Pentax LX 35mm SLRs
Pentax LX 35mm SLRs
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[Jan 20, 2000]
Bob Blakely
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
LX
Strength:
This camera is light, small, solid and an engineering marvel. It's simple, versatile, and elegant design is a joy to work with. I've never had a camera that metered so faithfully in low light. I now own five; some set up with different finders and screens for specialized purposes. It's absolutely solid. It's never let me down.
Weakness:
One had a sticky mirror. Clean, lube & adjust, including new little rubber bumpers for the mirror fixed the problem. The body is quite expensive, even used. Now only available new (to order) from Japan. This is a most excellent manual focus camera, and it's the lightest, most compact for a camera with it's feature set. It's a bit pricey though. Customer Service I've never used Pentax customer service. My local camera tech was able to get parts for mirror problem in less than a week. Similar Products Used: H2, ME Super, ME-F, Super A - all Pentax. |
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[Jan 16, 2000]
zhou yu
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
LX
Strength:
every thing you need except AF
Weakness:
shutter may stuck when it gets old a little bit expensive though. but it is a really good stuff Similar Products Used: pentax me super, ricoh kr5super... |
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[Nov 02, 2000]
Hermann Esser
Professional
Strength:
A real pro camera
Weakness:
? The best 35mm camera Pentax ever made. Customer Service After more than 20 years experience still the best !!! Similar Products Used: MX/mot, ME Super, Super A/mot, 6x7, Contax, Nikon |
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[Nov 14, 2000]
Dave
Expert
Strength:
Exposes chromes extremely accurate,accessories/lenses all of highest quality a true joy to use.
Weakness:
Had the sticking mirror problem which was repaired br Pentax USA three years ago,no problems since. But the repair cost more than the body originally did, but it was worth it to keep the LX in service. I lusted for three years after the LX introduction in 1980 until, in 1983, the price was finally right.I Bought the body,finder and Vivitar 28-80 lenses for under $500.00. I now also have the winder, grip and AF400T flash which makes a terrific combination. To make an analogy this camera is truly the Cadillac Allante of SLRs (or vice-versa). Customer Service Long lead time and very expensive,the repair appears effective though. Similar Products Used: Pentax Spotmatic,K1000 and 6x7. |
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[Nov 14, 2000]
J.G.
Intermediate
Strength:
Sturdy, weather-resistant construction
Weakness:
Accessories are hard to come by and expensive. This is one great camera. If you can get one for a reasonable price, don't hesitate. Be prepared to spend a little extra for accessories, though. Also, be on the lookout for the sticky shutter problem that plagues some LX's. Similar Products Used: Canon Rebel |
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[Nov 17, 2000]
Tam Leo
Intermediate
Strength:
well built, solid shutter is very reliable
Weakness:
None Very nice camrea. Customer Service Lousy lenses Similar Products Used: Nikon F3 |
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[Feb 22, 2001]
Jim Hully
Intermediate
Strength:
*Built like a tank - it can take some abuse.
Weakness:
*Mirror has become sticky *A 35mm tank except it is out of data and seems to have a number of design problems (mirror, winder and back). Allowing for these defects it would make a good choice for traveling to remote parts of the planet where access to batteries may be a problem. Customer Service Not yet but sounds like getting the mirror fixed is not worth it. Similar Products Used: Contax |
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[May 04, 2001]
Wilson Chow
Casual
Strength:
Several shutter speeds are still able to work without batteries. Over 125 sec A mode exposure. Well built body and comfortable handle.
Weakness:
Lots of accessories provided, but diffiucult to find. Price is too high, new one cost over HK$10k. Like other MF bodies, most advance functions are not included. It is very convenient to take night shoot with long exposure coz of its A mode 125 seconds shutter speed; long time exposure is accurate. Also, in my opinion, its appearance is a perfect match with the new limited lens, 43 & 77mm. Customer Service Hard to find accessories. Similar Products Used: Nikon F3, Ricoh XR-8. |
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[Aug 05, 2001]
Alan Clayton
Expert
Strength:
Reliable, well made, accurate metering; wide range of lenses and accessories.
Weakness:
Not a multi-mode. V/finder display can be difficult to see in bright light. Tends to be a tad overpriced. Many LXs have been heavily used but may still be serviced by Pentax; accesories are difficult to find and can be expensive. Pentax prime lenses are generally very good, but their zooms have always been rather mediocre. My 2 LXs are cameras I know I can depend on - ther first I reach for if on a rush job. If you're buying one get a good one - don't compromise. Customer Service Serviced by Pentax UK for less than $100 and two-day service - great Similar Products Used: Another Pentax LX, 2 MXs, Program-A, Pentax AF; Nikon F-801 & FA; Fujica AX 5; MF stuff |
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[Aug 15, 2001]
Don Sivori
Professional
Strength:
idm metering for long exposures, multiple exposure system any frame any time capability, durable construction and good weather resistance
Weakness:
very expensive on repairs Pentax photographer for over 23 years just switched to Canon. For its class highly overlooked and underrated. If Pentax made this with a spotmeter I'd have a couple. Dropped one in a creek -2F bent back causes light leak and threw meter off 2/3 stop. It still works even though a little water got inside! Customer Service Pentax is slow but they usually do an outstanding job. Similar Products Used: none |