I did like the demonstration of how easy it would be to change the focussing screen, as I have never seen that before. Two features of the MX were not mentioned: 1) The camera back could be replaced with various types of data recording backs or one could ft a bulk film back to allow longer use of the motor drive. 2) Of more practical use to most photographers is the depth of field preview which stopped the lens down without having to select manual or automatic - which option did not appear on later Pentax lenses. The DOF preview is operated by pressing the time release lever towards the lens throat.
I have a question. When metering should the DOF button be pressed? If I don't press it and I change the aperture the reading doesn't change. Is this normal or is it faulty... or should the button be pressed?
4:30 "...and in real life you would want to rewind it completely into your film cassette." Unless of course you are developing it yourself, in which case leaving the film leader "tongue" hanging out makes your life a lot easier when it comes time to load it on the spool for developing. (Your mileage on this one probably varies if you're using bulk-load cartridges.)
Bulk loaders are really easy to pop apart. For standard commercial cassettes I used a church key to pry open the container. Though I've never cut myself doing that, I've heard stories of people who have. Leaving a tongue does make it easier to grab the film, though.
Anyone who has had a similar camera in his life does not have a problem with taking pictures. It's like learning to ride a bike. Once you learn it, you will be able to use it all your life. Summary. Your videos are great for newbies to instill in their older way of taking photos. I like your approach to the matter. The heirs of cameras of their grandparents or fathers should try to take a picture with this method at least once in a lifetime using an analogue camera.
David! hardly anyone appreciates such cameras. I love these devices. They have a soul! ... and there are not any phone calls ... My collection is getting bigger and bigger because people get rid of this type of great devices: Canon, Pentax, Konica, etc. :)
I know this almost a decade old video, but I learned a lot about the camera thanks to both of your videos. Thank you so much for taking time out and making these videos.
Great video thank you! Sorry if I pint out one thing though, Lr44 and a76 are the same alkaline battery. Wrong info there. Sr44 are the way to go (silver oxide). Sr44 have a much more constant discharge rate therefore they keep the initial voltage longer as opposed to alkalines that lower their voltage linearly over time making your camera's electronics work with different voltage as they discharge. I won't go technical but basically even though the metering keeps its accuracy the electronic circuitry may have problems over time. Olympus and pentax cameras of the 70s are known to be delicate and I believe that people using the wrong batteries have contributed to destroy these wonderful cameras over the years. So please use only sr44 silver oxide cells a they are the best and the other ones are not reliable enough
Bought my MX new when my first gen Spotmatic was stolen. It was then the flagship Pentax. About 15 years ago it got its first and only cla. It’s never failed me. I love my ME Super and K2 and KX, but the MX is special. And the only camera I ever bought new. Would love to see you do 2cameras I’ve lusted for for decades - I’m old - because I think they’re beautiful, the Topcon Super D/RE Super and the Alpa 10d. I’ll never be able to afford them but I’d enjoy hearing your opinion. (Casual Photophile did nice articles on them but what they do isn’t what you do.)
Thank you! I had my K1000 stolen from my apartment last year, so I understand that sort of thing is awful. I would LOVE to review the Topcon and Alpa. Also way out of my price range, however. Maybe someday if I'm in the right place at the right time.
Great set of videos, thanks. This is a great camera for camping, no battery needed, very very tough A few things you may have missed. There is a depth of field preview lever - push the self timer lever towards the lens. Also the back comes off. There is a little, no very very tiny screw on the hinge - slide that up (don't unscrew it) and the back will come off. This is so you can attach either 1) a Data Dial Back - it will record Year Month Day on the film; or 2) a Bulk Film Magazine MX - it will hold 10m of film (about 250 shots). You mentioned the motor drive, there are is a motor drive 5 fps, and a winder 2 fps. Motor Drive MX needed a battery pack attached either Ni-Cd Battery Pack M, 12 AA in the Battery Grip M, or 8 AA in Battery Pack A. Winder MX used 4 AA batteries. Unfortunately when I got my MX in the 1990s none of those accessories were available in my area, just the pamphlet telling me what I missed. :(
Extremely helpful!! Thank you for taking the time to help us all better understand our equipment. I do have a question, however. Maybe I overlooked it, but is DOF preview available on the MX? If so, how is it accessed?
