Pentax L-X Help Guide

Quick Help/Reference Manual

Note: This manual is created just aiming to support the Pentax LX users who has lost his original manual or for those who has just bought a used unit in

the secondary used market. We would still advise anyone who wishes to acquire a complete official manual either from Jebsen & Jebsen, local distributor
for Pentax cameras or write to Asahi Optical Co Ltd for a copy. Creator of this site will not be responsible for the accuracy of the content within.

In the US:

Pentax Corporation

35 Inverness Drive East
Post Office Box 6509
Englewood, Colorado 80155-6509
[phone], [phone]
[e-mail]

Website: http://www.pentax.com

In Japan:

Pentax Optical Co Ltd

Website: http://www.pentax.co.jp/

Pentax, Pentax LX, Asahi Optical, Asahiflex and other trade names mentioned in this site are registered trademarks of the respective companies.

1. Two-way exposure counter

2. Shutter button lock

3. Shutter button

4. Rapid wind lever

5. Shutter dial

6. Shutter-cocked indicator

7. Aperture window

8. Multi-function lever

9. Lever release button

10. Lever index

11. Lens release button

12. Lens mount

13. Lens alignment index

14. Instant return mirror

15. Shutter speed index

16. Hotshoe

17. Film rewind crank

18. Film rewind crank/
Back cover release knob

19. Grip mount socket

20. Accessory lug

21. Distance scale

22. Focusing ring

23. Depth-of-field scale

24. Aperture/Distance index

25. Aperture scale

26. Aperture ring

27. Auto flash contacts

28. X-synch terminal

29. FP terminal

30. Exposure compensation dial

31. ASA dial lock release

32. ASA index

33. ASA window

34. Exposure compensation index mark

35. Dial lock release button

36. Finder release lever

37. Data back contacts

38. Memo holder

39. Eyepiece accessory slots

40. Viewfinder eyepiece

41. Back cover

42. Film chamber

inserting the edge of a coin and turning in the direction of the arrow. Place the
two batteries in the chamber as shown making sure the positive (+) sides face
up.

Replace the chamber cap and tighten securely.

43. Film rewind shaft

44. Film guide rail

45. Shutter curtains

46. Watch data film blind

47. Film blind thumb screw

48. Diopter adjustment screw

49. Sprocket

50. Film take-up spool

51. Back cover release pin

52. Back cover release lug

53. Film pressure plate

54. Rubber grip

55. Automatic advance contacts

56. Auto film rewind coupling

57. Base plate

58. Battery chamber cap

59. Tripod socket

60. Film transport relay pin

61. Film rewind/Multiple exposure button

62. Film transport rate control coupling

63. Film transport coupler

64. Rim of back cover

Batteries

Inserting the Batteries

The electronic systems of your Pentax LX operate on two 1.5-volt mini
batteries which are packed separately with your camera. To insert the
batteries, first remove the battery chamber cap at the base of the camera by

Battery Check

After inserting the batteries it is often helpful to make a quick check to see if
batteries are inserted properly and the camera's electrical systems are
functioning. To check battery voltage, activate the camera's metering system
by pressing the shutter button partway and observe the viewfinder LED
shutter speed display. The shutter speed LED will glow continuously if
normal voltage is being supplied.

Low Battery Warning

When batteries become weak the viewfinder shutter speed LED will begin to
flicker. Although all electronic systems will continue to function accurately
until the display goes out completely, both batteries should be replaced
promptly to ensure uninterrupted operation of the camera's electronic
exposure controls.

Operating the Camera Without Batteries

When the LED shutter speed display no longer lights, batteries are dead. However, the LX camera incorporates an electro-mechanical shutter system
which allows the photographer to continue taking pictures over a broad range of shutter speeds even when the batteries no longer function due to
exhaustion or temporary failure from temperature extremes. Should battery failure occur while shooting within the camera's mechanical shutter speed
range (i.e., from 1/2000 second to "X") no interruption of camera operation will take place. However, should batteries fail while operating in the
"Automatic" exposure mode or within the electronically controlled shutter speed range (from 1/60 second to 4 seconds) the mirror will automatically lock
up as a warning.

To continue picture-taking, simply turn the shutter speed dial to any of the mechanically operated settings (1/2000 second to "X").
NOTE: Should you wish to save the exposure being made when the mirror lock-up occurred, before changing the shutter speed dial, first cover the lens

with the lens cap. Then, release the mirror as described above and press the film rewind/multiple exposure button at the base of the camera. Advance the
film and take the picture.

IMPORTANT NEVER THROW USED BATTERIES INTO FIRE OR EXCESSIVE HEAT TO PROTECT AGAINST EXPLOSION. ALWAYS
KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Battery Care

Under normal operating conditions, the two 1.5-volt alkaline mini-batteries in your camera will last several months. Should batteries require replacement,
replace BOTH at the same time with equivalent 1.5 volt alkaline or silver oxide mini-batteries (Eveready S76, Mallory S76E, etc.)

Keeping a spare set of batteries on hand can help you avoid the inconvenience of battery failure during busy picture-taking sessions, especially when
shooting in cold climates where failure due to extreme temperatures is not uncommon. Protect your camera from leakage by removing the batteries
whenever the camera will not be in use for long periods of time.

