Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

11 November, 2019

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Hamish's Pentax MX Experiences Hamish's Pentax SLR Experiences Pentax MX Pentax SLR SLR Camera

A good balance

As I mentioned in my opening post in this series, possibly the main reason I’ve found such joy with this camera is the balance of features, function and size that it gives me. My photography has been at a bit of a low ebb recently, and as such, I’ve felt that I needed a camera that gave me a sense of connection to the process of taking photos. I’ve always liked small and simple cameras that offer a clear and obvious set of features, but in the place I’m in at the moment, those factors seem all the more important to me. Fortunately – despite some slight issues with the controls and my need to shoot with my left eye – the Pentax MX seems to be fitting the bill very nicely.

The Pentax MX review

As mentioned in the first post in this series, the Pentax MX comes from the Pentax M-series of cameras released between the mid-70s and mid-80s. The whole series of cameras and lenses were marketed on their diminutive size. The Pentax MX is – at least as far as I can work out – the smallest fully mechanical metered SLR camera ever produced. And yes, before you ask, it is slightly smaller than the Olympus OM1, though there’s very little in it.

It’s fair to say that with the Pentax MX’s tiny size comes a fairly sparse set of features. In saying that, it definitely feels like the sort of camera that’s not really missing anything. That is to say, for what it does, and how it does it, it doesn’t feel like it falls short of the mark in many respects at all.

The Pentax MX was, in fact, the model in the range that was supposedly designed to appeal to the “professional” – as such, unlike all of the other cameras in the M-Series line, it is fully mechanical and therefore doesn’t require batteries for it to take a photo. Of course, the built-in light meter doesn’t work without a battery, but as I will come to, even without the meter working, not only does the Pentax MX continue to shoot but – thanks to the way the meter is displayed in the viewfinder – it doesn’t feel like anything is missing from its overall functionality.

The light meter

The light meter in the Pentax MX controlled by an inner wheel on top of the shutter dial. Press the little silver button in and the exposure index can be set between 25 and 1600. This upper limit of 1600 will likely be seen as a limitation by some, but fortunately for me, I rarely use a built-in light meter on the rare occasion I shoot as high as EI3200 or above. It’s also easy enough to work around this limitation anyway… but I’ll come back to that in a later post.

The light meter readout in the viewfinder did take me a little bit of getting used to. It’s not complicated at all, but at first glance it certainly made me scratch my head. Now I’m used to it though, it seems entirely logical.

On the right-hand side of the view through the finder are displayed three shutter speeds, the selected one in the centre, with the next slowest speed below and next fastest speed above. When you half-press the shutter button – at least when there are batteries in the camera – one of a series of 5 LEDs illuminates. If the correct speed is selected a green LED glows next to the middle selected shutter speed. If the camera is about 1/2 stop out, it will glow an orange LED. And if the camera is a stop or more out it will glow a red LED to indicate which way the exposure is out.

1 stop out – the camera is set to 1/30th, but is indicating a need to change to 1/60th

It’s definitely simple and a very effective solution, but as I’ve alluded, the thing I like about it the most is that when there isn’t a battery in the camera, the meter functionality completely disappears. The LEDs don’t illuminate, so you’re just left with a shutter speed readout. This differs from a lot of cameras – even ones that continue to work without the battery – that have matched needle meters or other light meter read-outs that remain visible, but non-functioning when there’s no battery.

No LEDs, the shutter and aperture are still visible

This might not sound like a big deal, but to me – someone who appreciates simplicity and neatness in camera design – it gives a real sense that the designers of the camera actually intended it to be used either with or without batteries. And since I like shooting both with and without a light meter, it feels like it quite specifically fits both my shooting needs and how my brain works.

The viewfinder

As well as the shutter speed readout, there’s also a little window at the top of the viewfinder that shows the chosen aperture on the lens. It works perfectly well in good light, but unfortunately, with it being a simple window to the settings on the lens, and there being no built-in artificial illumination, it is a little difficult to see the chosen aperture in lower-light.

The viewfinder is otherwise fairly wonderful. It feels huge to look through, and though I’m still struggling to get to grips with SLR focusing again, I’ve found the experience of shooting this particular camera to be fairly positive. The Pentax MX focusing screen that’s installed in my MX has a combination of split-prism with a micro-prism ring around it. I must admit, the micro-prism ring isn’t quite as good as some I’ve used, but as a fallback to the split-prism, I’ve still found it more than handy a couple of times. The Pentax MX also allows the user to change the focusing screen for different types, but I haven’t explored the alternatives so can’t really comment.

Controls

I’ve been shooting my Pentax MX primarily with a 40mm 2.8 pancake lens. As I will come back to in a future review of the lens, it’s not without its handling foibles. I do also have the 50mm f/1.7, and though I haven’t actually shot with it yet, it feels like it would be much easier to use on this camera.

