[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Replying late to this! Sorry, but...
>I'm likely going to be doing some extreme macro photography this summer >(in the 1X to 4X range), so I've been seriously considering getting a >body that offers MLU. > >Hence my interest in a classic body that offers MLU. LX is definitely >the best, and if money were no object for me I'd just shell out five or >six C-notes and be done with it. Alas, I'm poor. > >Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page lists the KX and K2 as also >offering MLU. What's worrying is that they're somewhat old bodies (all >25+ years old by now). The K2 also is an electronic camera, which >makes me wonder how likely it is that the circuit board will suddenly >up and quit (and if it does, how likely it is to be unrepairable). In my experience, the electronics of the KX are much less reliable than those of the K2. I've seen *lots* of KX's with dead meter electronics but never a K2 with dead electronics. >I also just plain have a preference for a mechanical-shutter camera, >though I'll compromise on that if it means getting a good body with MLU >for significantly less. I notice Adorama's used department has a >several K2 bodies listed for under $150. A cursory search hasn't >turned up any KX bodies for sale, I don't think the K2 sold better than the less expensive KX - or if it did it was only by a small margin. My suspicion is that the K2 has proven more durable over time (metal blade shutter, more reliable electronics) and so there are fewer KX's left on the market. >So, should I even consider a K2 or KX? Is there anything in particular >to watch out for with these bodies? Or should I just forget about it >and spring for an LX? I think you should *consider* both but lean toward the K2 in terms of reliability. Personally, I'd *love* to get myself a KX in good condition, but I'd feel I had to regard it as a collector's item, just due to my experiences so far. (I've had several K2's and found them very reliable). If you see a KX on eBay being sold "as is" and the seller claims he "can't" test the meter because he doesn't have a battery RUN AWAY! ;-) The K2 has a better viewfinder, faster flash sync (1/125) and, of course, auto exposure. The KX reputedly has less shutter vibration, but I've found the K2 works very well indeed with the mirror locked up. -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
