* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Pentax MX-1 Digital Camera, Silver {12MP}
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$737.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Pentax MX-1: a f/1.8 Compact With a Retro SLR Soul
The MX-1 pairs a 1/1.7" backlit CMOS sensor with a 28-112mm equivalent lens that opens to f/1.8 at the wide end, tapering to f/2.5 at telephoto. That fast glass gives you a real edge in low-light interiors and evening street work where slower compacts start hunting for focus. The sensor-shift image stabilization backs it up, letting you shoot handheld at shutter speeds you'd otherwise white-knuckle through.
This is a camera built around manual control than automation. Aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes are all here, along with a dedicated EV compensation dial and a shutter range spanning 30 seconds to 1/8000 sec. The tilting 3-inch LCD with 920,000 dots makes waist-level composition practical for street and travel shooters who want to work unobtrusively, while the 1cm macro focus range opens up close-in work with small objects and textures.
RAW capture is onboard for photographers who want to push files in post, and the ISO range extends from 100 to 12800 for those grabbing shots as light fades. Video tops out at 1080/30p with stereo audio, adequate for casual clips alongside stills. At 391g and pocketable dimensions, it's a camera you can carry all day without the bulk of an interchangeable-lens system, built for photographers who value manual control over automated point-and-shoot logic.
Who It's For
Street photographers get a lot from the f/1.8 maximum aperture and tilting screen, which together support low-light candid work shot from the hip or at waist level. Travel shooters benefit from the 28-112mm equivalent range and 391g body, enough reach for landscapes and portraits without adding pack weight. Macro enthusiasts have a 1cm minimum focus distance to work with for close-up subjects like small objects and textures. Photographers who shoot in mixed or dim lighting can lean on sensor-shift stabilization and an ISO range up to 12800 to keep shutter speeds usable without a tripod. Anyone who wants full manual exposure control, RAW files, and a dedicated EV dial in a pocket-sized body will find the control layout familiar and direct.
Key Features
- 1/1.7" backlit CMOS sensor with 12.0MP resolution and 4x optical zoom
- 28-112mm equivalent lens with f/1.8 maximum aperture at wide angle
- Sensor-shift image stabilization for handheld shooting
- Aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes
- Tilting 3-inch LCD with 920,000 dots and AR coating
- 1cm macro focus range for close-up work
- ISO 100-12800 with RAW capture support
- Shutter range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 sec
FAQ
- Does the MX-1 have autofocus or manual focus?
- Both. It has a 25-point AF system plus full manual focus control, letting you dial in focus by hand when you want to lock onto something off-center or work in low contrast.
- What happens to the aperture as you zoom in?
- It closes down. Wide angle (28mm equivalent) gives you f/1.8, but by telephoto (112mm equivalent) it narrows to f/2.5. Still fast compared to most compacts at the tele end, but not constant.
- Can you shoot RAW on the MX-1?
- Yes. RAW is available alongside JPEG, so you can process your files in post if you need the flexibility. JPEG outputs at Fine or Normal quality.
- How close can you focus?
- The macro range is 1cm, so you can get tight on small details and textures. Standard focus distance is 60cm, giving you plenty of working range for general shooting.
- What's the battery life like?
- CIPA rating is 290 shots per charge using the included D-Li-106 lithium-ion battery. Real-world mileage depends on how much you use the LCD and flash, but that's a reasonable day's worth with careful use.
- Does the tilting screen have a touchscreen?
- No touchscreen. It's an AR-coated TFT LCD with 920,000 dots, and it tilts for waist-level and overhead composition. You control the camera with buttons and the control dials.
- What video formats does it shoot?
- 1080p30 only, recorded in MPEG-4 or H.264 with stereo audio input. No 60fps or 4K, so it's cut for basic clips alongside stills, not primary video work.
- Can you use an external flash?
- No, the MX-1 has a built-in pop-up flash only. Flash range is 12 meters, and it supports multiple modes including fill-in, slow-speed sync, and trailing curtain sync.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) |
| Resolution | 12.0 MP |
| AF Points | 25 |
| ISO Range | Auto (100-1,600), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200, 6,400, 12,800 |
| Burst Rate | 1.0 |
| Video | 1,920 x 1,080 (30 fps) |
| Dimensions | 122 x 61 x 51 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 2.01?) |
| Weight | 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Pentax |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle, Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 24mm |
| Min Focal Length | 6mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