Unfortunately for me, the slight handling issues with the Pentax MX aren’t – in my case at least – limited to using it with the 40mm pancake lens, Though I should quickly add that I think a bit of this comes down to me now being a left-eye shooter.

Easy access to adjust the slightly-stiffer-to-turn-than-average shutter speed dial really requires the film advance lever to be folded out to its ready-to-be-advanced position. This would be less of an issue if I shot with my right eye, but shooting with my left eye the advance pokes into my forehead when it’s folded out.

As such – at least when using the built-in meter – I’ve developed a bit of a system of metering and selecting shutter speeds using the camera with my right eye, then framing and shooting with my left. Not perfectly ideal really, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that cameras just aren’t designed for left-eye-photographers, so I am just finding ways to live with this minor handicap.

Pentax MX DOF lever — Combined self timer and DOF preview lever

The only other control lever is found on the front right-hand face of the camera and is a combined self-timer and depth of field preview. Push it toward the lens and it previews DOF, pull and rotate it 180 degrees away from the lens, and it sets the self-timer. I actually can’t think of another camera that combines these feature into one control, but it makes so much sense and keeps the number of buttons and switches down – which I like.

The Pentax MX Mechanics

My particular Pentax MX feels wonderful to use. There aren’t many mechanical parts to interface with, but what there is feels very positive on my copy. The film advance is really smooth and nicely sprung, the shutter dial clicks positively though is a little more stiff than I would like – especially given my left-eye shooting. The depth of field preview switch feels solid, and the self-timer, well, works… which is more than can be said of a lot of self-timers.

I should caveat all this by pointing out that I might have a good copy. I have spoken to a couple of people on social media who have either had bad luck with Pentax cameras of this sort of age dying or in the case of one person on Instagram, their Pentax MX just felt a bit mechanically crap. As I say though, mine is spot on!

Loading the film

The last thing I want to talk about before I conclude is something that I rarely mention when reviewing cameras, and that’s how I’ve found it easiest to load the film. More often than not when I’m loading cameras I put the cartridge in, pull the film out, slot the film into take-up spool and wind. The Pentax MX has a take-up spool that to me feels a bit too fiddly for that method. As such, I’ve found feeding the film into the take-up spool, winding the camera slightly, then loading the cartridge to be an easier method – your mileage may vary.

A few Pentax MX photos

More here

Final(ish) thoughts

Of course, these won’t be my final thoughts on the Pentax MX. Really, this is just the nuts-and-bolts-review part of what I have to say. I just wanted to write this stuff down as I feel like it gets it out of the way. It also helps lead on to the other posts I have planned about it.

The main point I wanted to make here is that as someone who likes small simple mechanical cameras, the Pentax MX feels like a bit of a gem. Yes, its size does make the slightly stiff shutter speed dial a little fiddly to use, which is especially troublesome for someone who shoots with their left eye, but to me, the small size and portability entirely makes up for this shortcoming. More importantly than most other factors though, I’ve found myself not really needing to think about the Pentax MX when I’m using it, and quite often, I think that’s all that anyone really needs from a camera.

Next up, I intend to share some thoughts on the 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens, and how well, and otherwise, I’ve found it to work for me…

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About The Author

By Hamish Gill

I started taking photos at the age of 9. Since then I've taken photos for a hobby, sold cameras for a living, and for a little more than decade I've been a professional photographer and, of course, weekly contributor to 35mmc.

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Comments

Graham Coad on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Did you know......The Pentax MX has a "secret mirror lock up" feature?
If you wind on, then 'flick' the shutter release with a finger, the mirror flips up but the shutter blinds will not move till you fully depress the shutter release.
The finger flick is the same as you might use to flick a pea across a table. It works with the MXs I have owned.

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Clay Taylor replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

All - the "secret" mirror-lockup trick comes to the Pentax MX through the Pentax K1000 cameras and the family of Pentax Spotmatic cameras before that. It was taught to me back in the 1970s by legendary Pentax salesman "Harry Honeywell" Goberman, who sold Pentax cameras in the Northeastern US for three decades. (BTW - the nickname was reference to the Honeywell Corporation as the US-importer of Asahi Optical Corporation Pentax Cameras) Here is Harry's technique - hold your hand above the camera and lightly rest your fingertip on the shutter button. Rotate your wrist up, so your finger raises up, then quickly and lightly flex your wrist down so that your finger "taps" the shutter button. You only want to give enough of a tap to actuate the mirror lock-up, not fire the shutter button. Keep your wrist and finger loose and flexible. Harry used to say "it's all in the wrist". This doen NOT work with the electro-mechanical shutter buttons on Pentax cameras like the ME, ME Super, nor on my Pentax LX (I just tried it to be sure). It is best to practice this technique with NO film in the camera, since too hard a tap will fire the shutter and there goes another $.35.

