Pentax MX variants?

[andykowalczyk]

The paint on the edges of the film door back cover is "bubbling" so I was

looking at parts cameras to cannibalize a back cover in better condition.

 

What I noticed on the Pentax MX is that some examples have the inscription

"ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN" on the memo holder and some have the inscription on the

rear face of the top plate (just below the winder lever).

 

Where these manufacturing changes over time? Or were there different factories?

 

Also - any one have any luck re-painting? I don't mean the body, which is

showing the typical "brassing" - but this is definitely bubbling over steel

which shows some mild rust. It seems to be worse in areas where I grip - like

under the left thumb behind the rewind knob - so I assume it is related to "palm

sweat" and oils.

[andykowalczyk]

<p>A little more research on photo.net and I found this thread:<p>

<a href=" http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Iee9&tag= ">Serial numbers (specifically for MXs)

</a><p>

which describes two diffent runs of serial numbers on MX bodies. The earlier run begins with "9" and the later run begins with "4". My camera is a "4" series. The changes make sense as manufacturing efficiencies. The top plate doesn't have to be embossed/engraved (the part must already be expensive to produce with all the shapes).

And the plastic memo holder can be easily cast with the company name and is probably cheaper than the metal memo holder.

</p>