Thank you! For DoF preview, I missed this in the video, push the self-timer lever in toward the camera, the opposite way that you'd turn it to use it as a self-timer.
I just got my scans back. And...I have to say I am quite impressed with the result...the pictures taken with the Pentax MX (50mm 1.7 lens) are even better than the ones I took with my Nikon F100 (Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens).
Great video, nice to see the old hardware coming back into favor. I have been a Pentax fan since high school.One technical note. At 12:20 you have shutter/exposure ratio reversed. Higher shutter speed= less light, lower shutter speed = more light.
A cable release with a lock is the best way. You'd just put it in B, push the cable release, tighten the locking screw on the cable release, and then loosen the locking screw when you want the shutter to close.
Good video David. Thanks MX is a very good camera. I wish they made it match needle,metering, like some of the Olympus OMs. How about a video about OM1/OM3.
Jay John Thank you. I absolutely agree about the needle system. As for the OM 1, 3, and 4. I've been looking for them for about two years. I almost had an OM-1 about six months ago, but was sniped. So they're on the to-do list. I've been burning through my backlog, so my hope is that I can get back to Olympus before too long.
Hi David!! thanks so much for these videos!! they were very useful!! David can you can a video on how to use the hand grip for MX if you have the hand grip for it :D i do have it but i have no idea how to use it i'm still a beginner :D! thanks again! ^^
+David Hancock wow that was really a fast answer 😁 i don't know which model is it like i said i'm still a beginner 😊 but it's written on the side of it pentax winder mx i think it's the same one in this photo lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/pUvA1sJOBBlHu8E_-TRCCTRm8OK3KgSQR6cG-w5H8vvvOhTl5muXuQs4t2w-oFCSTdgYyaOxx1sIG1OGN2hpH6oie_jDzz3WhMAf_-XX_AXSCsSevL5ZE4xzot805bDVRB4r5LaRvbkGea2HgHOK6QmocHhtcgt1Wntw03OCs4yIhtRROzaSmxYk8OqwCHc06NQHG6DKQtC3J9RHdCsnJrz0C1cxpQ8bdIpLxWFpV_A_t3OVu8UbEDEcT9p1nv7_ff9r3q2VfAPgoj56FA4XE5hbYKAc1d07ZxfzXENBVEFUX-Opq1Qk0SnIIOMEc7UkxlRvFrCre7JYEF6pp72FJL0n7R6XyYcOcLmBx8eoCw_5IWFNDLroHLr_inMdKE_h_Z2QW26sQIfQQSXiqHmxV3uMbkkHLFLvN2y7C8ui=w396-h218-nc
Afnan Sabry I was uploading another video when I saw your comment. I'm glad to respond quickly when I can. :D That's a pretty nice winder. Basically, take the winder access cover off the bottom of the MX. That metal disc slips into the metal clip in the winder. Then attach the winder. There's only one way it can fully, and easily, attach. The winder uses 4 AA batteries and when it's turned on takes over shutter and advance operations for the camera. You have single shot and continuous options with that winder. Then when you're done with the roll there should be a button on the bottom of the rewinder that works like the film rewind button. I don't think that rewinder can rewind the film, too, though I could be wrong.
i recently had a pentax mv1 and my focus screen it's really dirty in the inside, but i can't pull out the microprism focus screen because it doesn´t have a clip to pull it out like the pentax MX. PLEASE HELP!
I do have a video on how to remove stuck battery caps. It requires some tools and if you don't have them a local camera store might, and the might be able to remove the cap for you, too.