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Andre on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

So it's slightly smaller than Olympus OM1? Interesting. I think I want one :D

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

yes yes - no silly shutter dial around the lens mount either

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Rauli G Flemington replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Silly? You have got to be joking.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Well yes, it's a throwaway comment, it doesn't bother me that much

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TrevC on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

A nuts and blots review doesn't sound very promising for the camera...

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

No... damned spelling check let me down there, eh?!

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Simon on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

You probably don't want another 'buy one of these' tips...but as you're enjoying the MX, keep an eye out for the 30/2.8K. They are pretty scarce, but I think the rendering would be right up your street. Beautifully made too, and nicer handling than the 40.

This is the one I mean: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-K-30mm-F2.8-Lens.html

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Interesting. Not cheap! If I’m going to get another lens, I think it will be the 100mm Pentax-m. I looks tiny!

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Nick Lyle on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

This was a useful review for me as I have long toyed with the idea of picking up an MX, however far too many SLRs and lenses from too many systems have quietly slipped into my camera cabinets and I am engaged in an obsessive process of weeding out and selling off the ones I don’t “need”. Pentax as a brand is a problem for me. I like Pentax lenses and have a good set of them, and this collection is greatly expanded by M42 lenses, which also mount on K-mount bodies. On the other hand, my perfectly good K1000 and ME Super just don’t call out to be used the way certain cameras from other brands do. I feel like I need a better K-mount camera. The K1000 I have is mechanically perfect, wonderfully simple, but somehow just seems boring in use and a bit bulky. The ME Super is tiny, solid and has a brilliant viewfinder, but the electronic shutter is very loud and the push-button manual shutter adjustment is not a good design. I like small cameras, but the OM1n, Nikon FM2 or Minolta XD5 seem to suit me much better, among the SLRs I have worked with.

I strongly encourage you to try some lenses other than that 40/2.8 pancake. The fiddly handling may be bearable, but the top speed of f/2.8 really makes focusing harder than need be. Your 50/1.7 is a lot brighter, and is a very fine lens. The 50/2 is also worth a look; it is noticeably more compact than the 50/1.7.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I find the k1000 dull too. Maybe sell both and get an MX - it’s sort of best of both of those cameras

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James replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

In agreement with you, Nick. Despite my best efforts (the vast majority of my stuff is Pentax), I'm coming to the conclusion that no classic-SLR-era Pentax is able to offer me what I want. That said, I do have a lot of time for the K1000 - thought I'd hate it but it was an instant friend.

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Kevin R replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Indeed what Hamish said. The MX genuinely is the perfect middle-ground of the two you have, and with a viewfinder better than either. The K1000 is fine for what it is, but in that size a KX (the MX's big brother and contemporary of the time) is much more shooter-friendly. I've had and ME a couple times and always let them go. I've a SuperProgram now which is its successor, but it too has the electronic shutter and push-button control - just never got on with it. I keep it only because mine is a particularly mint copy. I've never quite got on with the OM-1 either - I hate its advance throw, and all the controls at the lens barrel sound good on paper, but don't work for me and feel far too fiddly. The MX is the OM, better executed in my opinion.

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andy s replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I loved the simplicity practicality and effectiveness of this camera Just speed apperture and iso blended through 'stop lights' and split screen focus to create great photo's I miss this instinctive photography I have searched for an exact digital replica but others only come close.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I don’t think I’d argue with that. I have an om1 that I’m just not drawn to, despite loving the 100mm lens I have for it

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Chad D replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I'm alittle late to the party here. I currently use a k1000, and have over the past 2 or 3 years now. It is quite a boring camera. I've been toying with the idea of the KX, MX, or LX. I hear that the LX can be pricy to repair and upkeep. After reading this review I do like the viewfinder, but I don't like the idea of having to press the shutter half way in order to meter. I don't know if the KX is the same way, but it makes me lean now more towards the KX or LX. The only thing that I really like about the MX is the viewfinder, I don't find the size of the k1000 to be klunky, so I'm not sure that the size of the MX is a selling point for me.

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John Burdett replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

What's the ideal medium prime telephoto (100 to 150mm) for my MX ?

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

The Pentax-m lenses are arguably the best match, as they were designed as part of the same system. You can find reviews of them all here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-M-Lenses-c27.html

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Chris Pattison on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I do like these diminutive 'M' cameras. I have been using the equally small ME on and off, and I have just finished roll from an ME F (that was generously given to me). Both are aperture priority only with reliable meters. If the take up spool is the same as the MX, I am with you on it. It is fiddly. Overall though, I find them a pleasure to use.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

We seem to be alone - other commenters seem to really like the take up spool.... ????‍♀️

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Dinah replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Our inherited "family" ME has now been passed down from me, to my son and now my granddaughter who has just started college and taken up photography as one of the courses. This gem came with the 40mm pancake and 200mm prime lenses, all still in perfect condition. She's already in love with it.

