Pentax MX

Pentax MX

[ Image wanted] {{{image caption}}} Maker: Pentax Dates: 1977-1984 Variants: chrome, black, MX Data Camera Type: 35mm SLR Focusing: manual Lens mount: Pentax K Shutter: focal plane, horizontal, cloth from 1s to 1/1000 Exposure meter: TTL, open aperture, center weighted Exposure modes: manual ASA/ISO range: 25 to 1600 Finder screen: interchangeable, 8 types Flash shoe: fixed hot shoe Flash speed: 1/60 TTL Flash: no Motor drive: external winder (2i/s) or motor (5i/s) Battery: 2 x 1.5V Weight: 495g w/o lens Number produced: unknown

In 1977, Pentax introduced two compact 35mm SLRs, the MX and the ME. The Olympus OM-1 presented in 1972 had introduced a new trend for compactness in SLR cameras.

The Pentax MX was a mechanical camera, with an horizontal cloth focal plane shutter from 1s to 1/1000, synchronized at 1/60. The shutter dial was on the top plate, next to the advance lever and to the release button.

The Pentax MX had a 0.97x viewfinder, covering 95% of the field, with interchangeable finder screens. The finder itself was fixed, and the screens were interchanged through the bayonet mount, a system again introduced by the OM-1. There was a choice of eight finder screens, the standard one having a split image image and a microprism ring in the center. The shutter speed and aperture value were visible in the finder, the aperture being read on the lens ring by way of an optical device.

There was a hot shoe on the top of the prism, a lock lever around the release button and a self-timer. The Pentax MX could attach an external winder (2 i/s) or a motor drive (5i/s). There was also a Dial Data MX databack available. According to Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-mount site, a different Data MX databack was made for use with a specially modified MX Data body. It is said the MX Data was always in chrome finish, and very rare.

The exposure meter was of the standard TTL open aperture center weighted type. It was activated by a slight pressure on the release button. In the viewfinder, the exposure display was by 5 leds. The central one was green and indicated correct exposure. Two orange leds indicated over and under-exposure by 1/2 stop, and two red leds indicated over and under-exposure by 1 or more stop.

The lenses were interchangeable with the K bayonet mount. Together with the MX and ME was introduced the SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses.

The Pentax MX existed in chrome or black finish.

Production stopped in 1984.

Links

• The Pentax M series at krg site
• Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-mount site
• Manual available on the Favorite Classics section of .kyphoto.com
• Manual Camera User's Opinion
• Manual Camera User's Opinion 2