Pentax MX-1 Rediscovered

I know this is not the right forum for this, but I thought maybe it would be of interest here to show how good this 2013 Pentax camera was. Not unusual for Pentax, it was pretty advanced for its time and a great value. Here goes nothing:

"The Pentax MX-1 enthusiast compact camera features classic styling and construction, with brass top and base plates. It's based around a stabilized 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and a familiar-sounding 28-112mm equivalent F1.8-2.5 lens." DPReview.

I was rooting around in my photography closet – it's pretty messy in there (I discovered one of my second shooters and sent him home), and I came across my MX-1 which I haven't used in years. I decided to dust it off and see how it compared to today's cameras. Remarkably well, and what's more, it's fun too! I haven't enjoyed myself with a camera in quite a while.

The MX-1 looks like a camera that needs to be taken seriously, and it's great looking too. I welcome the weight as helpful for stability, and it gives the camera gravitas. I'm enchanted with the macro capability. It's fun to finally have a zoom. (I don't own a single zoom lens.) The lens is sharp, and the layout makes the camera easy to use. Needless to say, I really like this camera. There is more to photography than output and bells and whistles. If it's not fun to do, then what's the point?

The pictures below are some of my first using the MX-1. Just testing its capabilities. It won't be going back into my photography closet, that's for sure.



View: original size

View: original size



View: original size

View: original size



View: original size

View: original size


Sunset shots are something you think you know how to do, until you do them.

View: original size

View: original size


Looks like a painter's work whose name I can't remember. – Reuben! I think ---

View: original size

View: original size


Love the macro.

View: original size

View: original size

View: original size


Okay, this wasn't OOC black and white, but I have more choices in my photo editing software.

Yes, any such a small camera can be convenient to have, as you can take it with yourself every time. I have the Canon S90 for the same purpose. They are all great cameras, though the newer (and not larger) 1" sensor's cameras (like Sony R100) are even better.

And I understand why you are posting here, as at the Pentax Compact Cameras forum you would very likely get any reply soon. Your pictures are excellent!

I had one years ago (the silver version). It was a very nicely designed little camera with impressive macro capability and OK image quality. For some reason, love didn't happen between us, and I sold it to a friend who makes miniatures.

A couple of pictures from my first walk with the MX-1:











Last year, my interest to compact cameras was re-kindled when I bought two Canons: G10 and G1X for 1/4 of their original price

--

mmmustard said:

"The Pentax MX-1 enthusiast compact camera features classic styling and construction, with brass top and base plates. It's based around a stabilized 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and a familiar-sounding 28-112mm equivalent F1.8-2.5 lens." DPReview.

Click to expand...

It is not a Pentax lens, but an Olympus lens. The Olympus XZ-1 and XZ-2 have the same lens.

I found out when I wanted to make a distortion profile for Lensfun. Lensfun indicates: camera MX-1, lens Olympus XZ-1 and compatibles.

All in all it is a nice camera but I hardly use it.

Thank you, Peter.

Bought one used LNIB several years ago and used it for a couple of years. The focal length was fine, camera features were great, and menus were easy to use. I just found I needed to edit the photos to give them...more punch. Eventually sold it and found the GR series more to my liking. It was interesting that Pentax/Ricoh advertising liked to emphasize...the fact it had brass on the top and bottom pate and this would give it a more worn in looked when it became used a lot! Sound familiar to some of Pentax/Ricoh advertising over the years?!? Put it up for sale a few years ago, and after ignoring the low ballers (and I mean low) finally found someone who seriously wanted one.

Regards, David



From NYC several years ago...

Those are some cool photos. I'm not sure I would use the MX-1 for night shots but, you used it effectively. Since I almost always photo edit my work, I don't mind the raw OOOC restraint. Of course, camera jpegs tend to draw the most differences in opinions.

I have to laugh at the hidden brass plates being revealed over time. Time moves fast in the digital camera age. The newer cameras tend to push the older ones back on the shelf. (Mine was in a closet.) How long would it take for the brass to emerge? How many people will use the camera that long? Since I don't plan on buying any more cameras, maybe I will. Still, it's not my only camera. We'll see. I would love it if the brass becomes visible.

mmmustard said:

Those are some cool photos. I'm not sure I would use the MX-1 for night shots but, you used it effectively. Since I almost always photo edit my work, I don't mind the raw OOOC restraint. Of course, camera jpegs tend to draw the most differences in opinions.

I have to laugh at the hidden brass plates being revealed over time. Time moves fast in the digital camera age. The newer cameras tend to push the older ones back on the shelf. (Mine was in a closet.) How long would it take for the brass to emerge? How many people will use the camera that long? Since I don't plan on buying any more cameras, maybe I will. Still, it's not my only camera. We'll see. I would love it if the brass becomes visible.

Click to expand...

You can use some fine sandpaper and polish to reveal the brass

flektogon said:

Yes, any such a small camera can be convenient to have, as you can take it with yourself every time. I have the Canon S90 for the same purpose. They are all great cameras, though the newer (and not larger) 1" sensor's cameras (like Sony R100) are even better.