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Graham Line on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

My Pentax experience ran as far as the Spotmatic F and ESII. All were easy to handle and they were mechanically as solid as anything out there. Some of the lenses were better than others and it paid to be selective.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Did you have a favourite lens?

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Graham Line replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Did I have a favorite lens? Yes, the 85/1.8 SMCT. Balanced perfectly with the Spot F, extremely easy to focus in low light, and excellent resolution and contrast. Used it often in news work with a 28/3.5 on another body -- The 85 was better wide open than the 28, which had to go down to f/4.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Excellent cheers!

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Sokol on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Its funny, I have the same setup, only a silver body, and this review really descrives to its core the overall feeling of the camera. by the way, I am myself a left eye shooter and the pain is real, and not only for this camera. I think the mx-40/2.8 combo is one of the best all-around setups for everyday, casual shooting. very nice review!

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I’d agree with that. In fact, that’s a good précis for my next post in some ways...

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Manfred on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Dear Hamish,
with a little sorry for my "Austrian English" I would like to thank you for your review. The MX is quite big! There are two things I also would like to share: You can imitate the "T" of the Pentax SV by turning the shutter speed dial to "B", pressing the shutter button and "turn off" the little on/off lever. Then, the shutter remains open until you "turn on" again. The 2nd comment is more a question: I think there is no way of multi exposure with this little thing... am I right? Best regards from Vienna, Manfred.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Turn off...? I’m not sure I understand. Are you sure you mean the MX...?

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Matt White replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I think he means that with the setting on B, you can press the shutter button and flip the shutter lock collar, which then holds the shutter open even if you release the button. At the end of your timed exposure, unlock the shutter button collar and the shutter will close.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Thanks Matt, I've got it now. Cheers

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Clive W on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Does the MX have the same nylon-baton take-up spool as the ME Super and LX? That’s the easiest system I’ve ever used in an unmotorized 35mm camera; in 35 years I don’t think I’ve ever needed a second go at loading mine.

I must say, I like the way it combines the meter indications with the speed display. I don’t have an MX; I have the revered Nikon FM2N, which puts the speed readout on the left and the meter LEDs on the right (and a similar now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t aperture display.)

My other Nikon is an FE, which in most respects I prefer to the FM2N. Like the ME Super, that has the main meter display on the left. Odd that two pairs of closely-related cameras should have different layouts in such a critical place. It would be easier when carrying both and switching between them if the makers had picked a side and stick to it.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I’ve just this of someone else. Am I missing the knack to the loading - how is it supposed to work? I used to be a big user of Nikon cameras - I must admit, though I loved them, I’m not sure they aver nailed it. The fm3a was my favourite, but I often missed the led system of the proper FM camera meters

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les sarile replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I bet you don't miss the fact that the film advance lever of the Nikons has to stick out in the ready position to meter and allow the shutter to be pressed . . . ;-) To me, the most outstanding feature of the MX is it's gigantic and bright viewfinder. The biggest of any fixed viewfinder SLR and only second to the LX when fitted with an FD-1 or FE-1. Contrast this to all Nikons with their tiny viewfinder magnifications.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Indeed. I just couldn't shoot a Nikon now

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chestnut vinegar replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

I have experience with both the ME and the LX, I found the ME Super had a larger viewfinder than the LX which was very enjoyable to use. The LX is a very good camera but I keep returning to the ME Super just because of the viewfinder. I can't quite remember whether the MX or the ME Super had the larger though.

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Reinhold Graf on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Thank you for your insights on the Pentax MX.
I have to admit that I had some doubts when I took my MX on a sailing trip.

I had no problems inserting a film. Pentax Quick-Load worked perfectly for me.

I also use my left eye to focus and I also do not like when the film advance lever gets in the way.
I've learned to set the shutter speed without folding out the film advance lever - it works and you get used to it.

Overall, this camera has fully convinced me and I will definitely continue to use.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Is there a knack to the quick loading that I’m missing then do you think...?

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Huss replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

You just put the film leader in between any of the quick load rods. It tensions up the moment you wind on. Easiest loading film camera I've ever used. FYI to improve the handling of the 40 2.8, just add a $5 49mm vented metal lens hood. Protects the lens, keeps your fingers away from the glass and makes it super easy to use the focus ring as your fingers are naturally placed on it as the hood prevents you from moving further forward. Also it provides flare resistance! It of course almost doubles the physical size of the lens, but there you have it.

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Sokol replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

You just have to push the film into the needles until it pops out from them in another position and you're done. be sure to insert the film heading to right of the taku up spool so that when it winds it takes the rising edge underneath it securing it.

