Pentax MX
First released in 1976 alongside the Pentax ME, the Pentax MX is a pretty remarkable camera. Perhaps it best describes this camera by triangulating its position among other 35mm SLR bodies. The MX (and ME) were quite possibly responses by Pentax to the innovation that was the Olympus OM-1 in terms of camera size. The OM-1 was revolutionary in several ways but the most obvious is how small that camera is. The MX seems to be following in that mold. The Pentax MX has a very similar form to the more commonly seen Pentax ME, but in terms of function is more akin to a lighter, smaller version of the Pentax KX. Mix all this together and the conclusion to draw is that the MX is an incredibly small 35mm SLR camera with a simple control scheme and high degree of durability and reliability. The MX had a wide range of targeted audience as it was suitable for serious student photographers, amateur enthusiasts or even professional photographers as a first or second body.
From a more technical point of view, the MX is uses an all-mechanical, cloth, focal plane shutter with speeds from 1s to 1/1000 (plus Bulb and a flash sync of 1/60). The camera only offers manual, metered setting of exposure but retains the familiar control layout of most other SLR cameras, as opposed to Olympus' unique control layout. While limited in exposure modes, the MX did allow for interchangeable focusing screens, data backs and motor drives offering a fair amount of customization of the camera in response to user needs.
Slap a 40mm f2.8 lens on the MX and you can probably fit the whole kit in your coat pocket! But seriously, if you prefer your cameras to be on the smaller and lighter side, without sacrificing ease of use or build quality, the MX is a great find and will give you many great years of service.
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