Pentax MX was indeed their professional model for several years.
It was a true system camera, albeit without interchangeable finders.

It offered fully mechanical operation like the Nikon F2 AND compact size like the Olympus OM cameras,
the most popular 35mm professional camera systems at the time. Sounds like a winning combination, no?
Unfortunately pro did not embrace it, just as they later failed to embrace the more advanced Pentax LX.

I have owned several. I agree it is a bit too delicate, particularly that top cover.
Thinner metal was of course used to save weight, to top Olympus.

I have my other quibbles with the MX, i.e. the difficult to operate shutter speed dial
and exposure indicators that intrude into the viewing area of the focusing screen.

For better or worse there is no other Pentax bayonet model with its unique set of features.
With Winder MX attached it is the camera I always grab when I require motorized advance.

Chris

I would like to send a working older (1960's) Pentax 35mm SLR with lens to a friend in UK as a gift.
It is in nice but not collector condition; £50 claimed value would probably seem reasonable.

Typically will recipient be required to pay duty, VAT or other charges on something like this?
If so how much? I do not wish to send a gift with burdensome charges associated.

TIA,
Chris in New York

As stated here by others processing black and white is cheap as chips.
Given the chance you may find that BW has a charm beyond color.
The real reward is that developing it yourself finally gives you full creative control.

Chris

IIRC I read that Kodak engineers included relative ease of scanning as one of the design criteria of the new Ektachrome film.

Chris

I have touch-up paint markers in flat black and gloss black purchased from Micro-Tools.
They cover small areas well and after nearly ten years they are still quite usable.

Chris

I hope someone else in UK is equally capable of keeping your old Pentax cameras working.
Here in USA I don't know what we'll do when Eric Hendrickson retires...

Chris

I remember the ads in the photo magazines: "Add $10 for professional black finish"...

Chris

Conventional black and white film development is a relatively simple process.
With practice one can usually obtain the results desired. Requisite chemistry is not expensive.

OTOH C-41 is more complicated and more expensive.
Many use home processing kits for color and chromogenic BW but IMO it's just not worth the bother.

Chris

Yes, until the critical plastic gear breaks and the camera becomes completely disabled.
That weak link was the entire model line's downfall.

Chris

Pentax made some excellent 35/2 lenses, K, M and A. They are not difficult to find used.
If that's fast enough you will save money on a lighter, more compact and better quality lens.

Chris