Pentax LX

The Pentax LX is a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Pentax in Japan. It was introduced in 1980 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Asahi Optical Co. (hence the Roman numerals LX), and was produced until 2001.[2] The LX uses the K mount, which is the Pentax proprietary bayonet lens mount, and has manual and aperture priority automatic exposure modes. It is the top-of-the-line professional, or "system", camera in the Pentax manual focus range, and has a large body of accessories. The camera has several unique or uncommon features, and, compared with contemporary professional camera bodies from rival manufacturers, like the Canon New F-1 or Nikon F3, the LX body is smaller and lighter, weighing in at 570 grams (1.26 pounds)[lower-alpha 1] with its standard FA-1 finder.[5][6]

Pentax LX
Pentax LX with 50 mm f/1.4 lens
Overview
MakerPentax
TypeSingle-lens reflex (SLR)
Production1980 to 2001
Lens
Lens mountPentax K
LensInterchangeable lens
Sensor/medium
Film format35mm
Film size36 mm x 24 mm
Film speed6-3200 ISO
Film advancemanual; automatic with optional motor drive
Film rewindmanual; automatic with optional motor drive
Focusing
FocusManual
Exposure/metering
Exposure1/2000 ~ 4s, bulb (B), aperture priority (Av)
Exposure modesAperture priority, manual
Exposure meteringOff-the-film (OTF) TTL
Flash
FlashHot shoe,
PC socket
Flash synchronization1/75s
Shutter
Frame rate2 fps with winder,
5 fps with motor drive
ShutterHorizontal-running titanium shutter
Viewfinder
ViewfinderInterchangeable eye-level pentaprism viewfinder
General
Battery2×SR/LR44 or 1×CR11108
Dimensions144.5×90.5×50 mm (5.69×3.56×1.97 in) with standard FA-1 finder
Weight570 g (1.26 lb)
Made inJapan
References
[1]: 62–63 

Due to the peculiar font used for the Pentax LX logo, the model is sometimes misspelled as 'ILX'.

Construction and features

The camera's construction is strong and durable, with a solid cast metal frame and metal covering plates. All buttons and dials are weather and dust sealed, a unique feature not found on other professional cameras of the day.[7] This weather sealing made it suitable for photography in mechanically-difficult coastal environments with salt in the air.[8] Underneath the satin black finish is black chrome, so the underlying metal would not look brassy as the surface finish inevitably wore through in hard professional use. Both the viewfinder and focusing screen are interchangeable to suit the task at hand, with a large choice of alternatives available.[7]

The camera has an uncommon frame counter, being able to keep track of the frame number in either direction, whether advancing or rewinding the film. This feature dramatically adds to the flexibility of the camera, as well as aiding in taking multiple exposures. The camera's self-timer lever is multi-functional, allowing for mirror lock-up and depth of field preview. The film take-up spool is of the "Magic-Needles" type, as found on the Pentax M Series cameras, which simplified loading.[9]

These features made the LX highly sought-after among professionals both during and after production, with prices on e-commerce sites like eBay in the range of $200 to $400.[10]

Shutter and metering

The shutter and metering systems are very sophisticated, as much or more than any other camera of its time. The titanium shutter curtains are horizontally running with a flash synchronization ('X') speed of 1/75 second. The shutter is controlled mechanically at flash sync speed and all speeds above it, and electronically for all speeds below it. The whole upper range of speeds, including the flash sync speed, is therefore available without batteries in the camera.[9] The front shutter curtain has a special reflective white dot pattern, visible when the shutter is cocked, which assists in the metering process.[11]

Diagram of the Integrated Direct Metering system with the mirror up

The LX uses dynamic, off-the-film-plane TTL metering called Integrated Direct Metering (IDM),[9] essentially a "refined" version of the Olympus OM-2's metering system.[11] Pre-release exposure information is obtained from light passing through a semi-silvered area of the reflex mirror and then reflected down by a small secondary mirror to a metering cell in the base of the camera. A shutter speed prediction is then calculated and given to the user through a vertical row of LEDs visible in the viewfinder.[12]

In the automatic mode, the speed indicated is only an approximation of the actual speed the camera will use, which is completely variable.[1]: 22  Further, once the shutter is released, the light reflected off the first shutter curtain and the film itself continues to be measured by the same photocell as the exposure takes place, continuously adjusting the exposure time to match the varying light level of the subject. The mode's exposure metering ranges from EV-6.5 to EV20. Shutter speeds in the automatic mode range from as fast as 1/2000 second to as long as 125 seconds,[9][11] making the camera excellent for available light photography.[5]