Click to expand...

I agree. For years I've kept my Panasonic LX7, with its excellent f/1.4 lens. However, once I started shooting more events, I grew more and more frustrated by the LX7's slow startup-time and horrible shutdown-time (it would not retract the lens whilst buffering, and buffering was very very slow)

Recently, I got myself the Ricoh GR3x, which suits me well, 40mm is the focal length I use the most on my Leica as well. The GR3x is about the same size as the RX100-series (compared side-by-side with a friend who owns an RX100) It delivers excellent files, the lens is great, and the UI can be highly customized to individual shooting preferences. One of the best features is the "highlight protect" metering mode; if they'd roll out a similar feature to the K-1-successor, I would seriously consider getting back into Pentax FF

flektogon said:

And I understand why you are posting here, as at the Pentax Compact Cameras forum you would very likely get any reply soon. Your pictures are excellent!

Click to expand...

Also, it's interesting to see what people consider a good "sidekick" to their regular setup.

The MX-1 looks like a really nice camera for this purpose, and the UI is apparently quite similar to our DSLRs

Sjak said:

flektogon said:

Yes, any such a small camera can be convenient to have, as you can take it with yourself every time. I have the Canon S90 for the same purpose. They are all great cameras, though the newer (and not larger) 1" sensor's cameras (like Sony R100) are even better.

Click to expand...

I agree. For years I've kept my Panasonic LX7, with its excellent f/1.4 lens. However, once I started shooting more events, I grew more and more frustrated by the LX7's slow startup-time and horrible shutdown-time (it would not retract the lens whilst buffering, and buffering was very very slow)

Recently, I got myself the Ricoh GR3x, which suits me well, 40mm is the focal length I use the most on my Leica as well. The GR3x is about the same size as the RX100-series (compared side-by-side with a friend who owns an RX100) It delivers excellent files, the lens is great, and the UI can be highly customized to individual shooting preferences. One of the best features is the "highlight protect" metering mode; if they'd roll out a similar feature to the K-1-successor, I would seriously consider getting back into Pentax FF

Click to expand...

Considering that it appeared in the K-3iii I would say 99% that it will be in the K-1iii. Start saving your pennies

Doug

Sjak said:

Sjak said:

And I understand why you are posting here, as at the Pentax Compact Cameras forum you would very likely get any reply soon. Your pictures are excellent!

Click to expand...

Also, it's interesting to see what people consider a good "sidekick" to their regular setup.

The MX-1 looks like a really nice camera for this purpose, and the UI is apparently quite similar to our DSLRs

Click to expand...

DougOB said:

Considering that it appeared in the K-3iii I would say 99% that it will be in the K-1iii. Start saving your pennies

Click to expand...

Cool! It's good to have a forecast regarding stuff to waste money on :-D

Sjak said:

flektogon said:

Yes, any such a small camera can be convenient to have, as you can take it with yourself every time. I have the Canon S90 for the same purpose. They are all great cameras, though the newer (and not larger) 1" sensor's cameras (like Sony R100) are even better.

Click to expand...

I agree. For years I've kept my Panasonic LX7, with its excellent f/1.4 lens. However, once I started shooting more events, I grew more and more frustrated by the LX7's slow startup-time and horrible shutdown-time (it would not retract the lens whilst buffering, and buffering was very very slow)

Recently, I got myself the Ricoh GR3x, which suits me well, 40mm is the focal length I use the most on my Leica as well. The GR3x is about the same size as the RX100-series (compared side-by-side with a friend who owns an RX100) It delivers excellent files, the lens is great, and the UI can be highly customized to individual shooting preferences. One of the best features is the "highlight protect" metering mode; if they'd roll out a similar feature to the K-1-successor, I would seriously consider getting back into Pentax FF

Sjak said:

And I understand why you are posting here, as at the Pentax Compact Cameras forum you would very likely get any reply soon. Your pictures are excellent!

Click to expand...

Also, it's interesting to see what people consider a good "sidekick" to their regular setup.

The MX-1 looks like a really nice camera for this purpose, and the UI is apparently quite similar to our DSLRs

Click to expand...

Oh yes, the Ricoh GR3x is indeed a great compact camera. I have the Pentax K-S1 body, which I use with a (permanently) mounted DA 21/3.2 lens, so it acts like GR3 (minus being compact :-( ).

alex_virt said:

mmmustard said:

Those are some cool photos. I'm not sure I would use the MX-1 for night shots but, you used it effectively. Since I almost always photo edit my work, I don't mind the raw OOOC restraint. Of course, camera jpegs tend to draw the most differences in opinions.

I have to laugh at the hidden brass plates being revealed over time. Time moves fast in the digital camera age. The newer cameras tend to push the older ones back on the shelf. (Mine was in a closet.) How long would it take for the brass to emerge? How many people will use the camera that long? Since I don't plan on buying any more cameras, maybe I will. Still, it's not my only camera. We'll see. I would love it if the brass becomes visible.

