Pentax MX

The Pentax MX is a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Asahi Optical Co, later Pentax of Japan between 1976 and 1985. It was Pentax's flagship professional SLR until the introduction of the Pentax LX. Internally, the MX is essentially a smaller, lighter version of the Pentax KX, and otherwise has little in common with the rest of the Pentax M-series. However, the MX was designed as the mechanical twin sister of the remarkably successful entry-level Pentax ME.

The MX is solidly built, and features a fully mechanical construction, including a mechanical shutter of the horizontal cloth type. Only the light metering system is dependent on batteries. The MX is all manual: it does not feature autofocus or autoexposure modes such as aperture-priority, shutter-speed priority, or full program.

A number of accessories were produced for the MX, including focusing screens: A data back, Dial Data MX, and a bulk film back were also produced, as were motorised winders Winder MX (2 frame/s) and Motor MX (5 frame/s).
 * SC1: ground glass, split image device, microprism ring (standard)
 * SA1: ground glass, microprism patch
 * SA3: ground glass, microprism patch, for wide aperture lenses
 * SB1: ground glass, split image device
 * SD1: ground glass, cross collimator
 * SD11: aerial image, cross collimator
 * SE: ground glass
 * SG: ground glass, grid
 * SI: ground glass, axis

Like all post-42mm screwmount Pentax cameras, the MX accepts all K-mount lenses (with the exception of the newer FA-J and DA lenses without aperture rings).

Due to its complete lack of automatic functions, but excellent array of manual controls, the MX is often selected as a camera for photography students to practice their technique. The depth-of-field preview and self-timer functions render the MX superior in this respect to the earlier and less expensive Pentax K1000.