ATTACHING THE VIEWFINDER

Your Pentax LX is a complete System 35mm SLR which offers you an
exceptionally wide variety of interchangeable viewfinders (see page 46).
Once you have selected the viewfinder best suited your picture-taking
needs, attach it to the camera body as follows:

Remove the protective body cap by moving the finder release lever
counter-clockwise and sliding the cap away from the camera body as
shown. Carefully remove the protective cap from the finder and align the
finder with the body, making sure both units are seated properly. Slide the
kinder toward the front of the camera body until it locks firmly in place.
When attaching the finder, it's a good idea to jiggle it to make sure it is
locked securely in place.

To remove the finder on the camera for attaching a new finder, move the
finder release lever counter-clockwise and carefully remove the existing
finder by sliding it away from the camera body slowly and smoothly. Do
not move too quickly to avoid dropping the finder on your working
surface and damaging it. Place the protective finder cap on the finder to
protect it against dust and scratches.

IMPORTANT: Avoid touching the glass surfaces of the finder, eyepiece
and camera body when attaching or removing the finder to protect against
possible damage from fingerprints, dust, grit and grease. When absolutely
necessary, use a blower or camel's hair brush to remove loose dust or grit
and ensure the brightest, cleanest image.

Adjusting The Diopter Correction

When mounting longer lenses such as telephoto or zoom focal lengths, it's a good idea
to rest the camera body in the palm of the left hand. This procedure provides a better
balance and more convenient handling during the mounting operation.

WHEN CHANGING LENSES OUTDOORS WITH FILM IN THE
CAMERA, TAKE THE ADDED PRECAUTION OF AVOIDING DIRECT
SUNLIGHT.

Removing the Lens

To remove the lens, hold the camera in the left hand and press the Lens release button
D while turning the lens counter-clockwise with the right hand.

IMPORTANT: If it becomes necessary to put the lens down without the rear lens
cap in place, make sure the lens rests only with the front element down. Never put the
lens down with the front element up.

Pentax FA-1 and FA-2 Interchangeable Viewfinders feature built-in diopter
correction for the focusing convenience of eyeglass weartrs. To adjust the
degree of correction, first move the finder release lever counter-clockwise and
gently slide the finder away from the body until the diopter adjustment screw is
visible. With the finder in this position, carefully bring the camera up to your
eye and look at split-image center spot in the center of the viewfinder. Using the
tool packed with the finder, turn the adjustment screw until the border lines of
the center spot come in sharp and crisp. Remove the tool and slide the finder
toward the front of the camera body to once again lock it securely in place.

MOUNTING THE LENS

After removing the rear lens and body caps, hold the camera firmly in your left hand
and align the red dot A on the camera body with the red dot B on the lens. Insert the
lens into the body chamber until it seats against the lens mount and turn it clockwise
until it locks into place with an audible click. In dim light situations where it becomes
difficult to see the red dots, align the raised white node C on the lens barrel with the
lens release D by touch and continue mounting the lens as described.

ADVANCING THE FILM

The film advance system and exposure counter of your new Pentax LX are designed to provide you with the utmost in rapid winding convenience and
frame indication accuracy.

1. Shutter Cocked Indicator

When the shutter has been cocked for the next exposure, the shutter cocked indicator turns red as a reminder. The Indicator returns to clear when the
shutter has been fired.

2. Two-Way Exposure Counter

The LX exposure counter is a sequential type which advances one frame each time the rapid wind lever or film transport is activated. The scale is indexed
from "0" to "36" with frames "12," "20," "24" and "36" marked in red. The counter also operates in reverse when rewinding the film and disengages
when making multiple exposures to ensure frame indication accuracy. It automatically resets to "0" when the back cover is opened.

Rapid Wind Lever
The LX features a single-stroke 120 rapid wind lever which advances the film and cocks the shutter. A 250 stand-off position is provided for rapid

winding ease and comfort.

LOADING THE FILM

•To avoid unnecessary delays when loading the film, before starting it's a good idea to set the shutter dial to one of the faster manual settings, e.g.
1/2000th second. If you must load film with the dial set to '`Automatic," remove the lens cap and aim the camera towards a bright light source to avoid
excessively long shutter speeds when advancing the film.

•Open the camera back by lifting up sharply on the film rewind knob. Insert the film cartridge in the film chamber and lock the cartridge in place by
returning the film rewind knob to its original position.

• Drew the film leader across the back and insert it into any of the white needles in the film take-up spool. Make sure the film is engaged properly on the
spool by inserting the leader at least the width of one perforation.

•Wind the film by alternately advancing the rapid wind lever and firing the shutter release button until both top and bottom sprockets engage the film
perforations. When you are sure the film has engaged properly, close the back cover and wind the film rewind crank in the direction of the arrow to take
up any slack.

•Continue advancing the film until the exposure counter registers "1." You can be sure the film is moving properly through the camera by checking to see
that the film rewind knob rotates each time the rapid wind lever is advanced.

SETTING THE FILM SPEED/MEMO HOLDER

To set the film speed, press the ASA dial lock release and turn the dial
until the ASA number of the film being used is opposite the index mark.
To ensure accuracy, make sure the dial locks only in the click-stop
positions. The chart below represents the index markings on the LX film
speed scale.