Photogallery by Andreas

Specifications

Type	35mm full frame SLR camera with open-aperture center weighted Through-The-Lens meter.
Lens mount	Pentax K bayonet.
Shutter	Horizontal-run, rubberized silk focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 to 1/1000s plus B; shutter lock and "Cocked" indicator.
Flash synchronization	FP and X sockets plus shoe for X contact; 1/60s X synchronization.
Self timer	Delays shutter release to 4-12s; self-timer starter button provided.
Viewfinder	Silver coated pentaprism finder; split-image microprism focusing screen (8 interchangeable screens); 95% of picture-taking area visible; 0.97x magnification with 50mm lens at infinity; -0.5 diopter eyepiece; Information viewfinder shows f/stop, shutter speed and tri-colored LED read-out dots.
Mirror and diaphragm	Instant return mirror and automatic diaphragm; Depth-of-field preview with self-timer lever.
Film wind and rewind	Ratched-type rapid wind lever, plastic-tipped for winding comfort; 162° throw with a stand-off angle of 20°; Rewind crank for speedy film rewind
Film loading	New magic-needle quick/sure loading
Automatic winder	MX camera body accepts Winder MX for up to 2 frames-per-second (single-frame and consecutive exposure possible) and Motor Drive MX for up to 5 frames-per-second (single-frame and consecutive exposure possible) for automatic, speedy film wind and shutter cocking.
Exposure counter	Automatic reset type
Exposure meter	Open-aperture, center weighted Through-The-Lens meter with GPD cells for fast light response with tri-colored LED exposure read-out rapid winder lever and shutter release button acting as meter switch Exposure range: EV 1- 19 (ASA 100, f/1.4) Film speed range: ASA 50 - 1600.
Power source	Two 1.5V Alkaline (LR44) or Silver-oxide (G13) batteries LED´s double as battery check lamp.
Back cover	Standard back with memo holder interchangeable with, Magazine Back MX, Dial Data MX for data recording on film.
Body size	135.5mm x 82.5mm x 49.5mm
Body weight	495g

Build

This camera is from the pre "plastic" area and is build complete out of metal. 495g is not much for a camera but with this small body it feels quite heavy and very solid. If you open the film chamber the flap feels a bit thin and wobbly. The shutter speed dial is quite stiff and you need two fingers to turn it.

Handling

First you will notice the small size. Even though the MZ-5 is only about 7mm higher and 11mm thicker, the MX looks and feels smaller. Some will say that it is to small but I hold every camera with the right hand at the shutter and the left hand under the lens at the aperture ring and than the MX fits really good. As it is an all manual camera you have to set the aperture and shutter speed by yourself. I find the shutter speed dial a bit uncomfortable. The winder lever and the shutter release button are near the dial and so you can't reach it easy. When you first choose the shutter speed for the photo and than change the aperture for getting the right exposure this is OK, but I like to choose the aperture first and than turn the shutter speed dial to get the right exposure and this works not very comfortable with the MX. The exposure meter activation with winder lever or half pressed shutter release button is very good. The DOF (self timer) button is easy to reach and works fine. The Information in the viewfinder is complete with aperture, shutter speed and exposure meter. The 5 LED's for the exposure give 1/2 stop readings from +1 to -1 EV. You can see them good even in bright sun light.

Compatibility

As you would expect I have not had any compatibility problems with the lenses I have.

Conclusion

I really like the MX. It's a "pure" camera. No gimmicks but all needed functions in a very small and very sturdy body. As I like aperture preferred photographing the MX is a bit "slow" working as it is quite difficult to change the shutter speed without taking the camera from the eye.

last update 06.01.2003