You mention that the camera has two flash sync ports the allow a photographer to use more than one flash. Those are for two different types of flashes. One is called an F/P (Flat Peak) used for bulb flashes. The other is an X sync for use with an electronic flash. The timing is different on these ports. One (the X) makes contact when the shutter opens. The f/p makes contact a few milliseconds before the shutter is open to make sure the brightness of the bulb is at its peak. I’m not sure if you used the f/p port for the electronic flash if it would be in proper sync or not.
Wonderful little camera..the Pentax MX was on my list when I was deciding on my first 35 mm film SLR way back when. Nikon FM won out because my brother in law had a Nikkormat FT2 and I was impressed with it so I went with Nikon. I really like the LED exposure indicator system FM is similar idea except all the diodes are one color. Like those older Pentaxes though.
please let me ask : I purchased a SMC-M 35mm f2.8 like do use here ( use it on Pentax ME/MEsuper/ MX/ Program A). In 4.08 and 4.13 in your video we see some small white points in the lens , i think under the first or the second element ( well to see because a black background ). My lens has these white points too . I don't think that the images are influenced by these point, but what's the reason for occuring these white points ? ( I didn't see the points in any other SMC-M lens.)
As you said the LX focussing screen can be used on the MX. I believe that it can cause under exposure because the MX meters through the focussing screen and the LX screen is a bit brighter. You can compensate by adjusting the ASA or exposing at a slightly higher shutter speed or smaller aperture. I found this out the hard way after under exposing a few rolls.
Hi there. Thanks for all of your great videos. I find the repair and maintenance videos very therapeutic. My MX seems to have an erratic light meter, especially if you wobble the shutter speed dial. Do you have any insight on how this could be repaired? Many thanks again. Kind regards Matt
I really like that these videos take the time for a bit of chit chat before getting into gear talks, it makes the video more informal and relaxing to watch, and sets the channel apart from so many others that look all the same. On a side note, i was wondering: do you find it is easier to focus fast 50mm lenses on the om series or the mx? Do you find one has a better viewfinder than the other?
The later OM cameras with the 2 series focusing screens work best with fast lenses. I also prefer the OM 50 and 55mm f/1.2 lens are better performers than the Pentax lenses (which sometimes have an issue with fringing.
I have an Pentax MX 30 It had a stuck up mirror. Put your thumb in the hole use your thumb nail to hold the left side of the mirror as it faces you Move the mirror to the right slightly and the mirror will stay down. Now you can replace your lense.
I have both and honestly you can't go wrong with either. If I had to choose, I'd go with the MX only because the the split screen focusing is standard. I'd say you may not love the "stop light" style light meter of the MX (OM-1 had the match stick), but from what I've read the light meter is better on the MX.
@@mbecker163 Don't forget the Nikon FE. Compact and with a metal focal plane shutter synch 125th and an Automatic setting for aperure priority. Battery test light. Will take all Nikon F mount lenses right back to 1959.
I love my MX's (I have two). One winder is screw is loose probably for the reason you gave. I put some nail polish to hold it in place. Seems to work. The M series lenses are great fit to the small body.
I picked up a pentax mx for an estate sale for $5 I'm trying to figure out more abput how to use it and have only dabbled lightly in film cameras (using a Miranda sensorex) a little. The main thing I'm looking for and information on is a flash to use with the camera.
finally settled on an MX 4 its mechanical reliabilty & repairability. Was lucky 2 get a serviced silver-top + new light seals. The vendor may b able 2 repair my LX sticky mirror issue🤞. Colour thru one camera / b&w thru the other perhaps? Sticking with M-series primes .
Point on a vertical line turn the focus all the way to one side the vertical line will be crooked .. slowly turn the focus rind until the crooked like is straight.
Holy sheet for 2 minutes I was listening to a guys random day in Japan, I wondered when the hell it was gonna be about that Pentax MX then I decided to comment as you read, and then decide to leave for an actual video about the MX
Hi Greetings! Hope you are doing well I was looking for a used 35mm film camera. luckily found a Pentax MX nearby but with a mirror stuck issue in only few shutter speeds. The deal we finally settled on is 7,500 rupees(= ~ $102 usd) with the lens smc 50mm f1.4. wanted to check with someone, whether the issue is a deal breaker..if we need fix it how much does it going to cost me? thanks in advance
This is a difficult issue, I have managed to fix it by removing the leatherette and self timer on the right side, and then cleaning out the linkage under the access plate.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 That's an interesting point and not something I've read much as a fix, but speaks to a deeper fix beyond simply flushing the gears with isopropyl. Thanks for taking the time to reply, I'm a big appreciator of your channel and work!
