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Pentax LX Film Camera

The Pentax LX is a film camera from Pentax — known for its Weather-Sealed Metal Body and Titanium Shutter. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Pentax LX Film Camera

Pentax LX Film Camera

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Camera Overview — Pentax LX

The Pentax LX is a professional-grade 35mm film SLR camera built around the Pentax K lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of K-mount optics. Constructed from metal alloy with a titanium shutter, the LX is engineered for durability and carries a weather-sealed body design — a notable distinction for a film camera of its era. The viewfinder system is interchangeable, accommodating both optical pentaprism finders (such as the FA-1 and FA-1W) and waist-level options, giving shooters genuine flexibility in how they compose their images.

ISO sensitivity spans from 6 to 3200, providing a broad working range across a wide variety of film stocks. The camera supports burst shooting at up to 4 frames per second, making it viable for action and event photography. Flash integration is handled via the standard ISO hot shoe on the FA-1/FA-1W prism finders and a dedicated PC sync terminal on the body, with TTL flash metering supported.

Power comes from two 1.5V SR44/LR44 batteries or a single CR11108 alternative. The body weighs 565g and measures 144.5 x 90.5 x 50 mm, balancing substantive build quality with reasonable portability. For photographers seeking a full-frame film SLR with professional-level construction and a modular finder system, the Pentax LX remains a compelling choice.

Key Features — Pentax LX

Weather-Sealed Metal Body: Metal alloy construction with weather sealing makes the LX one of the few film SLRs built to withstand dust and moisture in the field.

Titanium Shutter: The titanium shutter curtain offers exceptional durability and longevity, suited to heavy professional use.

Interchangeable Viewfinder System: Accepts multiple finder types including the FA-1/FA-1W pentaprism and waist-level finders, giving shooters flexibility in how they compose shots.

Pentax K Lens Mount: Compatible with the broad range of Pentax K-mount lenses spanning decades of production, from vintage manual-focus primes to modern autofocus optics.

ISO 6–3200 Film Range: Wide sensitivity range accommodates everything from slow daylight transparency films to fast low-light stocks.

2 fps Burst Shooting: Supports continuous shooting at up to 2 frames per second in standard configuration; higher rates available with the Motor Drive LX winder.

Camera Specifications — Pentax LX

Pentax LX full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesDocumentary
TypeFilm
ISO Range6 – 3200
Burst Rate4 fps
Image StabilizationNone
ViewfinderInterchangeable optical pentaprism (SLR) and waist-level finders
Battery2x 1.5V SR44/LR44 (or 1x CR11108)
Battery LifeSeveral months to a year depending on use
Weather SealingWeather Sealed
Dimensions144.5 x 90.5 x 50 mm
Weight565g
Lens MountPentax K

Description — Pentax LX

The Pentax LX is a professional 35mm film SLR built on the Pentax K lens mount, wrapped in a metal alloy body with a titanium shutter and a weather-sealed design. At 565g and measuring 144.5 x 90.5 x 50 mm, it strikes a balance between robust construction and manageable size. The camera's modular viewfinder system is a standout feature — shooters can swap between interchangeable optical pentaprism finders (including the FA-1 and FA-1W) and waist-level options to suit their workflow.

An ISO range of 6 to 3200 supports a wide variety of film emulsions, while a burst rate of up to 4 frames per second keeps the camera relevant for fast-moving subjects. Flash connectivity includes a PC sync terminal on the body and a standard ISO hot shoe via the prism finders, with TTL flash metering supported. The camera is powered by 2x 1.5V SR44/LR44 batteries (or a single CR11108), with an expected battery life of several months to a year under typical use.

Pros — Pentax LX

  • ✓Weather-sealed metal alloy body with titanium shutter delivers professional-grade durability
  • ✓Interchangeable viewfinder system supports both pentaprism (FA-1/FA-1W) and waist-level finders
  • ✓Wide ISO range of 6–3200 accommodates a broad selection of film stocks

Cons — Pentax LX

  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — fully reliant on shooting technique and film choice
  • ✗No autofocus system; entirely manual focus operation
  • ✗Flash hot shoe is finder-dependent (FA-1/FA-1W), not natively on the body

Videos — Pentax LX

Pentax LX review, a true professional camera from the Asahi Optical Co — Martin Henson

Resources & Downloads — Pentax LX

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Pentax LX

What lenses are compatible with the Pentax LX?+
The Pentax LX uses the Pentax K lens mount, as listed in the specifications. This allows it to accept K-mount lenses from Pentax and compatible third-party manufacturers. No other mount systems are referenced in the specs.
Is the Pentax LX weather sealed?+
Yes — the specifications explicitly list the body design as 'Weather Sealed.' The body is also constructed from metal alloy with a titanium shutter, further reinforcing its durability.
What ISO range does the Pentax LX support?+
The camera supports an ISO range of 6 to 3200 according to the specifications. This wide range gives shooters flexibility when selecting film stocks from very slow to fast.
Can I use the Pentax LX with flash?+
Yes. The LX supports TTL flash metering and features a PC sync terminal on the body. A standard ISO hot shoe is available when using the FA-1 or FA-1W prism viewfinders. Both connection methods are listed in the specifications.
What batteries does the Pentax LX use?+
According to the specifications, the camera runs on two 1.5V SR44/LR44 batteries or a single CR11108 alternative. Battery life is listed as several months to a year depending on usage.
What viewfinder options does the Pentax LX offer?+
The specifications describe an interchangeable optical pentaprism SLR viewfinder system, with waist-level finder options also supported. This modular approach allows photographers to adapt the camera to different shooting situations.

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