CLA LX vs MX

I currently own two MX bodies, which I have not gotten around to having serviced (the light seals are sticky, and need changing). I now have a possibility of buying an LX for a good price. But after talking to the main Pentax workshop here in Norway, it seems as if it will be very expensive to do a full CLA on both my MX`s and indeed on an LX (if I decide to purchase one). Is it worth it, I ask myself?

I also have an old Spotmatic, which someone gave me for free, and I used Jon Goodmans kit to change the light seals myself. The Spotmatic now functions very satisfactory, and the light seal fix may be all it needs to function well for a long time - hopefully!


Back to the LX: Is it easier to service than the MX? I know that the MX has internal foam seals and foam seals around the mirror box that deterioate in much the samme manner as the light seals between the body and the back part. Ideally one should change all these foam seals in the MX, and that is not a DIY project and very expensive done professionally here in my country. Is the LX different from the MX in this respect?

All I want really is an SLR to use with my K28mm and my other PK bayonet lenses and have fun. Should I buy an LX for a good price?

I have the MZ-7 (from new). If I were in your shoes I'd look at one of the MZ range; simple, light, all the functionality you're likely to want (subject to model)and CHEAP!

Think about spares avaiablilty - there will be many more MXs areound than LXs and at the moment you have a spare.

My experience is that 1980s electronics are now becoming a little "iffy" and are at the end of their useful life, so I'd stick with the two MX bodies any day.

The MZ series have problems of their own, although they are great cameras repairing them may be a problem because of spares being unavailable.

Bjolester, just to give you a "Nordic" benchmark, full CLA for an MX is 100 euros in Finland, for the LX it is 150 euros.

And I have been in your same position recently and I decided to buy an LX which was in very good condition for a reasonable price and now it is being serviced....

Fron experience the LX would be considerably more expensive (50%+) to CLA than the MX and generally requires CLA more frequently. The LX is also an enviromentally sealed body and has far more seals than the MX.

John

Thank you all for great advice, and in such short time!



The main reason for me in wanting to have a functional film SLR body is to have a fully manual camera, in direct to opposition to my main camera the K20D, which is really a "computer" in disquise

Thank you for pointing out the importance of availability of spares. That is a strong argument for investing in the MXs.

In Norway a full CLA of an MX (replacing all the internal/external foam and sealings, as well as general cleaning and adjusting) will cost in the area of GBP 250-300 This price estimate is from the official Pentax service workshop, where they have a high level of competence. The technicians there are really brilliant - but expensive. Maybe I should send my MXs to Finland for CLA?

Many good arguments for the MX, in other words.

Harrow Technical in the UK - Service Prices:

http://harrowtechnical.co.uk/repair-prices/

Thank you Graham! I have read a lot of good things about Harrow Technical on this forum, I might very well end up using them.

Bjørn

Both Harrow and Asahi in the UK will do a good job for a fraction of that cost on either model.

If all you want is a film body to use your K28 on, then the MX is a lovely camera and fun to use. The LX has many more bells and whistles: mirror lock up, Av mode, interchangeable viewfinders, off-the-film metering, very accurate flash metering etc. There is an MX motordrive as well as a winder, but it is as rare as hen's teeth whereas the LX motordrive comes up a bit more often. I really like both cameras, I have an LX and four MXs but if I had to give up all but one, I'd keep the LX.

The other possibility which you might consider is a KX. Very similar to your Spottie but with a K mount. Much more robust than the MX, but also bigger.

Best wishes, Kris.

Thank you for your advice Kris!

I have turned down the LX offer, and will for now put my money on getting my MXs serviced. The KX could be an interesting option in the future. The size and the robustness of the Spotmatic appeals to me, and the KX seems to be quite close in design, and may give me a similar "feel".

Bjørn

They KX is another great camera, great feel and ergonomics, built like a N***n FM, very robust. Apparently spares are hard to find if they ever go wrong, especially with the metering circuit, but you can always use a hand held meter.

John

Technically a full CLA is about £10; a set of mini screwdrivers from eBay, some lighter fluid, some foam, a plastic scraper, some lithium grease, and some cotton buds.

And a lot of time... As always, these things depend on (a) one's manual dexterity and practical skills and (b) how much you value your time. Personally, I am as clumsy as it comes and never have enough time to do half the things I want to do. As a result, I'd rather pay Harrow Technical to do it for me, and be out taking photos meanwhile with one of my other cameras.

K.

Following Kris' comment above, if the bits cost £10 then the time charge from Harrow is @£40 an hour, assuming a competent technician can turn a camera around in one and a half hours.

A good CLA from a reputable company is always well worth doing, they all give a warranty on their work and the last camera I had done came back better than when I bought it.

If you like tinkering, then foam seals are easy to replace with practice and there are plenty of cheapish MV and MG models out there to play with...

...but I wouldn't tinker with a working MX or LX, they're just to precious!