It had a lot of fungus (and some fingerprints), but in most cases, fungus can be removed without harm. The Pentax SLR lenses are especially easy to clean, at least the newer ones, the interior coatings are easily rubbed off the inside of the older M42 lenses.
I just got an MX but and finding the light meter seems to be very sensitive and changes a lot. Is this common? Are there any tips on getting better results with an MX?
I just got my MX and I've noticed that too; the LEDs switch between orange and green rapidly. I've seen at least one review mention this, so it definitely seems like it's not uncommon. However, a number of other reviews have praised the light meter for being very accurate so I don't think it should be a big problem.
LEDs will respond more quickly than the mechanical needles they replaced can, so early iterations of LED readouts could be 'twitchy.' Just try not to worry about fluctuations so much and you'll be fine. After all, the readout only covers a 2-stop range anyway, well within the latitude of most negative films.
MX all day. The ME is better than the ME Super imho... It’s a joy. Perhaps consider the underrepresented and underrated Super-A, which I think is a beautiful camera when properly maintained.
If you push the timer the opposite direction you also get a depth of field preview!
Where he stops talking: 2:50
You mention that the camera has two flash sync ports the allow a photographer to use more than one flash. Those are for two different types of flashes. One is called an F/P (Flat Peak) used for bulb flashes. The other is an X sync for use with an electronic flash. The timing is different on these ports. One (the X) makes contact when the shutter opens. The f/p makes contact a few milliseconds before the shutter is open to make sure the brightness of the bulb is at its peak. I’m not sure if you used the f/p port for the electronic flash if it would be in proper sync or not.
Wonderful little camera..the Pentax MX was on my list when I was deciding on my first 35 mm film SLR way back when. Nikon FM won out because my brother in law had a Nikkormat FT2 and I was impressed with it so I went with Nikon. I really like the LED exposure indicator system FM is similar idea except all the diodes are one color. Like those older Pentaxes though.
please let me ask :
I purchased a SMC-M 35mm f2.8 like do use here ( use it on Pentax ME/MEsuper/ MX/ Program A).
In 4.08 and 4.13 in your video we see some small white points in the lens , i think under the first or the second element ( well to see because a black background ).
My lens has these white points too .
I don't think that the images are influenced by these point, but what's the reason for occuring these white points ?
( I didn't see the points in any other SMC-M lens.)
Is this a Pentax MX camera review or a travel video ?
As you said the LX focussing screen can be used on the MX. I believe that it can cause under exposure because the MX meters through the focussing screen and the LX screen is a bit brighter. You can compensate by adjusting the ASA or exposing at a slightly higher shutter speed or smaller aperture. I found this out the hard way after under exposing a few rolls.
Hi there. Thanks for all of your great videos. I find the repair and maintenance videos very therapeutic. My MX seems to have an erratic light meter, especially if you wobble the shutter speed dial. Do you have any insight on how this could be repaired? Many thanks again.
Kind regards
Matt
That’s a lot of museum talk! 😂😂😂
I really like that these videos take the time for a bit of chit chat before getting into gear talks, it makes the video more informal and relaxing to watch, and sets the channel apart from so many others that look all the same.
On a side note, i was wondering: do you find it is easier to focus fast 50mm lenses on the om series or the mx? Do you find one has a better viewfinder than the other?
The later OM cameras with the 2 series focusing screens work best with fast lenses. I also prefer the OM 50 and 55mm f/1.2 lens are better performers than the Pentax lenses (which sometimes have an issue with fringing.
I have an Pentax MX 30 It had a stuck up mirror. Put your thumb in the hole use your thumb nail to hold the left side of the mirror as it faces you Move the mirror to the right slightly and the mirror will stay down. Now you can replace your lense.
I really want a compact SLR, but I'm still between the Pentax MX and Olympus OM-1, which one would you prefer?
I have both and honestly you can't go wrong with either. If I had to choose, I'd go with the MX only because the the split screen focusing is standard. I'd say you may not love the "stop light" style light meter of the MX (OM-1 had the match stick), but from what I've read the light meter is better on the MX.
If I have to choose one, I would choose OM-1 as I find the shutter of OM-1 is quieter
@@mbecker163 Don't forget the Nikon FE. Compact and with a metal focal plane shutter synch 125th and an Automatic setting for aperure priority. Battery test light. Will take all Nikon F mount lenses right back to 1959.