In the manual mode, the predicted shutter speed is still displayed in the viewfinder as a recommendation, allowing the user to choose the speed indicated, or any other speed, by turning the shutter speed dial to align a translucent blue flag along the LED row. Shutter speeds are fixed to the ones on the dial, which range from 1/2000 second to 4 seconds. The manual exposure metering has a range from EV1 to EV19.[9][11]

The film speed dial can be set from 6 to 3200 ASA, and co-axially is an exposure compensation dial, which operates with a range of ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps. When compensation mode is active, a small red flag appears in the viewfinder to remind the user of the change from normal.[9][6]

Like the Nikon F3, the viewfinders do not play a role in the metering process. Because the metering is done entirely within the body of the camera, it functions fully with any of the interchangeable viewfinders, or even without one—completely unlike the Canon New F-1 which requires the viewfinders for metering.[12][11] Unlike either, however, as the exposure information is actually displayed on the camera body itself, the electrical contacts on the viewfinders are not necessary for showing exposure, and are instead only present in some for the hot shoe on the top.[13] The system also removes any necessity for a viewfinder window blind,[12] which would be necessary in other SLRs to prevent light from coming in the eyepiece and adversely affecting the exposure.[14]

TTL flash control is also available using Pentax and certain third-party dedicated units in the hot shoe (e.g. the Pentax AF280T), which are controlled by the camera taking measurements from the IDM during the exposure. The TTL capabilities are extended to dedicated external flash units (such as the Pentax AF400T hammerhead unit) via a special lead which connects to the conventional PC socket and additional contacts adjacent to it. The hot shoe and PC socket can also be used with non-dedicated flash units.[9]

Interchangeable accessories
Pentax LX with available system accessories

A number of professional accessories were made available for the LX, in addition to the conventional hot shoe flashes, including interchangeable viewfinders and focusing screens, a specialized winder and motor drive, a few detachable camera backs, and other miscellaneous accessories.

Viewfinders
Standard FA-1 viewfinder

The LX has six unique interchangeable viewfinders, each designed for different use cases, some of which show the lens aperture f-stop via a small window within them.[12][13] The available viewfinders are:

  • The standard FA-1 eye-level pentaprism finder, which has a hot shoe and built-in adjustable diopter correction from 0 to 1.5 for users with corrective lenses. The aperture f-stop is visible at the top of the finder window.
  • The FA-1W eye-level pentaprism finder; the same as the FA-1, but with a diopter correction range of 1 to 3.
  • The FA-2 eye-level pentaprism finder intended to be compact and lightweight; the same as the FA-1, but without the hot shoe or the f-stop window.
  • The FE-1 waist-level "Magni-Finder" intended for close-up photography or situations where magnification is needed for accurate focusing. The f-stop is not visible through the viewfinder, and it has no hot shoe.
  • The FF-1 waist-level finder can fold to be almost flat when not in use.[12] There is no hot shoe, and the aperture f-stop is not visible.[13]
  • The FB-1 system finder base, which is used with any of three separate bayonet-mounted eyepieces:
    • The FC-1 action eyepiece, which can rotate 180° to provide either an eye-level view with a high eyepoint or a waist-level view.
    • The FD-1 "Magni-Eyepiece" which magnifies the view through the lens at a 45° viewing angle. The eyepiece features a diopter correction range of -4.5 to +3.5.
    • The FD-2 standard eyepiece, which has a 45° viewing angle, ideal for microscopy. Aperture f-stop is not visible in the viewfinder.

To switch viewfinders, a small lever is pushed to release the current one, allowing it to be removed and replaced with another. The task of changing can be performed with one hand. Both the LX and the Canon New F-1 use a more secure rail system to attach viewfinders, as opposed to the Nikon F3's dual latch system.[13]

Focusing screens

The LX has a total of 17 focusing screens (originally 9 with the early model)[1]: 48–49  that are specially coated to appear brighter than the screens in other cameras. The 9 focusing screens designed for the earlier Pentax MX system can also be used in the LX, as they have the same dimensions, though are not as bright.[15] To switch focusing screens, a small "pincette", supplied with each new screen, is used to remove the current one from the focusing screen frame through the lens mount, and then to insert the new screen in its place.[1]: 48–49 

The original 9 screens include:[16]