Thanks David! I just got one from a flea market it is a bit dirty but otherwise functional, this is really what I was looking for! I always learn a thing or two from watching your videos! thank you again.
i just noticed that focusing screen doesn' t seems to be orginal, or at least not like sa-1, sb-1, sc-1 ...do you know where i could find one like yours? thank you
Great manual! You saved me when I clean the view finder focus screen and re-load it. Inside the camera, the black dust is generated continuously. Thank you so much for your helping tips.
Hey David, Thanks for this! The one I have came with a "battery grip" (at least that's what I think it is). Although I can't seem to get it to fit properly. Do you know anything about this?
Wow. I'm impressed you can fill a total of 40 minutes explaining this camera!. On a serious note : great video (miniserie) and great camera. Right now, they're so cheap, you can buy a couple as permanent lens covers.
I cannot believe how cheap these are! These are often going for around $45-50, more than $100 for a nice one, but beat-up AE-1 bodies are like $130. It's nuts.
Hi David! After carefully setting up and exposing all 36 images on my Pentax MX, I found there was no resistance when I tried to rewind the film into the cassette. So, I opened it in my dark bag and found that I had no film in my camera:) I usually have the pack end on the back and this time I thought I'd simply lost it!🤣🤣
Nah the best feature of on camera flash is the Demonic Red Eye you get, it's great way to find out who needs a exorcism 😉 I kid . But yeah it can be trippy . I wonder if simple remote manual flash triggers would work on these old hot shoes?
@@DavidHancock Thank you for the information that would make multiple Flash set up so much easier in the studio so much easier or even outdoors with Retro B/W and or Color film model shoots
I am delighted that Pentax used an LED "traffic light" display for the meter rather than a simple "match needle" galvanometer, as the LED can be relied upon in poor light where one might struggle to see a needle display. Mind you, I usually relied on a flash meter, a Sekonic Studio DeLuxe meter or a spot meter to give me some indication of what the exposure ought to be, rather than relying on the meter in the MX. At the same time, I might using a Mamiya 645 1000S (without a meter) or even my MPP Mk VIII 4x5" camera and, of course, the view camera is *entirely* manual.
Paul C. Dickie I've gotten much more comfortable with the meter display in the MX. I do love using a view camera. I have a Cambo SCX that I use and a Calumet CC-402 that I'm holding on to until I get a chance to do a video on it. What do you think of the 645 100S? I'm a huge fan of my RB67 but haven't ever taken to 645 as a format.
David Hancock I love the 1000S - it's just a pity that nobody has made a digital back for it, even though the back cover is actually detachable. I did try an RB67 which a friend had, but it felt too much of a handful; it seemed like I was going back in time to a 1/4 plate reflex camera of the 1930s! (I have since bought a Thornton Pickard Ruby Reflex and I know that is an unfair comparison to make with the Mamiya which is much easer to use.)
I am considering between compacts and mechanical cameras, the MX in particular. I have a stupid question: after you pull the lever to advance the next frame, do you need to consume that frame immediately , for you to put the lever back to the original place? i.e. do you advance the film everytime only right before you shoot? TKS
Good question, actually. If you plan on using the rest of the film that day or in the next few days, it;'s okay to leave it. If you plan on setting the camera down for a month then it's best to waste the next frame so that the camera doesn't sit with tension on the shutter springs. Over time, that tension will weaken the springs are reduce shutter accuracy.
My shutter button goes a long way before the shutter releases. Is there any way to adjust this? Or is it like getting the feel for where a car's clutch engages? Trying to work out technique. Great videos! Thanks!
+swhupp I don't think there's a way to adjust this. If anyone know how, Eric at www.pentaxs.com would know the answer. I think it's just a matter of getting a feel for it. One thing you can do to modify it somewhat is get what's called a soft shutter release. It looks like a mushroom that screws into your shutter button to extend it. This changes how you push the button and makes the button press a bit easier. That's, probably, about a $3-5 item.
