Pentax MX

A classic silver Pentax MX camera with a black textured body and a lens attached, positioned next to a lens cap. The camera features a strap for easy handling, showcasing vintage photography equipment.

I have a particular soft spot for this camera as it was the first SLR camera I ever bought. I purchased it in 1976 and have it to this day; the photos on this page are of that very same camera. It is still in perfect working order.

History

The Pentax MX is a classic 35 mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Asahi Optical Co between 1976 and 1985. It was one of the smallest SLRs ever manufactured.

The MX was solidly built and featured a fully mechanical construction, including a mechanical horizontal cloth shutter. Shutter speeds ranged from 1-1/1000 sec plus B. Only the light metering system was dependent on batteries. Exposure is indicated in the viewfinder by a series of green, amber and red LEDs. In bright sunlight, I find these difficult to see. That is my only real gripe about this camera.

A vintage Pentax MX camera with a black leather grip and silver body. The lens is marked SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.7, showcasing a classic design popular among photography enthusiasts.
The Pentax MX camera with the Asahi SMC 1:1.7 50mm lens that came with the camera

About the Pentax MX

The MX is all manual: it does not feature autofocus or autoexposure modes. Therefore, it does not require batteries to operate (except for the light meter).

Like on most SLRs, the lens can be changed. It used the K lens mount.

Overall, the Pentax MX is a highly regarded film camera cherished by photographers for its simplicity, reliability, and excellent image quality. Its compact size and full manual control make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced photographers. It is an excellent camera for learning photography.

A close-up of a vintage Pentax MX camera with a black and silver design, featuring a lens and various dials. The camera is positioned on a white background, showcasing its classic film photography aesthetic.
The Pentax MX camera

Sample Photos

A narrow cobblestone street lined with white-washed buildings adorned with plants and flowers, featuring balconies and a serene atmosphere, invites leisurely exploration in a charming, rustic neighborhood.
A narrow street in a Spanish White village
Camera: Asahi Pentax MX, Lens: Asahi SMC 1:1.7 50mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8
A historic stone fortress in Cazorla perched on a rocky hill, surrounded by trees and ruins. A medieval tower stands atop the structure, with remnants of walls flowing down the hillside, overlooking a small village below. The scene is captured in black and white.
Yedra Castle in Cazorla
Camera: Asahi Pentax MX, Lens: Asahi SMC 1:1.7 50mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8
A close-up of delicate grass-like plants standing beside a winding road, with a blurred background of greenery and distant hills, captured in black and white.
Wild Grasses by the Roadside
Camera: Asahi Pentax MX, Lens: Asahi SMC 1:1.7 50mm, Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f5.6
A quiet, narrow street at night, illuminated by street lamps, with a single tree growing beside a building. The scene is presented in black and white, showcasing the tranquility and charm of the empty urban landscape.
A village street at dusk
Camera: Asahi Pentax MX, Lens: Asahi SMC 1:1.7 50mm, Exposure: 4 sec, Aperture: f8
Close-up of a cactus with three green, spiky pads emerging from a larger, pale green pad. The background features soft-focus cactus foliage, creating a natural, textured composition.
Prickly Pear Cactus
Camera: Asahi Pentax MX, Lens: Asahi SMC 1:1.7 50mm, Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f5,6
A vibrant field of red poppy flowers sways gently against a blue sky, showcasing their delicate petals and tall green stems. The scene captures the beauty of nature in full bloom.
Red Poppies
Camera: Asahi Pentax MX, Lens: Asahi SMC 1:1.7 50mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8

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