  • The standard SC-21 ground-glass focusing screen with a split-image and microprism collar center.
  • SA-21, a simplified version of the SC-21 with only the microprism center (without the split-image component).
  • SA-23, similar to the SA-21, but modified to aid in focusing high-speed lenses (lenses with maximum apertures wider than f/2.8).
  • SB-21, a simplified version of the SC-21 without the microprism collar.
  • SD-21 all-matte focusing screen with crosshairs in the center, intended for astrophotography and macrophotography.
  • SD-11, similar to the SD-21 but with a clear background.
  • SE-20 all-matte focusing screen intended for use with macro and telephoto lenses.
  • SG-20, similar to the SE-20 but with an etched 6mm grid pattern intended for aligning architectural subjects or multiple exposure composition.
  • SI-20, similar to the SE-20 but with an engraved axial scale intended for determining subject size in microscope and bellows photography.

Five screens were added in the late model, most of which were variations of previous screens redesigned for long telephoto lenses:[17][15]

  • SA-26, similar to the SA-23, but designed for lenses with focal lengths greater than 300mm.
  • SA-32 all-microprism field screen with finer microprism center.
  • SA-37, similar to the SA-32, but intended for use with telephoto lenses or close-up photography.
  • SC-26, similar to the SC-21, but designed for lenses with focal lengths greater than 300mm.
  • SE-25, similar to the SE-20, but designed for lenses with focal lengths greater than 300mm.

Three additional focusing screens were added for the limited release of the LX 2000, which were about 1/6 EV brighter than original LX screens:[15]

  • SC-69, the same as the late-model SC-26.
  • SE-60 plain all-matte field screen designed for use with mirror lenses and Pentax "Star" lenses.
  • SG-60 all-matte field screen with a grid, designed for use with mirror lenses and Pentax "Star" lenses.

Winder and motor drive
LX with winder attached

Both a dedicated winder and motor drive were made for the camera, allowing for automatic film advance as well as film rewind, utilizing the two winder coupling ports on the bottom of the camera. The coupling port caps, once removed using a screwdriver or a nickel, could be stored on the top of the winder or motor drive during use to prevent losing them. Both film advance options, unlike those of competing models, could operate at all available shutter speeds (except "B") and could be triggered with the camera's own shutter button. Neither have their own hand grips, but two accessory grips could be independently mounted on the LX body.[18]

The Motor Drive LX was available to suit the needs of professional photographers in fast-moving situations (like sports photography), featuring a stepless variable speed of 0.5 to 5 fps—a unique feature among competitors[lower-alpha 2]—and a smaller, lighter construction, weighing in at 240 grams (0.53 pounds)[19] on its own, and can rewind a 36-exposure roll of film in 8 seconds. The Motor Drive LX is powered by one of three external power source options: a slim, rechargeable Ni-Cd battery pack and a 12 AA battery grip, both of which attach directly to the bottom, and a rechargeable Ni-Cd power pack which powers the motor drive with AC current via the remote control port on the side. A trigger cord can be attached to the control port to fire the shutter remotely. The battery[18]

For simplicity, the Winder LX was also offered as a lighter, more self-contained alternative to the motor drive system, weighing in at 285 grams (0.628 pounds).[lower-alpha 3] The winder is slower than the motor drive, with a fixed continuous shooting speed of 2 fps and a 15-second rewind, but is smaller and self-powered with 4 AA batteries. It features the same remote control port as the motor drive, so the power pack and trigger cord can also be attached.[19][18]

Detachable back
Pentax LX with a Dial Data LX back
Dial Data LX
Pentax LX with bulk 250-exposure back
LX with bulk exposure back

The standard camera back is detachable and interchangeable with two data backs, one of which, the Dial Data LX superimposes up to three characters chosen by the user in a corner of the frame, and the other, the Watch Data LX, superimposes a tiny analog clockface in the corner of the frame. For use with the Watch Data LX was a small film blind behind the shutter that could be raised to block light from the corner of the film where the clockface would be superimposed. Also taking advantage of the removable back is a high-capacity magazine allowing for 250 exposures.[20][1]: 52, 54 

Other accessories
Pentax LX strap fasteners and Accessory Grip B

To attach a camera strap, separate strap fasteners could be mounted to any two of the three accessory lugs on the front of the camera body, allowing the LX to be carried either horizontally or vertically, such as when a grip occupies the righthand accessory lug. Two right-handed grips were produced, Accessory Grip A, which was made to be whittled down to suit a photographer's exact needs, and Acessory Grip B, which was hand-contoured. Either grip could be attached to the camera by using a nickel or a screwdriver to tighten a screw.[1]: 42–43 