Sounds good! I'll have to run a few rolls through to get the hang of it. It helps to push with the pad of the finger, rather than the tip, and squeeze. Thanks! The soft shutter release looks like an option, too.
I've got this camera but it doesn't have the 'A' setting for aperture, nor does it have the viewfinder light meter. It has pentax mx written on it but wondered if it might have a slightly different name for its version?
That's a whole different (and much better) model of camera. th-cam.com/video/AF7lVzSc3sM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/zMZyRBWAkBg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/QN7IFUldASA/w-d-xo.html
😀 Search eBay for Pentax MX keychain. I don't know if they're still sold or not. I cut off the keychain loop and then glued a hot shoe mount on the bottom, if I recall.
You can, easily. The battery only operates the meter and the meter and the shutter are not connected. So without a battery or meter, you'd simply estimate your shutter speed and aperture. The Sunny 16 rule is a good way to gauge exposure in full sun.
I forget if this is a camera that needs film for the electronics to work. I wouldn't think so. Give it a shot with film and if that doesn't work check that the batteries are installed correctly and that they're fresh. The batteries only operate the light meter so the worst case is that without batteries everything in the camera except the light meter will work. As for the issue, it could be a dead meter cell, dead LEDs, or corroded wiring within the camera if it's not the lack of film or batteries.
Nope. The film on the leader is so far overexposed that there's no ability for it to record more light. So for instance, check out my All About Film videos. When the tonal curve shows, the leader is far past the DMax mark. It takes less than a second indoors for the leader to be exposed and outside it's basically instantaneous. If you loaded the camera in pitch black, then yes, you could use the film on the leader for an image. However, most labs automatically chop the film to their machine's dip tank length, so if you take it to a lab you're likely to lose the images on the leader anyway.
The light meter will stop working when the battery dies. Until that point, it will work fine. The camera's mechanics are 100% non-electronic and the battery only operates the meter. So the camera can still take photos without issue when the battery dies if you know your settings.
I did like the demonstration of how easy it would be to change the focussing screen, as I have never seen that before.
Two features of the MX were not mentioned:
1) The camera back could be replaced with various types of data recording backs or one could ft a bulk film back to allow longer use of the motor drive.
2) Of more practical use to most photographers is the depth of field preview which stopped the lens down without having to select manual or automatic - which option did not appear on later Pentax lenses. The DOF preview is operated by pressing the time release lever towards the lens throat.
Paul C. Dickie I didn't know that about the DoF preview. I always felt like it was absent on the MX.
I have a question. When metering should the DOF button be pressed? If I don't press it and I change the aperture the reading doesn't change. Is this normal or is it faulty... or should the button be pressed?
4:30 "...and in real life you would want to rewind it completely into your film cassette." Unless of course you are developing it yourself, in which case leaving the film leader "tongue" hanging out makes your life a lot easier when it comes time to load it on the spool for developing. (Your mileage on this one probably varies if you're using bulk-load cartridges.)
Bulk loaders are really easy to pop apart. For standard commercial cassettes I used a church key to pry open the container. Though I've never cut myself doing that, I've heard stories of people who have. Leaving a tongue does make it easier to grab the film, though.
Anyone who has had a similar camera in his life does not have a problem with taking pictures. It's like learning to ride a bike. Once you learn it, you will be able to use it all your life. Summary. Your videos are great for newbies to instill in their older way of taking photos. I like your approach to the matter. The heirs of cameras of their grandparents or fathers should try to take a picture with this method at least once in a lifetime using an analogue camera.
Thank you!
David! hardly anyone appreciates such cameras. I love these devices. They have a soul! ... and there are not any phone calls ... My collection is getting bigger and bigger because people get rid of this type of great devices: Canon, Pentax, Konica, etc. :)
@@H.E.J.S.A.N I am in one group of Pentax users that has 3,500 members.
I know this almost a decade old video, but I learned a lot about the camera thanks to both of your videos. Thank you so much for taking time out and making these videos.
Thank you!
