OTF plane metering at that time, the IDM worked differently and more efficiently

[@PeterForslund]

Lovely review of a camera that i read a lot about when it was released. One reason was that I used an OM-2n at the time and the idm and the olympus otf are similar. Yes the om uses 2 SBC cells. However the specified metering range is the same at the dark end (-6,5 - 18 EV). I dont know where you got the info about quicker response in the LX.

[@robertgordon6362]

The rap on this camera is that parts are not easily obtained and therefore servicing is difficult. Have you had the camera service? If so what was your experience?

[@martinhensonphotography]

I have never had this camera serviced, yes your correct if the electronics fail its a show piece only, thanks

[@ingmarhindenes7897]

Really nice photos. And a very thorough review. I've never had a Pentax, but the LX and the MX were the ones I wanted back then. Now I've invested too much in other systems, mainly Nikon, and am happy with that.

[@geraldillo]

Good video except for that I would never put talcum powder in my camera. Nice pictures at the end of the video!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks

[@powderedtoastman3093]

What’s the best 35mm lens that’s f2/1.4 or similar for this camera? Im thinking of getting one for shooting street and landscapes

[@martinhensonphotography]

The Pentax 50mm either 1.4 or f1.7 are great lens, worth trying

[@angelisone]

In case anyone say LX is/was better than the Canon F-1, Nikon F & F-2. Because those are much older cameras. It should be LX vs ATG's Rolleiflex 3003, ATG's Olympus OM-3, ATG's Contax RTS II, Canon New F-1 & Nikon F-3. LX & OM-3 win if you are out in the fields with no access to battery. Eyeglasses users would love LX 3003 if you want the best of Hasselblad in a 35mm formats using ATG/Zeiss optics. New F-1 if you work for company because most likely they are using Canon equipment. F-3 if you have older lenses or working for company because they have Nikon equipment. Facts: ATG's 3003 & OM-3 are now collectable. Even the pros & collectors are lost on 3003. OM-1 beats F-1 & F2 on extreme temperatures of Mt. Everest by my granduncle. OM-3 & LX are fully operational without the battery. New F-1 works partly without the battery 3003 & RTS II & RTS III needs battery Nikon bodies accept F mount all the way up to ATG AF AIS lenses

[@francolanza]

If Pentax made a digital camera that recalled the LX, I'm sure it would be a success. but they produced the K3 III ....

[@pentlx]

The body is aluminum, not brass. It's anodized black, then painted.

[@BPantherPink]

I have the motor drive and rechargable battery pack for this camera in India...had sold the camera and rest of the system in the late '80s...anyone interested ?

[@enrimt]

This is not an "Asahi" Pentax, it is just a Pentax

[@martinhensonphotography]

I think if you research Pentax is a sub name of the camera manufacturer Asahi Optical Co, the Pentax LX. It received the name LX because around 1980 LX was the Roman numerals for sixty and this was to celebrate Asahi Optical Co’s sixtieth anniversary. Todays digital Pentax cameras might not be "Asahi" but this one certainly is