Variations and special releases
ALT
ALT
Comparison of the shutter button lock switch in the early model (left) and late model (right)

The Pentax LX body was updated at least three times during its 20-year production, with a key variation being in the design of the shutter button lock switch. Other minor variations are the removal of two of the white dots on the front shutter curtain and the ability to activate the light meter by pressing the button on the viewfinder release lever. There is no official distinction between the early and later models, and no link between exact serial numbers and design variations has been found, so the years of the updates are unknown.[21]

Special releases
Plastic-wrapped Pentax LX Titanium on display
Pentax LX Titanium
Plastic-wrapped Pentax LX Gold on display
Pentax LX Gold

In October 1981, Pentax made available 300 limited edition Pentax LX Gold cameras to celebrate having produced 10 million SLRs, the first camera manufacturer to reach that milestone according to the accompanying certificate. The camera and its SMC 1:1.2 50 mm lens are partly plated in 24-karat gold and partly covered in brown reptile skin, while some details are made of brown plastic, and came with a brown Eveready Case.[6] Cameras for some markets such as the U.S. have brown leather instead of reptile skin supposedly due to import laws. The actual number of cameras made is somewhat higher than 300 since a few were retained at Pentax, reserved for their own use. The actual number for sale, however, was 300 cameras according to Pentax in Tokyo.

The Pentax LX Titanium was produced in 1994 in a limited edition of 1000 titanium-plated cameras to mark the company's 75th anniversary. Another Pentax LX Titanium was launched in 1996 in a limited number of 300, finished in black and carrying the inscription "Titanium".[21]

The Pentax LX 2000 with an SMC Pentax-A 50mm ƒ/1.2 lens in bright metal finish marked the new millennium in the year 2000.[21]

Notes
  1. Compared with 795 grams[3] and 700 grams[4] for the Canon New F-1 and Nikon F3 camera bodies, respectively.
  2. Nikon later made the MK-1 variable firing rate converter for the MD-4, the sole winder option for the Nikon F3, because this feature was not included in the motor drive itself like in the LX's own.[18]
  3. The motor drive itself weighs less, at 240 grams, but is compounded with the weight of the external power sources.

References
  1. "Pentax LX Operating Manual" (early model). Asahi Optical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. October 1980.
  2. "Pentax Course of History". Ricoh. 2015. Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  3. "New F-1". Canon Camera Museum. Canon, inc. Archived from the original on 2023-05-31. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  4. "Debut of Nikon F3". Camera Chronicle. Nikon. Archived from the original on 2023-10-15. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  5. Tocchio, James (2017). "Pentax LX Camera Review – The Best Professional 35mm SLR Around". Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  6. Stark, Arnold; et al. "LX (early version)". Archived from the original on 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  7. "Pentax Archives". Ricoh. 2015. Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  8. Grundberg, Andy (1987-07-19). "Camera; Perils at the Beach". The New York Times. New York. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  9. "Pentax LX". Popular Photography. December 1993. p. 71. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  10. Gold, Aaron (2022-11-02). "Affordable analog: 10 alternatives to high-priced film cameras". Popular Photography. Archived from the original on 2023-04-15. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
  11. Foo, Leo. "Pentax LX - Its Integrated Direct Metering system". Modern Classic SLRs Series. Photography in Malaysia. Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  12. Stark, Arnold; et al. "Pentax LX Interchangeable Viewfinders". Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  13. Foo, Leo. "Pentax LX - Full Info on Its Interchangeable Viewfinders". Modern Classic SLRs Series. Photography in Malaysia. Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  14. Hoiberg, Christian. "Cover the Viewfinder for Long Exposure Photography". Quick Tip Thursday. Capture Landscapes. Archived from the original on 2023-06-10. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  15. Stark, Arnold; et al. "Pentax Focusing Screens". Archived from the original on 2023-04-10. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  16. Foo, Leo. "Pentax LX - Focusing Screens". Modern Classic SLRs Series. Photography in Malaysia. Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  17. "Pentax LX Operating Manual" (late model). Asahi Optical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. May 1989. p. 43.
  18. Foo, Leo. "Pentax LX - Its Motor Drive & Power Winder". Modern Classic SLRs Series. Photography in Malaysia. Archived from the original on 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  19. Stark, Arnold; et al. "Pentax Winders and Motor Drives". Archived from the original on 2023-06-08. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  20. Stark, Arnold; et al. "Backs for the Pentax K-mount Bodies". Archived from the original on 2023-04-16. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  21. Stark, Arnold; et al. "LX (late version)". Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
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