Great video thank you! Sorry if I pint out one thing though, Lr44 and a76 are the same alkaline battery. Wrong info there. Sr44 are the way to go (silver oxide). Sr44 have a much more constant discharge rate therefore they keep the initial voltage longer as opposed to alkalines that lower their voltage linearly over time making your camera's electronics work with different voltage as they discharge. I won't go technical but basically even though the metering keeps its accuracy the electronic circuitry may have problems over time. Olympus and pentax cameras of the 70s are known to be delicate and I believe that people using the wrong batteries have contributed to destroy these wonderful cameras over the years. So please use only sr44 silver oxide cells a they are the best and the other ones are not reliable enough
You are correct. I had an error in my template for a number of these old video. Thank you.
Thank you for clarifying. I just picked up an MX, and this post answers my battery question.
Bought my MX new when my first gen Spotmatic was stolen. It was then the flagship Pentax. About 15 years ago it got its first and only cla. It’s never failed me. I love my ME Super and K2 and KX, but the MX is special. And the only camera I ever bought new.
Would love to see you do 2cameras I’ve lusted for for decades - I’m old - because I think they’re beautiful, the Topcon Super D/RE Super and the Alpa 10d. I’ll never be able to afford them but I’d enjoy hearing your opinion. (Casual Photophile did nice articles on them but what they do isn’t what you do.)
Thank you! I had my K1000 stolen from my apartment last year, so I understand that sort of thing is awful. I would LOVE to review the Topcon and Alpa. Also way out of my price range, however. Maybe someday if I'm in the right place at the right time.
Great set of videos, thanks. This is a great camera for camping, no battery needed, very very tough
A few things you may have missed. There is a depth of field preview lever - push the self timer lever towards the lens.
Also the back comes off. There is a little, no very very tiny screw on the hinge - slide that up (don't unscrew it) and the back will come off. This is so you can attach either 1) a Data Dial Back - it will record Year Month Day on the film; or 2) a Bulk Film Magazine MX - it will hold 10m of film (about 250 shots).
You mentioned the motor drive, there are is a motor drive 5 fps, and a winder 2 fps. Motor Drive MX needed a battery pack attached either Ni-Cd Battery Pack M, 12 AA in the Battery Grip M, or 8 AA in Battery Pack A. Winder MX used 4 AA batteries.
Unfortunately when I got my MX in the 1990s none of those accessories were available in my area, just the pamphlet telling me what I missed. :(
Thank you!
Extremely helpful!! Thank you for taking the time to help us all better understand our equipment. I do have a question, however. Maybe I overlooked it, but is DOF preview available on the MX? If so, how is it accessed?
Thank you!
For DoF preview, I missed this in the video, push the self-timer lever in toward the camera, the opposite way that you'd turn it to use it as a self-timer.
Excellent. Your review was instrumental in my adding the MX to my Pentax collection. Thank you!
I just got my scans back. And...I have to say I am quite impressed with the result...the pictures taken with the Pentax MX (50mm 1.7 lens) are even better than the ones I took with my Nikon F100 (Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens).
Nice! Yeah, the 50mm f/1.7 is a fantastic lens.
Great video, nice to see the old hardware coming back into favor. I have been a Pentax fan since high school.One technical note. At 12:20 you have shutter/exposure ratio reversed. Higher shutter speed= less light, lower shutter speed = more light.
Thank you. I have gotten those swapped a couple of times.
Hi David. How do you take long exposures, maybe even using a cable release?
A cable release with a lock is the best way. You'd just put it in B, push the cable release, tighten the locking screw on the cable release, and then loosen the locking screw when you want the shutter to close.
Good video David. Thanks
MX is a very good camera. I wish they made it match needle,metering, like some of the Olympus OMs. How about a video about OM1/OM3.
Jay John Thank you. I absolutely agree about the needle system. As for the OM 1, 3, and 4. I've been looking for them for about two years. I almost had an OM-1 about six months ago, but was sniped. So they're on the to-do list. I've been burning through my backlog, so my hope is that I can get back to Olympus before too long.
