Pentax LX

Picture by Alf_Sigaro. (Image rights)	Pictures by Rst90274. (Image rights)

This camera was Pentax's only serious attempt to enter the proffessional segment of the 35mm SLR camera. When introduced in 1980 it comprised from the start a series of accessories like several interchangeable viefinders and viewfinder screens in addition to the vast range of SMC lenses. It is protected against water and dust. This is probably one of the finest mechanical 35mm cameras ever produced, and very comfortable and easy to handle.

In October 1981 a special limited edition of 300 cameras of the LX was produced to celebrate the company's achievement of being the first manufacturer to surpase the milestone to produce 10 million SLR cameras. The serial number range of this limited edition reaches into the 3XX range because some cameras being discarded before leaving the factory due to the exstremely high level of final quality inspection. This version is popularily called the Pentax LX Gold because all the metal parts are 24ct. gold plated. The leather covering is brown skin and the plastic parts are dark brown. The accompanying SMC Pentax 1:1.2 50mm lens was similarily finished with brown leather covering the focusing ring grip. It came with a brown ever ready case.

Links

• The Pentax LX Gallery
• The LX at Modern Classics
• The Pentax LX Limited Edition Y2K set
• Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-mount site
• The Pentax LX at Digital Image Studio, article by Rob Studdert
• Pentax LX at www.collection-appareils.fr