I love my MX's (I have two). One winder is screw is loose probably for the reason you gave. I put some nail polish to hold it in place. Seems to work. The M series lenses are great fit to the small body.
I really appreciate your videos
Awesome camera - my favourite Pentax - I have K1000, ME SE, ME Super and the MX - all terrific cameras but the MX is my favourite
I picked up a pentax mx for an estate sale for $5 I'm trying to figure out more abput how to use it and have only dabbled lightly in film cameras (using a Miranda sensorex) a little. The main thing I'm looking for and information on is a flash to use with the camera.
finally settled on an MX 4 its mechanical reliabilty & repairability. Was lucky 2 get a serviced silver-top + new light seals. The vendor may b able 2 repair my LX sticky mirror issue🤞. Colour thru one camera / b&w thru the other perhaps? Sticking with M-series primes .
can someone do a video or educate me how to properly focus the mx when i see in the view finder. appreciate any help.
My experience is that if you have bad eyesight, then wearing your glasses makes a big difference. I learnt that the hard way...
Zone focusing works well at times....
Point on a vertical line turn the focus all the way to one side the vertical line will be crooked .. slowly turn the focus rind until the crooked like is straight.
Great video as always! I didn't know the black model came in both brass and nickel-plated underbodies, very neat!
The self timer on the OM-1 is left hand thread as well. The MX are rare it seems compared to ME's and other automatic models.
I'm still using it.
Holy sheet for 2 minutes I was listening to a guys random day in Japan, I wondered when the hell it was gonna be about that Pentax MX then I decided to comment as you read, and then decide to leave for an actual video about the MX
You must be new here
MX 👍
How much usful technical information can you store in a 13 min video? ;)
Hi
Greetings!
Hope you are doing well
I was looking for a used 35mm film camera. luckily found a Pentax MX nearby but with a mirror stuck issue in only few shutter speeds. The deal we finally settled on is 7,500 rupees(= ~ $102 usd) with the lens smc 50mm f1.4.
wanted to check with someone, whether the issue is a deal breaker..if we need fix it how much does it going to cost me?
thanks in advance
Your videos are really low on volume....Can you consider using a lavalier micriphone ?
What everyday lens or lenses do you recommend with your MC
SMC+ 28mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm or 135mm & 200mm.
hi..would you mind to tell or show me how to fix the counter on Pentax mx ? I have problem with my Pentax Mx. Thanks.
You can usually reset the shutter counter by manipulating the release lever which is pushed by the film door. Sometimes the lever gets stuck.
Do you have much experience repairing stuck the mirror phenomena that happens at slower speeds with these cameras?
This is a difficult issue, I have managed to fix it by removing the leatherette and self timer on the right side, and then cleaning out the linkage under the access plate.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 That's an interesting point and not something I've read much as a fix, but speaks to a deeper fix beyond simply flushing the gears with isopropyl. Thanks for taking the time to reply, I'm a big appreciator of your channel and work!
Dude, your lens has a boat lad of fungus
It had a lot of fungus (and some fingerprints), but in most cases, fungus can be removed without harm. The Pentax SLR lenses are especially easy to clean, at least the newer ones, the interior coatings are easily rubbed off the inside of the older M42 lenses.
I just got an MX but and finding the light meter seems to be very sensitive and changes a lot. Is this common? Are there any tips on getting better results with an MX?
I just got my MX and I've noticed that too; the LEDs switch between orange and green rapidly. I've seen at least one review mention this, so it definitely seems like it's not uncommon. However, a number of other reviews have praised the light meter for being very accurate so I don't think it should be a big problem.
LEDs will respond more quickly than the mechanical needles they replaced can, so early iterations of LED readouts could be 'twitchy.' Just try not to worry about fluctuations so much and you'll be fine. After all, the readout only covers a 2-stop range anyway, well within the latitude of most negative films.
Will you recommend this over the k1000?
The K1000 is a better deal, but the MX has some magic that the K1000 does not.
Actually today the the k1000 prices on Ebay gone bananas and good MX with lens cheaper than the K1000. Next it might be different
After 1:45 I had to get a coffee too. didn't know I'd get to hear about Toyko. Dad was there while he was in Korea. 1953.
My twin MX cameras have the M-28/2.0 and M-40/2.8 most days... Occasionally I use the K-35/3.5.
Subscribed! because your videos are great and you're dog person
MX or ME Super?
MX all day. The ME is better than the ME Super imho... It’s a joy. Perhaps consider the underrepresented and underrated Super-A, which I think is a beautiful camera when properly maintained.
Agree!
MX always.