A buddy of mine just gave me this today.
Looking forward to using it.
Really liking the size of the body.
That's a fantastic gift! These are really great to hold and use.
Hey, i have a question. I don’t have the light Meter is it because of the lens that i use ?
The lens won't affect the light meter. More likely the camera either had dead batteries or no batteries.
Not Chinese coin. It's Japanese coin 10 yen.
Thank you!
Great camera. Love my black paint MX. ...also, the 1970s background Porn music was a great choice for the video! LOL
:D
Hi David!! thanks so much for these videos!! they were very useful!!
David can you can a video on how to use the hand grip for MX if you have the hand grip for it :D i do have it but i have no idea how to use it i'm still a beginner :D! thanks again! ^^
Thank you!
I haven't ever had a hand grip for the MX. Which hand grip model do you have?
+David Hancock wow that was really a fast answer 😁 i don't know which model is it like i said i'm still a beginner 😊 but it's written on the side of it pentax winder mx i think it's the same one in this photo lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/pUvA1sJOBBlHu8E_-TRCCTRm8OK3KgSQR6cG-w5H8vvvOhTl5muXuQs4t2w-oFCSTdgYyaOxx1sIG1OGN2hpH6oie_jDzz3WhMAf_-XX_AXSCsSevL5ZE4xzot805bDVRB4r5LaRvbkGea2HgHOK6QmocHhtcgt1Wntw03OCs4yIhtRROzaSmxYk8OqwCHc06NQHG6DKQtC3J9RHdCsnJrz0C1cxpQ8bdIpLxWFpV_A_t3OVu8UbEDEcT9p1nv7_ff9r3q2VfAPgoj56FA4XE5hbYKAc1d07ZxfzXENBVEFUX-Opq1Qk0SnIIOMEc7UkxlRvFrCre7JYEF6pp72FJL0n7R6XyYcOcLmBx8eoCw_5IWFNDLroHLr_inMdKE_h_Z2QW26sQIfQQSXiqHmxV3uMbkkHLFLvN2y7C8ui=w396-h218-nc
Afnan Sabry I was uploading another video when I saw your comment. I'm glad to respond quickly when I can. :D
That's a pretty nice winder. Basically, take the winder access cover off the bottom of the MX. That metal disc slips into the metal clip in the winder. Then attach the winder. There's only one way it can fully, and easily, attach. The winder uses 4 AA batteries and when it's turned on takes over shutter and advance operations for the camera. You have single shot and continuous options with that winder. Then when you're done with the roll there should be a button on the bottom of the rewinder that works like the film rewind button. I don't think that rewinder can rewind the film, too, though I could be wrong.
Thanks a lot !! that was really helpful>
i recently had a pentax mv1 and my focus screen it's really dirty in the inside, but i can't pull out the microprism focus screen because it doesn´t have a clip to pull it out like the pentax MX. PLEASE HELP!
That will require a professional overhaul, especially if the focusing screen needs to be replaced.
Hi! Very helpful video (: but I'm having problems with opening the battery to change it, any tips?
I do have a video on how to remove stuck battery caps. It requires some tools and if you don't have them a local camera store might, and the might be able to remove the cap for you, too.
Thanks David! I just got one from a flea market it is a bit dirty but otherwise functional, this is really what I was looking for! I always learn a thing or two from watching your videos! thank you again.
Thank you, Hugo! Nice find on the MX, too. These are awesome cameras.
$20 well spent, and, it came with the SMC-M 50mm 1.7. The viewfinder is very dirty so I'll clean it up exactly as demonstrated :)
i just noticed that focusing screen doesn' t seems to be orginal, or at least not like sa-1, sb-1, sc-1 ...do you know where i could find one like yours? thank you
eBay, KEH, Adorama, and B&H would all be good placed to check.
Great manual! You saved me when I clean the view finder focus screen and re-load it. Inside the camera, the black dust is generated continuously. Thank you so much for your helping tips.
