Pentax MX | 35mm SLR Film Camera | Pentax 50mm f1.4 | Excellent

Brand: Pentax
Condition: Excellent
Name: Pentax MX
Type: 35mm – Single Lens Reflex – Manual Focus Film SLR Camera
Type of Film: 35mm Film
CPB Body Code: C3
Lens: Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.4 
Lens Code: C20
Mount: Pentax K mount
Shutter: Mechanical, vertical-travel focal-plane shutter, 1s – 1/1000s + Bulb
Metering: TTL (through-the-lens) center-weighted light metering
Film Speed Range: ISO 25–1600
Battery: 2 × SR44 / LR44 cells (for light meter only)
Viewfinder: 0.97× magnification, 95% coverage with interchangeable focusing screens

Background

The Pentax MX (1976–1985) was the smallest and one of the most rugged fully mechanical 35mm SLRs of its era. Built as part of Pentax’s professional “M” series, it’s prized for its solid all-metal construction, bright viewfinder, and purely mechanical operation — it works perfectly even without batteries (except for the light meter). Compact yet feature-rich, the MX became a favorite among photojournalists and street photographers who valued reliability and simplicity.

Paired here with the legendary SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.4, this combination delivers stunningly sharp and luminous images with beautiful subject separation and smooth bokeh.

Format & Usage

This is a manual focus 35mm film SLR, ideal for photographers who prefer full creative control. The MX’s intuitive controls and bright viewfinder make it excellent for learning exposure and mastering film photography.

Lens Compatibility

Fully compatible with Pentax K-mount lenses — including manual-focus Pentax, Ricoh, Vivitar, and other third-party K-mount optics.

Condition

Rated Excellent — camera and lens has a minimal cosmetic wear but are in fully working condition. Viewfinder is bright, shutter speeds are accurate, meter responds properly, and lens glass is clean with smooth focusing and aperture rings.

CPB Darkroom Inspection

Every camera and lens set is tested, cleaned, and calibrated by the CPB Darkroom team. The body is checked for shutter accuracy and film advance; lens optics are inspected for clarity and focusing precision.

The sample images shown were made on film using this exact camera and lens, offering a true representation of its rendering, lens performance, and overall image quality.