I used to own a KX. If you like its simplicity, rugged construction, large viewfinder, and wide film guides, please give the Ricoh XR-1 (manual exposure; = Sears KSX?), XR-2 (manual/auto), or XR-2s (manual/auto; = Sears KS Auto) a try. They are very similar to the KX in size, specs, build quality, aperture readout, and features (or lack thereof); are much brighter (in the center circle), and have a 45-degree split-image rangefinder that is extremely useful when focusing a vertical shot.
The KX retains an edge in the flexibility of its mirror lockup (uncoupled from the spring-loaded timer); the quietness of its shutter (cloth vs. metal); and the fact that its shutter-speed needle moves automatically (but is more prone to fail). Last night I took my first flash shot with my KS Auto. I can't believe how easy it is. My ProMaster dedicated Ricoh module synched up with no problem; a bright red LED illuminates in the viewfinder, and I can even leave the aperture dial on A (Auto). Paul Franklin Stregevsky