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Reinhold Graf replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Contrary to the “old school” take up spool where you have to fiddle around to insert the film, here you simply put the film end in between any of the white lamellas (hope this is the right term), wind the film advance lever and push the shutter release several times and ... film loaded. Had never an issue with this easy mechanism.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/11/2019

Cheers - I need to play again I think

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Roger B. on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Agreed that for fans of small-bodied cameras, the MX is one of the best and most reliable SLRs ever made. That 98% viewfinder alone is worth the entry price. The availability of PK mount vintage and contemporary glass exceeds the choice of lenses in the Olympus OM mount, as well. My taste runs to larger, heavier camera bodies, so to this day I shoot a Pentax KX when I'm not wanting Nikkor glass for film images (at which time the large and heavy F2 comes out of the cabinet). Thank you for this review, Hamish.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Cheers Roger

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Marcel Mikolasik on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Hi there, thanks for the review. I have a superb-feeling Spotmatic waiting to be CLAd, so much for the mechanical gems of Pentax. Anyway, just wanted to say that my Nikon FE2 also feature a combined DOF-preview and self-timer lever, pretty much like the one you describe on the MX.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

You're quite right - as someone who used to have a lot of Nikon', I do wonder sometimes how much stuff I have forgotten...

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Clive W replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

[Pauses to put on flat cap and best nasal voice] "I think you'll find..." The Nikon lever combines self-timer (pull) and AE lock (push). The DOF preview is a separate control on the side of the lens mount. I've not tried the FE2 but the DOF is the same on the FE and the FM2N, so I'd expect it to be the same across the family. AE lock isn't relevant to the MX, of course - and it's the one major omission from the ME series, (DOF preview just makes the view dark, without offering any useful impression of DOF.) But since the MX chassis is unique to that model, there wasn't the same need to share controls and features.

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Huss on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

If you have problems with the winding lever poking u on the noggin, you may want to try to get the Motor Drive MX. It is still very small, and then at least no winding issues.
FYI it is different that the ones used for the ME Super etc.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

That's not a bad shout

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Richard Wills replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

From memory there was the winder MX at 2fps and the drive at 5fps. Neither subtle in sound. If you can handle a slightly larger optic, the one that sits on my MX is the 28 f2. Looks like a 135, silky smooth, and amazing clarity. Bought it for my old MX, back in the days when film lenses were short (wide) or long (tele), so many people assumed their photograph was not being taken. I've got large fat fingered hands, but the MX fits just fine - the lack of structured grip (when without a drive) means somehow it just sits in the hand fine. Unlike the FM3a, you can alsohelp to balance with the wind lever (righteyed...)

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Aivaras on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Try mentioned 50mm f/1.7. Its one of the best lenses in Pentax lineup (for me). Shooting it wide open gives fantastic results!

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Roger B. replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Aivaras: Agreed, along with most of the reviewers on the Pentax Forum. That's a genius piece of glass.

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Dan on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Good stuff, you're spot on here - all in all the MX is hard to beat as a general purpose camera.

After 2 months of shooting mine, the only hard problem I keep running into is camera shake. After some side by side tests I've found I can't shoot the MX with K 85/1.8 at the same speeds as a Nikon F2 with Nikkor-H 85/1.8. I guess that with a much smaller body, something has to give - even though the bumpers on mine were replaced this year, the mirror mechanism just isn't as well dampened. But maybe its just my copy, who knows.

Fortunately all the good Pentax K glass is on the wider side anyway, in my opinion. Right now I have the 30/2.8 on there - it replaced the 40mm pancake for me as it still fits under my zipped up jacket with a neck strap (just about) and it might be my fave all-purpose wide angle SLR lens. Shots from it look more like a rangefinder lens in terms of pop. For something a bit tighter, the 55/1.8 is an absolute bargain.

Oh and, the MX is one of those cameras where a half case makes all the difference in terms of stability. There's a guy in China who makes them by hand for a fair price, he sells them on eBay. (easy to search for in case you're interested)

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

I've had a few recommendations for the 30mm now - I will have to look into it...

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Kevin Rosinbum replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Have to agree on the half-case mention... the lip it creates in front provides a really nice finger-ledge for various positions and camera is nearly as small but somehow much more confident with one of them on.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

I’m not sure about cases myself - just a personal thing I suppose. I don’t find them comfortable

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Clive W on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Hmm. Hard to describe a 'knack' for something that's always seemed easy, but I suppose it is a little different so this is what I think I do. With the Nikons (and presumably others from that era) I have to locate a slot in the spool, possibly firing and winding the camera until one offers itself, then wiggle the film leader into place, being careful not to stick my thumb through the shutter blades while I fiddle. With the Pentax, I seat the cassette, pull out just enough film to loop across, then give it a firm push at the nylon batons just to the right of the spindle, so that the first wind kinks the leader and locks it in place. You can push the leader in a surprisingly long way, and then one crank of the lever before closing the back will be enough, meaning that frame 0 is always usable and frame 00 usually is too.
If you're finding it difficult, I suspect you're being too tentative.

