Pentax MX Users

I use two 1.5v LR44 batteries and haven't tried it with a single 3v (and I don't have one to hand), but I'd imagine the results are more-or-less the same.

As for the angle of the meter, again I don't know for sure but the results are broadly comparable to my K10D when set to centre-weighted. I've never felt the need for a seperate meter with my MX and I've had excellent results from slide film, hence I don't tend to think about it - just trust the camera and it usually gets it right.

It's better to use the silver oxide batteries with the MX, the alkaline ones won't last as long but are OK, but definitely not Lithium. Silver oxide cells should last a year or even two years with no problem.

The meter switches on with a half press of the shutter release and will switch off as soon as you take off that pressure, unless the wind lever is pulled out slightly. In the latter case it will stay on till you push the lever back.

If an MX or Super A drains batteries this is because there is a fault that needs repairing....

Dear John and Hefty1,

Thanks for your helpful responses.

I think I'll leave the present battery in place until it runs out,

and continue to use the built-in metering. That way I will have a base-line on both.

The metering and the switches appear to be working OK. So far (only early days) the battery seems to be lasting -fingers crossed.

Our weather is improving (cool change in sight -we've had two weeks of continuous hot weather over 40 degs Celsius) and should become better for photography (or, at least for the photographer).

Great!

I'm still working on mastering close-ups (think a tripod is essential, next time I'll stop being lazy and get it out!) but here's my MX with a small forest of M series lenses:

[IMG]http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x21/Kingofthemountains/IMGP0936.jpg[/IMG]

The one fitted to the camera is a K 55mm f1.8, also seen here is a 50mm f2 that had just been de-fungused, a mint 135mm f3.5 and a slightly worn but optically perfect 80-200mm f4.5.

The MX has its first roll of black and white film in, I'll try to use it over the next week or two then find out if it need new light seals! I can definitely see what the fuss is about now, the MX just feels right in your hands or around your neck.

The winder is an excellent addition to the MX. 2 fps, single shot or burst, it also adds a really handy grip with shutter release to the right side. Here in the "colonies" it costs $40 to $60 depending on condition. I hope you can avoid the dreaded battery vampire syndrome which I and other MX owners suffer.

MX winders of any sort don't seem to be common here. I'd quite like the original type with the remote battery pack (and the extension cable to allow you to put the battery pack in a pocket) for the full retro SLR experience!

Dangermouse, my supplier of choice for used gear, KEH, is listing as we speak a MX winder for $59.00, US. Here's the link:

http://www.keh.com/Class-Products/1/PK/16/78948/WG.aspx

Whether they'd ship to Wales at a reasonable cost, and what sort of duties you might expect I can't say. Winders are fairly common on the used market here.

By the way, how's Penfold? I really enjoyed your TV series of a few years back. Visited Planet Cute lately?

I don't use my MX winder often as it turns a discreet, quiet little camera into a clunking, whirring, less discreet item. It does, however, help balance the camera if I have a bigger lens on it which isn't often.

K.

MX!?.. Pah! - It's father, the KX is a better camera. No problems with battery drain. Top and bottom plates made from a gauge of metal that won't dent if something heavier than a feather touches it. Mirror lock up, and a meter display that you can actually see in daylight! - Fancy one?

One of my three KXs will be in the classifieds after Christmas.

I think the MX just balances as far as weight is concerned. It's heavy enough to help you hold it steady (and internally is evidently seriously solid) but not so heavy that it becomes annoying to have about your person for long periods.

I currently have a 50mm f2 on it for testing (lens has had fungus removed and will eventually go on an MV1). I've seen one camera shop about 90mins from me advertising a couple of 40mm pancakes for £69 each, sorely tempted but I'm inclined to wait and see if I see a cheaper one. I'd like the ultra-compact lens but object to spending almost as much on one as I'd pay for a good 50mm f1.4, which is a far better lens optically and an equally good match for an MX.

If the right price I may well be interested. Having completed my collection of M series cameras I am starting to look backwards...

The KX is a tank, the MX more like a MG Midget, and the LX a Ferrari.

K.

Finally got around to giving mine some proper use today - took it out to the Elan Valley with a couple of mm of snow on the ground and the 50mm f2 on the front. The only snag with 36 exposure films is that they take a while to use, I still have around 20 shots left before I can find out how well it's working.

The combination of snow and blue skies meant that I was at 1/1000 and f8 or so most of the time, so I'm expecting some good results.

Well, it looks as though I got away with not replacing the seals (although I have a new set on order as they've gone sticky):

[IMG]http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x21/Kingofthemountains/Landscapes/PICT0022.jpg[/IMG]

Taken with M 50mm f2, the lens seems to have survived my amateur fungus removal. The lump of machinery is an old hydro-electric generator.

[IMG]http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x21/Kingofthemountains/Landscapes/PICT0018.jpg[/IMG]

Taken with K 55mm f1.8 - the lens I mostly intend to use with the MX. Slightly over-exposed, most likely due to the brightness of the snow confusing the light meter.

Snow normally causes under exposure not over due to the meter trying to render white as 18% gray.

Best wishes, K.

Had my MX for 29 years and still love it though the LX took over mostly. Seals still good and never replaced. Did need to replace the GPD meter cells a few years ago and was told they're now unlikely to be available. Dropped it several times and still rock solid.