Out and About - Pentax MX-1

Out and About - Pentax MX-1

I'd always wanted a pocketable camera that could produce quality images, and this proved very elusive with film. None of them were as good as using an SLR, even those with Very Famous Names on the front just didn't cut it. But fast forward a few years and digital arrived, definitely a game changer. In 2013 I bought a Pentax MX-1, with 6-24mm f/1.8-2.5 lens, "35mm eqyuivalent" of 28-112mm. Not an earth shattering range, but enough to be useful. Add a 12MP 1/1.7" CMOS sensor and still not earth shattering, but still useful.

However, in use we find that the camera can produce beautifully sharp A3 prints and has full control, with facilities and controls just like the Pentax DSLRs. The menus are very similar, the actual output is typical Pentax, but in addition to which we have macro and super-macro settings that can continue this crispness right down to 1cm. Now we're talking. In fact, this camera was not the first of its type. I had already bought the Olympus ZX-1, a 10MP compact very similar to the new Pentax, but I could not get on with its menu system. The Pentax solved all of that and in fact is still in my jacket pocket and in full time use eight years on.

Let's have a look at some images that give a glimpse of its wide ranging potential.


































These cameras are now highly sought after and a replacement, if one could be forund, would cost a fair bit, but it would be difficult to find a more versatile camera that can go anywhere and do virtually anything. What a shame that Pentax never continued the line with an MX-2 and beyond. Incidentally, it was originally marketed as a retro design than mimiced the Pentax MX film SLR, and even has brass top and bottom plates said to wear (brassing) just like cameras of old in black finish did. It has proved to be quite true.