The M viewfinders are so good that I wouldn't worry too much about speed of lenses. I use the M 135mm f/3.5 (they're everywhere and very cheap) and the M 24-35mm f/3.5, and have no trouble focusing even in gloomy daylight. I wouldn't worry about 'favourite lenses' either; as with the Nikon system, if you choose a lens for the job you want it to do, you'll find it plenty good enough - and there is something special about the SMC coating, especially if you like to shoot against the light.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

This is my finding - the 40mm 2.8 doesn't seem to give me a dull viewfinder at all - despite what some people have said

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Matt White on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Hehe. Yeah, the left eye thing. Exactly the same issue prompted me to change my viewing eye many years ago when I got the MX as part of my first serious SLR kit. it was an awkward couple of months making the transition, but I'm glad I did: most cameras seem to be right-eyed to some extent. It's just that the MX is at one end of the scale.

On film loading, I think your method is along the right lines. I find it incredibly easy - and now, after 30 years, completely automatic - just to feed 1-2cm of leader into the needles, pull out a short length of film, drop the canister into the other end of the camera, wind on a frame and close up. It's basically one extended movement. I don't find it fiddly now. I can't recall if I ever did. It helps that my LX works exactly the same way. And they're probably the only cameras of the many, many that I have owned where I've never misloaded a roll.

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Des McSweeney on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

Hamish old buddy, what perfect timing as I have just put a roll in my MX which was the first camera I bought from a proper salary, 1979 I think. That makes me sound younger than I am, I took a gap year for five years before that ;-). The rubber around the mirror has fallen to bits and showing like black measles though the finder. It is off to be fettled after I take this roll. Picking it up was like meeting an old friend, it seems intuitive to me but that will be because it was the first I owned and I carted it around the world for about ten years. It is nicely battered in an old friend sort of way so no need to be too precious with it. As you know I have been using Leica film cameras for some time and I was amazed as to how pocketable this MX is, certainly overcoat pocket friendly this afternoon. Speed, ISO and aperture are a doddle as is reading the meter - speed is clear, the LED's about a stop per colour and green for go are straightforward, seeing the aperture is a bit of a squint but modestly useful. Speeds are stiff but at 40 years old are better than my knees and unlike them I hope the service will loosen them up a tad. I have a 50 1.4 which I remember as being fantastic so we will see. A 35 seems to have disappeared but I still have an 80-200 which I also remember as being very rewarding to use, again, we'll see.
I thought that the spool was a doddle, just shove the leader in between any two of the white plastic things, about half an inch in should do, and wind it on a shot, close the back and wind it once or twice more depending how mean you are - and check the rewind end is going round just in case. I hadn't picked it up in 25 years and all seemed straight forward and easy but I guess there is some historical memory kicking in. I'll keep you posted on how things turn out with the film (HP5)!
All the best
Des

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

You should do a 5 frames post when the time comes, Des!

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SParis replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

So, for your American cousins, a doddle is the opposite of a faff?

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

yep

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Matt White on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 12/11/2019

One more thing I should have said about the loading system ("Magic Needle loading", Pentax called it): I think it's wrong to see it as a quick loading system. It's not much quicker than the traditional spool with wider slots used in most SLRs at the time. Rather it was intended to be more secure and reliable. I still have an original MX sales brochure which emphasises the safe loading aspect of the system, rather than any time saving. As I said in my previous message, I think there's something in this. I can't recall any misloaded film with any of my MXs or LXs (I've had a few: these are the only cameras I've held on to through pretty much my whole photographic life, while lots of other systems have come and gone)..

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Nick Clark on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 13/11/2019

Wonderful to read about the MX, still probably my favourite 35mm SLR.

A minor quibble - the meter LEDs are at 1/2 stop increments, not full stops. Ie. amber = 1/2 EV out, red = 1 EV out

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 13/11/2019

Thanks Nick, post tweaked accordingly

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Ronny Persson on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 14/11/2019

With a Pentax MX and a 50mm lens, you will get a scale in the viewfinder 1:1 towards the actual object. Very nice!

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Will on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 15/11/2019

MX is one of my favourite cameras, it has no more or less than a photographer needs. I have used several over several decades, on one the shutter dial was stiff, but all others would allow me to rotate the shutter with my forefinger as I kept the camera to my eye. It is hard to quantify why it feels so perfect, I also equally like Nikon's F2as which has more bells and whistles but I don't miss them on the MX. Anyway, probably the best Pentax you can get of its kind. The KX is worth a look also if you ever have an opportunity.

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Recommended reading : Down the Road on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 16/11/2019

[…] ???? Hamish Gill takes a look at the Pentax MX, which for a while was the finest Pentax SLR you could buy. Read The Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review […]

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Kevin Rosinbum on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 22/11/2019

I've never called it my "favorite" camera, but of my many upon many, it's the one I'd keep if I could only keep one.
Love the MX.