Thank you!
Hey David, Thanks for this! The one I have came with a "battery grip" (at least that's what I think it is). Although I can't seem to get it to fit properly. Do you know anything about this?
Which grip? It might not be the right one.
Wow. I'm impressed you can fill a total of 40 minutes explaining this camera!. On a serious note : great video (miniserie) and great camera. Right now, they're so cheap, you can buy a couple as permanent lens covers.
I cannot believe how cheap these are! These are often going for around $45-50, more than $100 for a nice one, but beat-up AE-1 bodies are like $130. It's nuts.
Hi David! After carefully setting up and exposing all 36 images on my Pentax MX, I found there was no resistance when I tried to rewind the film into the cassette. So, I opened it in my dark bag and found that I had no film in my camera:) I usually have the pack end on the back and this time I thought I'd simply lost it!🤣🤣
I have done that, too, more than once. :D
@@DavidHancock 😃
Very user friendly instructional video. Suggestion: how about the different ypes of screens, and how to replace them.
Thank you!
Isn't the screen discussion in video 2, or did I forget that?
Nah the best feature of on camera flash is the Demonic Red Eye you get, it's great way to find out who needs a exorcism 😉 I kid . But yeah it can be trippy . I wonder if simple remote manual flash triggers would work on these old hot shoes?
They would work indeed.
@@DavidHancock Thank you for the information that would make multiple Flash set up so much easier in the studio so much easier or even outdoors with Retro B/W and or Color film model shoots
I am delighted that Pentax used an LED "traffic light" display for the meter rather than a simple "match needle" galvanometer, as the LED can be relied upon in poor light where one might struggle to see a needle display. Mind you, I usually relied on a flash meter, a Sekonic Studio DeLuxe meter or a spot meter to give me some indication of what the exposure ought to be, rather than relying on the meter in the MX. At the same time, I might using a Mamiya 645 1000S (without a meter) or even my MPP Mk VIII 4x5" camera and, of course, the view camera is *entirely* manual.
Paul C. Dickie I've gotten much more comfortable with the meter display in the MX.
I do love using a view camera. I have a Cambo SCX that I use and a Calumet CC-402 that I'm holding on to until I get a chance to do a video on it.
What do you think of the 645 100S? I'm a huge fan of my RB67 but haven't ever taken to 645 as a format.
David Hancock I love the 1000S - it's just a pity that nobody has made a digital back for it, even though the back cover is actually detachable.
I did try an RB67 which a friend had, but it felt too much of a handful; it seemed like I was going back in time to a 1/4 plate reflex camera of the 1930s! (I have since bought a Thornton Pickard Ruby Reflex and I know that is an unfair comparison to make with the Mamiya which is much easer to use.)
Nice video, thanks for it
Thank you!
Very informative! Love your vids! Also, where did you get the pentax mini?
Thank you and eBay. Just look for Pentax Keychain and there should be some if they're still made.
I am considering between compacts and mechanical cameras, the MX in particular. I have a stupid question: after you pull the lever to advance the next frame, do you need to consume that frame immediately , for you to put the lever back to the original place? i.e. do you advance the film everytime only right before you shoot? TKS
Good question, actually. If you plan on using the rest of the film that day or in the next few days, it;'s okay to leave it. If you plan on setting the camera down for a month then it's best to waste the next frame so that the camera doesn't sit with tension on the shutter springs. Over time, that tension will weaken the springs are reduce shutter accuracy.
Thanks for the detailed answer. It sounds reasonable. :)
My shutter button goes a long way before the shutter releases. Is there any way to adjust this? Or is it like getting the feel for where a car's clutch engages? Trying to work out technique. Great videos! Thanks!
+swhupp I don't think there's a way to adjust this. If anyone know how, Eric at www.pentaxs.com would know the answer. I think it's just a matter of getting a feel for it. One thing you can do to modify it somewhat is get what's called a soft shutter release. It looks like a mushroom that screws into your shutter button to extend it. This changes how you push the button and makes the button press a bit easier. That's, probably, about a $3-5 item.
