Body and Lens
Pentax LX 35mm SLR Film Camera Black SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.4 Lens Japan #2812
Detailed Specifications
Camera Body – PENTAX LX
Brand: PENTAX
Manufacturer: Asahi Optical Co., Ltd.
Model: PENTAX LX
Camera Type: Professional 35mm SLR Film Camera
Release Year: 1980
Film Format: 35mm Film (135 Format)
Image Frame Size: 24 × 36mm
Lens Mount: Pentax K Bayonet Mount
Focus Type: Manual Focus
Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority Auto Exposure and Manual Exposure
Shutter Type: Hybrid Electronic/Mechanical Titanium Focal-Plane Shutter
Shutter Speed Range: 1/2000 Second to 125 Seconds (Automatic Exposure)
Mechanical Shutter Speeds: 1/2000 to 1/75 Second, Plus Bulb
Flash Synchronization: 1/75 Second
Metering System: TTL Integrated Direct Metering (IDM), Off-the-Film Metering
Metering Sensor: Silicon Photo Diode (SPD)
Film Speed Range: ISO 6–3200
Exposure Compensation: ±2 EV
Viewfinder System: Interchangeable Viewfinder System
Viewfinder Coverage: Approx. 95% with Standard Eye-Level Finder
Focusing Screen: Interchangeable
Mirror Lock-Up: Supported
Depth-of-Field Preview: Supported
Self-Timer: Supported
Film Advance: Manual Lever Advance
Film Rewind: Manual
Motor Drive Compatibility: Compatible with Dedicated LX Motor Drive Systems
Body Construction: Professional-Grade Metal Construction
Weather Protection: Dust- and Moisture-Resistant Design
Power Source: Two 1.5V LR44 or SR44 Batteries
Battery-Free Operation: Mechanical Shutter Speeds Available Without Batteries
Dimensions: Approx. 144.5 × 90.5 × 50mm
Body Weight: Approx. 570g
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Lens – SMC PENTAX 50mm F1.4
Brand: PENTAX
Manufacturer: Asahi Optical Co., Ltd.
Lens Model: SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50
Lens Type: Standard Prime Lens
Lens Mount: Pentax K Mount
Focal Length: 50mm
Maximum Aperture: F1.4
Minimum Aperture: F22
Optical Construction: 7 Elements in 6 Groups
Aperture Blades: 8
Angle of View: Approx. 47° (Diagonal)
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.45m / 1.48ft
Maximum Magnification: Approx. 0.15x
Focus System: Manual Focus
Aperture Control: Manual Aperture Ring with Automatic Diaphragm Operation
Lens Coating: SMC (Super Multi Coating)
Filter Thread Size: 52mm
Maximum Diameter: Approx. 63mm
Lens Length: Approx. 42mm
Lens Weight: Approx. 265g
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Professional Camera Store's Recommendation
PENTAX LX – A Legendary Professional 35mm Film SLR with Exceptional Mechanical Engineering
The PENTAX LX is one of the most celebrated professional 35mm film cameras ever produced by Asahi Optical Co., Ltd.
Introduced in 1980, the LX represented the pinnacle of PENTAX's film SLR engineering, combining advanced exposure technology, professional-grade construction, interchangeable viewfinders, and a remarkably compact body.
Paired with the classic SMC PENTAX 50mm F1.4 standard lens, it offers an outstanding combination of photographic flexibility, optical character, and the authentic experience of traditional film photography.
1. PENTAX's Legendary Professional SLR
The PENTAX LX was developed as a flagship professional camera system, designed for photographers who demanded precision, reliability, and versatility.
Its robust metal construction, sophisticated controls, and interchangeable viewfinder system distinguish it from conventional enthusiast-level film cameras.
Despite its professional capabilities, the LX remains relatively compact and comfortable to handle, making it highly appealing to photographers who appreciate traditional mechanical camera design.
2. Innovative Hybrid Electronic and Mechanical Shutter
One of the PENTAX LX's most distinctive features is its hybrid shutter system.
The camera combines electronically controlled exposure timing with mechanically controlled shutter speeds, allowing photographers to continue shooting at mechanical speeds even when battery power is unavailable.
This combination provides the convenience of aperture-priority automatic exposure while preserving the practical advantages of a mechanically operated camera.
It is one of the defining engineering achievements of the LX system.
3. Advanced TTL Integrated Direct Metering
The LX incorporates PENTAX's innovative Integrated Direct Metering (IDM) technology.
This system measures light reflected from the shutter curtain and film surface during exposure, providing sophisticated automatic exposure control.
Its exceptionally sensitive metering capability is particularly valuable for long exposures and difficult lighting situations.
For photographers who enjoy available-light photography, night scenes, and creative exposure techniques, the LX offers an exceptionally rewarding shooting experience.
4. Interchangeable Viewfinder System
Unlike many conventional 35mm SLR cameras, the PENTAX LX features an interchangeable viewfinder system.
This modular design allows photographers to adapt the camera to different photographic applications, including eye-level composition, low-angle shooting, and specialized focusing requirements.
The system reflects the camera's professional heritage and makes the LX especially attractive to enthusiasts and collectors interested in classic camera engineering.
5. Beautiful Rendering from the SMC PENTAX 50mm F1.4 Lens
The SMC PENTAX 50mm F1.4 is a classic fast standard prime lens known for its distinctive rendering and excellent photographic versatility.
Its bright F1.4 maximum aperture allows photographers to work in relatively low-light conditions and create beautiful background separation.
The 50mm focal length provides a natural perspective, making the lens an excellent choice for portraits, street photography, travel, and everyday scenes.
The optical design features seven elements in six groups, while PENTAX's Super Multi Coating helps control unwanted reflections and maintain contrast.
Its manual-focus operation provides a direct, deliberate, and highly satisfying photographic experience.
6. Excellent Creative Control
The LX offers both aperture-priority automatic exposure and full manual exposure control.
Photographers can choose the convenience of automatic exposure or take complete control over shutter speed and aperture.
Features such as mirror lock-up, depth-of-field preview, and interchangeable focusing screens further enhance the camera's versatility.
These capabilities make the LX suitable for a wide variety of photographic styles, including landscape, portrait, street, architectural, and fine-art photography.
7. A Highly Desirable Camera for Film Photography Enthusiasts
The PENTAX LX is admired for its advanced technology, durable construction, understated design, and exceptional handling.
As one of PENTAX's most important professional film cameras, it holds a special place in the history of 35mm SLR photography.
Its compatibility with the extensive Pentax K-mount lens system also allows photographers to explore a broad selection of classic lenses.
For collectors and dedicated film photographers, the LX offers both historical significance and a uniquely engaging shooting experience.
Our Recommendation
As a specialized vintage camera store, we highly recommend the PENTAX LX to photographers who appreciate exceptional mechanical engineering, precise exposure control, and the timeless appeal of traditional film photography.
The combination of the professional PENTAX LX body and the fast SMC PENTAX 50mm F1.4 lens delivers an outstanding balance of versatility, classic optical rendering, and tactile shooting enjoyment.
Whether you are an experienced film photographer, a passionate vintage camera enthusiast, or a collector of historically significant photographic equipment, the PENTAX LX is a remarkable camera system.
The PENTAX LX is more than a classic 35mm film camera—it is a masterpiece of PENTAX engineering and an excellent choice for anyone who values the art and experience of film photography.
Everything shown in the photos is included in the package.