And as mentioned by Matt White in another comment, the "magic needles" take some getting used to, but these days every time I load another 35mm with a traditional take-up spool I miss the needles in a big way. Make sure you pass the leader through a good ways and it very very very rarely ever slips when you wind-on.
Also, try the secret "flick" lock-up. Once you get a feel for the timing, you'll get it on the first try almost every time. (Though I've really never felt the MX needed lock-up - it's mirror/body is very well dampened - don't think I've ever had and image that made me say "Yup that's shake".)
In regard the 40mm pancake, never liked it. Pick up an FA43mm Limited. Nearly as small and IQ that leaves the 40 (and most other PK lenses) far behind in the dust. It rarely leaves my MX.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 22/11/2019

Ha, to many recommendations for that 43mm I don’t need the gas! ;)

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Kevin Rosinbum replied:

Comment posted: 22/11/2019

Haha, for sure. I'll only say that the FAs are in fact a bit of an end-of-the-road (or the very least, a lengthy and comfortable stop) for the gas journey. :D

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Peter Boorman replied:

Comment posted: 22/11/2019

I love the MX, though it's slightly larger cousin the LX is probably my real favourite. Anyway, I just thought I'd observe that the LX is the other camera that combines a (variable duration, cancellable) self-timer and a DoF preview into a single lever - and the LX manages to add mirror lock-up to that same multi-function lever as well. The varying opinions of how mechanically 'solid' the MX feels, and how well damped it is, may be related to its long production run. Over the model's life Pentax made several changes, substituting metal parts with engineering plastics. This means that a late model MX is very noticeably lighter than an early one. Someone who likes silky smoothness, that 'solid' feeling and some mass to damp the mirror will probably enjoy an early example more; someone who wants a featherweight companion to take mountaineering should track down a late model. I have one of each ???? All these people saying they've never mis-loaded a Pentax using the magic-needle system are making me feel bad. In I don't know how many years of using two MXs and Five LXs I've managed to mis-load them just twice. Naturally both were really important shoots! Oh, and here's another vote for the 43/1.9...

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Kevin Rosinbum on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 24/11/2019

Not certain what may have been inappropriate or unwarranted about my comments made here several days back.
Perhaps my enthusiasm for this particular machine was overbearing. Was intended to be helpful enthusiasm.
the MX is a fine camera. Happy shooting.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 24/11/2019

Hi Kevin, sorry I’m not sure what you mean. Is it the delay in me approving your comments. I do it all manually so I don’t miss them. Sometimes it just takes me a bit of time.

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Kevin Rosinbum replied:

Comment posted: 24/11/2019

Oh my apologies, Hamish. I'd assumed it was the some algorithm (not you) in the spam filtering for some WP sites (i'd run into issues with them in the past myself with multiple quick posts) just because they went from "awaiting approval" to simply not appearing at all. No worries - disregard. :)

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 24/11/2019

???????? I do have a spam filter too, of course, but you have to try and sell me viagra or a Thai bride to get caught in that ????

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The Pentax-M 40mm f/2.8 and Pentax MX - imperfect, but pocketable! - 35mmc on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 25/11/2019

[…] my recent Pentax MX review I touched on the fact that I’d only really been shooting it with the Pentax-M 40mm f/2.8 pancake […]

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Steven Louth on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 25/11/2019

Interestig article Hamish. I too am a left eye shooter and find the MX lever a nuisance. However, I just love the compact size, the large viewfinder image and the metering LEDs. I have been using mine for 6 or 7 years now, and I like it so much I had it CLA'd. I also use a Pentax ME Super, another compact beauty from the same M series. It can be used in manual mode by setting shutter speeds with two buttons, and the lever doesn't get in the way like it does on the MX. Maybe worth a try.

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The Most Read and Commented upon Posts Published on 35mmc in 2019 - 35mmc on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 31/12/2019

[…] The Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review […]

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Kosmopedia: Pentax MX - Kosmo Foto on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 04/01/2020

[…] a recent post on 35mmc, Hamish Gill wrote of his recent experience shooting on an MX. Part of the charm of the MX, at least […]

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Finding joy in a Pentax P30 (Despite it not doing working as expected) - 35mmc on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 20/01/2020

[…] little while ago I picked up a Pentax P30 for £5. I’d been shooting happily with the Pentax MX, but just liked the look of the P30 as a second Pentax body and couldn’t resist it for the cash. […]

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Pentax KX review: My first. My favorite? - by Aaron Gold - 35mmc on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 28/02/2020

[…] lb 13 oz (828g) with a 50 mm lens and no strap or film. That’s nearly 5 oz (129g) heavier than my Penatx MX with the same lens. I only realized what an anvil the KX is when I finally started using the […]

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Bob Janes on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 20/03/2020

The self-timer DoF preview is on some other cameras that pre-date the MX - certainly the Konica Autoreflex T3 has the same feature. The MX focusing screen was a useful substitute when I was looking for a screen with focus aids for a Minolta 9000AF - the edge of the MX focusing screen only needs a bit of trimming on the rear edge to fit very well.

