Pentax LX Specifications

Type:

35mm full-frame single lens reflex camera with IDM off-the-film plane Aperture-Priority automatic or full manual exposure metering, TTL integrated flash control with Pentax "T" and "C" type flash units.

Lens Mount:

Pentax bayonet mount with fully automatic diaphragm coupling

Exposure controls:

Open-aperture, centre-weighted, through-the-lens light metering for both automatic and manual modes. Integrated Direct Metering (IDM) system measures light at the film plane via Silicon Photo Diode (SPD): high-speed measurements for automatic operation are made off fixed pattern on front shutter curtain, slow speed measurements off curtain and film, automatic electronic flash/ambient light measurement with TTL "T"- and "C"-type flash models. Manual exposure range from EV 1 to EV 19 (at ISO 100 with f/1.4 lens); stepless automatic exposure range extends to EV -6.5 to EV 20 (125 seconds at f/1.2 to 1/2000 second at f/22, at ISO 100 at normal temperature and humidity). Meter activated by light pressure on shutter release with automatic shutoff after 25 seconds.

Viewfinder:

Standard FA-1 Interchangeable Eye-Level Pent prism Finder features silver-coating and shows 98% vertical, 95% horizontal of picture area plus full data viewfinder display; built-in dioptre correction by adjustment screw. Finder removable by release lever. 7 other Prisms available.

Viewfinder Illuminator:

Nil

Viewfinder Display:

Tricolour display for TTL-measured shutter speeds with green LEDs indicating hand-hold able speeds from 1/2000 second to 1/30 second, yellow LEDs as slow speed warning from 1/15 second to 4 second, and red LEDs indicating overexposure or long exposure and "X"-sync flash-ready light with TTL and dedicated flash units; blue flag indicates automatic at "A" and manually selected shutter speeds; aperture visible in standard FA-1, FA-1W, FC-1 and FD-1 finders.

Dioptric Adjustment:

Focusing Screens:

SC-21 standard focusing screen with centre split-image spot surrounded by micro prism collar on matte field; fully interchangeable with 11 other focusing screen models through the lens mount.

Mirror:

Large swing-back type, instant-return mirror to virtually eliminate image cut off with most lenses; mirror-up lock provided.

Exposure Preview:

Provided, as the tri-functions self timer lever.

Exposure Compensation Dial:

Up to + 2 EV automatic exposure compensation in automatic mode by dial control; dial indexed at 1/4X, 1/2X, 1X, 2X and 4X, with click stops at 1/3 EV positions; red flag appears in viewfinder to indicate dial is off "1X" normal exposure position; dial lock provided at "1X" with push-button release.

Shutter:

Electro-mechanical horizontally-run titanium focal plane shutter; manual speeds mechanically controlled from 1/2000 second to "X"
(1/75 second) and electronically controlled from 1/60 second to 4 seconds; mechanical speeds and "B" operational without batteries;
automatic exposures electronically controlled in stepless range from 1/2000 second down to 125 seconds; shutter lock provided; shutter dial locks at "AUTOMATIC" with push-button release; built-in curtain blind for use with Watch Data LX.

Mechanical Shutter Release:

from 1/2000 second to "X" (1/75 second)

ISO (ASA)
Film Speed Scale:

ISO 6 to 3200.

Shutter Dial:

17 settings (A), (B) and (X), from 4 sec to 1/2000 sec.

Shutter Button:

Light touch to activate the meter on, meter will turn off after 25 sec.

Flash Control:

TTL measurement of ambient and electronic flash lighting directly off film plane with "T"- and "C"-type Pentax flash models providing auto flash sync at "X" and visible flash-ready and exposure check in viewfinder when flash reaches full charge; automatic flash sync and visible viewfinder flash-ready light with other Pentax dedicated flash models.

Self-timer
/Preview:

Multifunction lever provides a manually activated self-timer with 4 to 12 second delay, depth-of-field preview and mirror-lock capability.

Stop down
Slide:

Power Source:

Two 1.5V alkaline or silver-oxide batteries power all electronic systems in both automatic and manual modes; LED flickers in viewfinder to indicate low battery condition; mirror locks when batteries fail.

Battery Check:

LED flickers in viewfinder to indicate low battery condition

Multiple
Exposure:

Provided. Film Rewind Button doubles as multiple exposure button to disengage film advance mechanism

Flash
Synchronization:

"FP" terminal and "X" terminal, plus contacts for TTL integrated automatic flash control at camera front; FA-1 Standard Finder features built-in "X"-sync hot shoe with TTL contacts.

Camera back:

Standard camera back with spring catch, built-in film memo holder. Back is fully interchangeable with Dial Data LX, Watch Data L, and Bulk Film Magazine LX.

Film Loading/
Transport:

Pentax Magic Needle Loading System. Single-stroke, rapid wind lever with 120° throw and 25° standoff angle; built-in shutter cocked indicator. Accepts Winder LX and Motor Drive LX for automatic film advance and automatic rewind capability.

Film
Advance
Lever:

Single stroke 120 degrees or multiple short strokes to cock the shutter. At 25 degrees stand off position.

Frame
Counter:

Additive two-way exposure counter moves from loading indicator to "38" with colour-coded indexes at "0", "20", "24" and "36" operates in reverse to indicate precise film location for rewind or tracking of multiple exposures.

Film
Rewinding:

Film Rewind Button doubles as multiple exposure button to disengage film advance mechanism. Automatic rewind with Winder LX and Motor Drive LX.

Dimensions:

144.5mm x 90.5mm x 50.0mm (5.7" x 3.6" x 1.9") with Standard FA-1 Finder attached.

Weight:

565g (19.9 oz.) with Standard FA-1 Finder