The Pentax MX
In those days of transiting from 120 to 35mm was becoming
the norm as film quality was getting better & also the concept of
photography as a memory tool was gaining ground in India. So by default my
first camera became the Pentax MX as in those days Pentax was literally ruling
the roost in the amateur & low end pro market in India, maybe due to its
price or easy branding, I don’t know.
Also in the early 80s color film started flooding the
market, with Kodak, Fuji & then Sakura (Konica) vying for the space in the
customer’s mind & albums.
So coming back to the camera, it was such a sweet compact
camera that I was in love with it instantly & shot some great images with
it. I used to get goosebumps by looking at the ads of the same in Modern
Photography & Popular Photography magazines. In fact I also requested a
brochure from Pentax Company in Japan. They sent me their whole line up of
cameras, lenses & accessories. It was like a Diwali Gift for me.
I added 24mm Vivitar wide angle lens as it was the only one
available in Hyderabad, but was good enough to give me great saturation. I was
on cloud nine with it. I did one architectural assignment with it & the
customer was very happy with results.
Later I bought one Pentax ME Super to compliment the MX
& used to shoot with 2 cameras in weddings, one for the traditional images
& the other for candids (400ASA) with just available light.
Both the cameras served me well until one fine day I decided
to switch to advertising & Industrial Photography & had to buy Nikon
Systems along with Bronica 120 system camera.
I still remember with gratitude the Great Pentax MX, which launched
my career & yes one fine day I shall buy one again to keep it in my
showcase as a mark of respect to the makers of this beautiful Camera.
My first love
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