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Pete rBudd on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 20/03/2020

This was my first Pentax camera. I had a 50mm F1.2 lens and really loved it .I always regret selling it .

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Paul on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 20/03/2020

I believe the Canon FT-QL and similar Canons combine the depth of field and the self timer into a single lever, just like on your MX. As I recall, a third function of the lever on the Canon is to lock up the mirror.

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Alan Millar on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

I feel like something that's always left out of Pentax MX reviews: as far as I know, it has the biggest viewfinder of any SLR ever produced. Magnification 0.97x with a 50mm and 95% coverage. That magnification is the highest I'm aware of - marginally higher even than the Olympus OM1 with which the MX must vie as the best fully mechanical 35mm SLR ever (the OM1 has mirror lockup, probably more robust, arguably aesthetically perfect - the MX has the better meter for modern shooters and the great takeup spool and viewfinder info).

So yeah. If you're not a spectacle wearer and love a huge SLR viewfinder, you literally can do no better. The microprism focusing screen is awful. But there are some wonderful alternatives that should be sought out by the MX user.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Yeah, for sure - both eyes open shooting with a normal lens is pretty cool with an SLR

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Dave Wyman replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

I had a free extra focusing screeens for my MXs. I loved that camera model until digital SLR photography became affordable for me.

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Mark on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 22/03/2020

Hello! It's me!

The 43mm 1.9 you've been looking for!

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 22/03/2020

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Alan Kirkby on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 26/03/2020

Praktica BX20 also had a combined dOF preview and self timer.

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Henry Marts on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 29/03/2020

After many years using a K1000, few years ago I bought two MXs a black and a silver. I love them very much! I am very proud of shooting with my two pentax mx!!

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Jack Carden on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 01/05/2020

Good review. I have an up to date Nikon digital camera and for some odd reason I can't resist tinkering with film. I have a refurbished Pentax Spotmatic, and refurbished Nikkormat both of which I love. Probably the SLR I have loved most and regret selling was the Pentax LX. I picked up a slightly scruffy F2 recently and discovered the prism will fit my old Fs. Hog heaven. I tell myself I am more thoughtful when I shoot film. Slower, yes. It reminds my of my school days in the late 60s when I saved my skimp salary and bough a used Nikkormat for $168 real money then.

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Nick replied:

Comment posted: 01/05/2020

How is the F2 as a camera vs the LX?

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Enjoying Some Pentax SLR Gear Acquisition Syndrome - 35mmc on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 22/06/2020

[…] all started sometime last year when I was in my photography slump. I bought a Pentax MX and decided I was going to just shoot with it for a while. With it I had the Pentax-M 40mm 2.8 […]

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Pentax MZ-5 Review - Cheap Thrills with an AF SLR Film Camera - 35mmc on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 27/07/2020

[…] time last year I bought myself a Pentax MX. At the time, I decided I was going to commit to it for a little while – regular readers will […]

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Paul Elcock on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 28/10/2020

The MX, my first SLR in1980, still going strong- apart from the light meter. Film loading is very reliable. I have been trying to educate my teenage children the joys-and heartache of film photography with my various cameras and they love the MX and ME super,my OM2n has given them 3 film missloads were the film has unknowingly not wound on and the 36frames composed and shot - but not! A horrible feeling

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Freddy Schiller on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 31/12/2020

I believe the smallest and lightest fully mechanical film SLR is actually the Konica TC-X (375g) combined with the Konica Hexanon AR 40 mm / F1,8 (140 g).
Total weight is 505g.

For comparison, Pentax MX weighs 495g and the 40mm 110g, so in total 605g, 100g so 20% more than the Konica. Also I think the Hexanon is a better lens, and
the Konica TC-X also takes modern AAA batteries for the meter (but it works perfectly without it).

You can get a TC-X with lens for very little money these days - I paid 40 pounds for a very well-kept camera plus the 40mm Hexanon (and useless third party zoom).

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Robert on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 28/11/2022

Konica TC-X was fully made of PLASTIC, whereas the Pentax MX was made of metal. A very big difference.

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Dinah on Pentax MX – My Nuts and Bolts Review

Comment posted: 24/09/2023

Thanks for this review, Hamish from 2019.
I'm off to London this Sunday morning to meet up with a small group of fella 35mm film camera users.
I'm taking my MX bought some time back but as I'm not fully aware of all the functions, and this'll be first time using it, i needed to look it up on Google and found your excellent review.
So here's to a happy result when I get the film developed.

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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 24/09/2023

Good luck, Dinah, you will have to let me know how you get on!

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