Sounds good! I'll have to run a few rolls through to get the hang of it. It helps to push with the pad of the finger, rather than the tip, and squeeze. Thanks! The soft shutter release looks like an option, too.
Does that screen turn on ?
What screen are you asking about?
@@DavidHancock lol never mind it’s just a exposure reminder
what can I do if the battery cap has not the minus contact?
Hmm. The battery cap should be just one milled piece. It should work fine.
I've got this camera but it doesn't have the 'A' setting for aperture, nor does it have the viewfinder light meter. It has pentax mx written on it but wondered if it might have a slightly different name for its version?
That's a whole different (and much better) model of camera.
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th-cam.com/video/QN7IFUldASA/w-d-xo.html
David Hancock What model of camera?
17:50 What's that stuff on top of the hotshoe? looks like I want to buy it🤩
😀 Search eBay for Pentax MX keychain. I don't know if they're still sold or not. I cut off the keychain loop and then glued a hot shoe mount on the bottom, if I recall.
Omg where did you get that mini Pentax hot shoe attachment I need one!
eBay, but it was a number of years ago so I'm not sure if they're still made. I may have bought a keychain and modified it with a hot shoe mount.
Thanks a ton! This helps a lot
+snowbro23 Thank you!
Would it be impossible to take pics with this without the meter?
You can, easily. The battery only operates the meter and the meter and the shutter are not connected. So without a battery or meter, you'd simply estimate your shutter speed and aperture. The Sunny 16 rule is a good way to gauge exposure in full sun.
Hey David, I just got one, but I cannot see the green and red dot you are showing in 10:44. Are the batteries not working?
Or maybe it needs the film..?
I forget if this is a camera that needs film for the electronics to work. I wouldn't think so. Give it a shot with film and if that doesn't work check that the batteries are installed correctly and that they're fresh. The batteries only operate the light meter so the worst case is that without batteries everything in the camera except the light meter will work. As for the issue, it could be a dead meter cell, dead LEDs, or corroded wiring within the camera if it's not the lack of film or batteries.
Do I understand it correctly? The film couldn"t be overexposed before taking picture on the frame, right?
It's been a long time since I recorded this video. Can you reply with the time in the video for the part you're asking about?
I know sorry. I'm talking about 2:34. The question that I wanted to ask is whether you can take a picture on this part of the film or not?
Nope. The film on the leader is so far overexposed that there's no ability for it to record more light. So for instance, check out my All About Film videos. When the tonal curve shows, the leader is far past the DMax mark. It takes less than a second indoors for the leader to be exposed and outside it's basically instantaneous. If you loaded the camera in pitch black, then yes, you could use the film on the leader for an image. However, most labs automatically chop the film to their machine's dip tank length, so if you take it to a lab you're likely to lose the images on the leader anyway.
Thank you for your answer. I should shoot a few test shots with closed back before taking the proper photo, right?
what is the purpose of the batteries?
They operate the light meter. That's all.
16:00 how to destroy your prism...
The prism is pretty resilient. The focusing screen requires some special care when handling to prevent damage, yes.
Just bought one of Ebay love your vids
+Peter Coates Thank you! The MX is a really great camera. You'll get a lot of good use from it.
Also bought a Petri Flex 7, havn't seen any vids on you tube, might do one myself.
Peter Coates That's a camera I've never even heard of!
That's a good thing
How do i know if there is low battery?
The light meter will stop working when the battery dies. Until that point, it will work fine. The camera's mechanics are 100% non-electronic and the battery only operates the meter. So the camera can still take photos without issue when the battery dies if you know your settings.
Where did you get the small one on the hot shoe?
eBay. It was a key fob/hot shoe trinket combo.
do you still have the link to where I can find that small one? I've just got an MX Asahi today and I'd love to have one on my camera