Click to expand...

You can use some fine sandpaper and polish to reveal the brass

Click to expand...

But wouldn't that be cheating? Isn't that the same as altering one's photographs? Surely you don't think I would violate the photographer's oath: "First, the photographer must do no alterations to one's pictures and cameras that do not faithfully reflect the absolute accuracy of the subject and cameras, even if such accuracy results in bland, grey, low dynamic and uninteresting photographs and loss of visual appeal of cameras."

Sounds like a good idea. (Ahem)

mmmustard said:

alex_virt said:

mmmustard said:

Those are some cool photos. I'm not sure I would use the MX-1 for night shots but, you used it effectively. Since I almost always photo edit my work, I don't mind the raw OOOC restraint. Of course, camera jpegs tend to draw the most differences in opinions.

I have to laugh at the hidden brass plates being revealed over time. Time moves fast in the digital camera age. The newer cameras tend to push the older ones back on the shelf. (Mine was in a closet.) How long would it take for the brass to emerge? How many people will use the camera that long? Since I don't plan on buying any more cameras, maybe I will. Still, it's not my only camera. We'll see. I would love it if the brass becomes visible.

Click to expand...

You can use some fine sandpaper and polish to reveal the brass

Click to expand...

But wouldn't that be cheating? Isn't that the same as altering one's photographs? Surely you don't think I would violate the photographer's oath: "First, the photographer must do no alterations to one's pictures and cameras that do not faithfully reflect the absolute accuracy of the subject and cameras, even if such accuracy results in bland, grey, low dynamic and uninteresting photographs and loss of visual appeal of cameras."

Sounds like a good idea. (Ahem)

Click to expand...

IIRC, Leica did it for one of their "special edition" cameras.

And so rare and expensive, over $200 on ebay today. Can't afford that.

In what type of LOL situation would someone have this camera and simply leave it unused for almost a decade?

Such.... a waste.

Hey, I forgot to mention I like your pictures. I also like your galleries. You obviously know what you are doing behind a lens.

Rambow said:

And so rare and expensive, over $200 on ebay today. Can't afford that.

In what type of LOL situation would someone have this camera and simply leave it unused for almost a decade?

Such.... a waste.

Click to expand...

Well, that was positive.

mmmustard said:

Hey, I forgot to mention I like your pictures. I also like your galleries. You obviously know what you are doing behind a lens.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

Rambow said:

In what type of LOL situation would someone have this camera and simply leave it unused for almost a decade?

Such.... a waste.

Click to expand...

Why would someone leave this camera in their closet for ten years? Maybe someone who is working: shooting hundreds of weddings, doing real estate, product, family, and portrait photography. And, maybe doing very little personal photography.

Now that I have time, I'm going to also pull out the Pentax Optio 750z for fun. Maybe even my first DSLR – the K100D, and maybe even an old manual focus lens or two.

These were my first thoughts, but I refrained from expressing them. I changed my mind. At least it didn't take a decade.

mmmustard said:

I know this is not the right forum for this, but I thought maybe it would be of interest here to show how good this 2013 Pentax camera was. Not unusual for Pentax, it was pretty advanced for its time and a great value. Here goes nothing:

"The Pentax MX-1 enthusiast compact camera features classic styling and construction, with brass top and base plates. It's based around a stabilized 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and a familiar-sounding 28-112mm equivalent F1.8-2.5 lens." DPReview.

I was rooting around in my photography closet – it's pretty messy in there (I discovered one of my second shooters and sent him home), and I came across my MX-1 which I haven't used in years. I decided to dust it off and see how it compared to today's cameras. Remarkably well, and what's more, it's fun too! I haven't enjoyed myself with a camera in quite a while.

The MX-1 looks like a camera that needs to be taken seriously, and it's great looking too. I welcome the weight as helpful for stability, and it gives the camera gravitas. I'm enchanted with the macro capability. It's fun to finally have a zoom. (I don't own a single zoom lens.) The lens is sharp, and the layout makes the camera easy to use. Needless to say, I really like this camera. There is more to photography than output and bells and whistles. If it's not fun to do, then what's the point?

The pictures below are some of my first using the MX-1. Just testing its capabilities. It won't be going back into my photography closet, that's for sure.



View: original size

View: original size



View: original size

View: original size



View: original size

View: original size


Sunset shots are something you think you know how to do, until you do them.

View: original size

View: original size


Looks like a painter's work whose name I can't remember. – Reuben! I think ---

View: original size

View: original size


Love the macro.

View: original size

View: original size

View: original size


Okay, this wasn't OOC black and white, but I have more choices in my photo editing software.

Click to expand...

All commendable shots!

--
* DPDiscuss: Facebook-based successor to DPR forums, 8 big benefits: https://www.dpdiscuss.com/
* DPReview Alumni: a mailing list for all DPR users to stay together, no matter which forum they go: https://groups.google.com/g/dpr-alumni
* A Complete Survival Guide for DPReview Users: an alumni mailing list for all DPR users and 72 photo forums each user can choose to go: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66993592