Every once in a while, we find a special camera that makes us happy just by holding it in our hands. For me, the Pentax MX is one of those cameras.
I may be biased since this camera was a gift from my dad. Having shot film for more than 30 years, he only uses digital now, and does not miss the “old” ways at all. So, when I told him I had been bit by the film bug, he was only too happy to give me the camera and a SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 lens.
I immediately fell in love. This camera has been around forever in my family and it was easy for me to create a bond. Believe it or not, the same camera I am shooting today was used to take this picture 35 years ago, and that little guy is me! Try to beat THAT, every camera I’ve ever owned!
The Pentax MX is a fully mechanical SLR introduced by Asahi Pentax in 1976. When I picked it up, it had been sitting in a drawer for more than 10 years. I had it CLA’d and replaced the light seals and then it was as good as new. Operating the camera is easy if you are familiar with film SLRs. Everything is well designed and placed exactly where you expect it to be. The best part of the camera is the viewfinder. It’s huge, bright and provides a unique shooting experience.
The SMC 50mm f/1.7 lens descends directly from the legendary Takumar lenses, so the image quality is exactly as you’d expect – awesome. Color rendition is gorgeous, with good saturation and contrast. Pentax glass is famous for the colors it can produce, and for good reasons.
In conclusion, do I recommend this camera? Absolutely yes. Is this the best film camera I’ve ever used? I have to be honest and say that this title still goes to the Leica M6 (mainly because I find rangefinder cameras easier to focus). That being said, the SLR design also has its advantages, such as higher reliability (i.e., not having to constantly worry about your rangefinder going out of whack).
When you factor in the low price on the used market, a Pentax MX make for a great option to pick up and go have some fun!
Thanks for reading, and please visit my online portfolio (https://brickwallphoto.squarespace.com) and Flickr page (AndreArma).
– Andrea
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Barry Reid on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
The finder is great because it was the 'pro' model in the M series. Not only that, but with a DOF preview, interchangeable screens and a choice of not just a winder but also a motor drive and bulk film back the only real downsides are the relatively slow maximum shutter speed and flash sync. That said, I love the sound of the cloth shutter!
Nick on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Christopher Emerick on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Roger B. on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Shane M. on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Ashley Carr on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Since then I’ve had another 2 x ME Supers, 3 x MX’s, a Super Program A, a KX and a LX. Why so many?? Because they keep failing over and over again. Now I used them hard, I shoot about 8 rolls of 35mm per week and the old Pentax’s just can’t keep up with or without service.
I love Pentax glass, I’ve used and enjoyed the rare 28mm shift as well as the classics and out of all the 35mm SLR systems I’ve used I prefer the Pentax glass.
For my SLR needs now I shoot a Nikon F2 and F3 and I only went to Nikon as their bodies are much better built than the Pentax ones.
I still keep my Pentax love alive by regularly shooting my Pentax 67 and I’m always on the look out for the Pentax 43mm lens they made in Leica M mount to get some of that SMC love on my M2.
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
dwd on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Michael McDermott on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
David Allen on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Huss on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
I recently picked up an MX and love it. The Pentax 28 SMC 2.8 makes a perfect tiny pairing to your 50 1.7.
Also I highly recommend a grip by this company (no affiliation):
https://www.cameradactyl.com/buttergrip
super nice, super light weight and makes the camera even nicer to use.
Here on my MX:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/39133227@N08/129R4u
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
JR Smith on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Des McSweeney on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Dan Castelli on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Damn, if I had 20/20 foresite, I’d have kept the Pentax. My style is centered around a single 35mm camera/single lens/small camera bag. Could’da save lots of $$$$.
Keep shooting!
Comment posted: 29/05/2019
Tom DiCorcia on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 30/05/2019
Ken Tuomi on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 30/05/2019
Comment posted: 30/05/2019
WAYNE SCHWARTZ on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 30/05/2019
takes great exposures time after time. Love it still.
Kodachromeguy on 5 Frames with a Pentax MX and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 – by Andrea Armando
Comment posted: 01/06/2019