Update, thanks to careful attention with a microfibre cloth one lens now has next to no dust inside. The other will get the same treatment shortly.

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.

I would second the manual focus suggestion, but try looking for the A version of the 28mm lens instead of the M version. It makes metering much simpler!

I've seen the black marker pen trick mentioned elsewhere, I'll start by giving the lens a good clean and trying it. If I don't notice a problem I'll leave well alone, otherwise it's pen time.

At least I can fix where the last owner scratched a name into the paint on the barrel. Fine abrasive paper will take the edges off the scratches (after I tape around the area so the dust won't get into the focussing mechanism), then a dab of paint will finish the job. I'm not too worried about it being cosmetically perfect, a slightly scruffy lens is probably a good way of making your gear look less desirable!

I hardly ever seem to see K series lenses. I've got one of the 55mm f1.8s which is a superb piece of kit, especially considering it's over thirty years old.

I have the Takumar Bayonet 28mm (not too bad) and I placed a best offer on a scruffy Pentax-A 28mm f2.8 yesterday which was accepted. I was a little worried by the description mentioning some light scratches on the front element, but having seen someone stick lumps of masking tape on a lens without making much of a difference to image quality I'm not too worried!

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!

A pro I know was recently complaining about an individual who's offering ridiculously cheap wedding photography (as in well under £100 for the whole event). As you might expect, the results are terrible (they're using full auto mode and a cheap printing establishment) and they're getting right up the noses of the proper pros in the area. This person is damaging their businesses and the image of professional photographers by charging far too little and delivering poor results. The sad part is that there's a ready supply of not-too-discerning clients who'll employ them.

Professional isn't just a matter of whether you earn your money with your camera, it's a mindset too. Undercutting other people and delivering poor quality products doesn't make you a pro, even if you're making money from it. Likewise, just because you're not really interested in making money from your hobby, it doesn't mean that you can't show the dedication that it takes to build a good reputation for professional work.

Genuine Pentax 28mm lenses seem to have a mania attached to them. I suspect that not many were sold as most people either bought a zoom or a cheap wide angle prime, but still, most of the BIN prices are ridiculous!

I can only assume that it's because they make a good compact walk around lens for a DSLR.

Does anyone know of a modern case that suits the MX? Ideally one with a velcro belt loop attached (like the Lowepro "sliplock" kit). The M series look a bit lost in a modern camera pouch!

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.