This page is copyright by
, M. Butkus,
NJ.
This page may not be sold or distributed without the expressed permission of the producer
I have no connection with any camera company
Pentax LX
Posted 2-27-03
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This page is copyright by , M. Butkus,
NJ.
This page may not be sold or distributed without the
expressed permission of the producer
I have no connection with any camera company
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CASE A CASE AND STRAP STRAP
Attaching the Strap
The strap which accompanies your LX can be used in two ways. Before attaching the strap, press the twin tab of the fastener (Tab A)
with the edge of a coin until the single tab (Tab B) protrudes.
To Carry the Camera Horizontally
When carrying the camera around your neck or when using the Standard Eveready Case, first attach one of the strap fasteners to
either Accessory Lug (C) or (D) and press Tab (B) with a coin until Tab (A) protrudes, thereby locking the fastener to the lug. Repeat
with the other fastener.4www.butkus.org
To Carry the Camera Vertically
When you wish to carry the camera shoulder style, unlock the fastener attached to Accessory Lug C by pressing Tab (B) until Tab (A)
protrudes. Then, remove the fastener and attach it to Accessory Lug (E)
IMPORTANT: Before carrying the camera by the strap, jiggle the fasteners back and forth while pulling on the strap to make sure that
the fastener is locked securely to the accessory lug. If not locked properly, the strap could come off and damage your camera.
CASE
The standard Eveready Case for your LX features a half-moon lock as added protection against coming open while carrying the
camera. To remove the case front cover, turn the cover a full 180° as shown so that the fastener unlocks, and separate.
CAUTION: Do not try to remove the front cover without first turning it so that the fastener unlocks (this could weaken or break the
fastener).
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The Pentax LX system includes different types of accessory grips. Accessory Grip B is hand-contoured for added balance and handling convenience. For more precise requirements, the Accessory Grip A can be shaped to meet the photographer's individual needs using a whittling knife or similar instrument and sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges. |
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To attach either grip, first place the grip over the accessory lug (C) making sure the screw aligns with the socket at the bottom front of the camera (F). Tighten the screw using a screwdriver or coin.4www.butkus.org |
USING SCREW MOUNT TAKUMAR LENSES
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Super-Takumar and SMC Takumar screw-mount lenses can be attached to your Pentax LX by using the Pentax Mount Adaptor K.
When using this accessory, however, the automatic diaphragm of the lens will no longer function and meter readings must be made
with the lens aperture stopped down. Mounting The Adaptor
Removing The Adaptor
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MAINTAINING THE CAMERA
·Always keep the viewfinder eyepiece, finder-surface, lens and filters as clean as possible. Remove loose dust and dirt by first using a
lens blower and then brushing gently with a camel's hair lens brush. Avoid scratching optical surfaces by trying to wipe away granular
dust or grit. Smudges and fingerprint marks should be carefully wiped off using lens tissue or a clean soft cloth. A clean, previously-washed plain handkerchief is particularly good for this purpose. In extreme cases, use a good quality lens cleaning fluid to remove
stubborn smudges.4www.butkus.org
·Never touch the mirror or the shutter curtain, particularly when changing the interchangeable focusing screen. When changing
screens, use the pincette as described on page 48. Minor dirt or spots on the mirror will not affect the clarity of your photos.
·Whenever possible, carry your camera with its neck strap or in a carrying case or gadget bag. Accidentally dropping the camera can
cause serious damage in the internal mechanisms.
·Be particularly careful not to drop the finder when changing viewfinder models. Slide the finder back slowly to avoid damage to the
optical surfaces.
·Although your LX has specially-designed gaskets to minimize the possibility of damage from moisture, it is not waterproof. Several
places exist where water can get inside and damage internal mechanisms. Protect both the camera body and lens from rain or splashing water. If the
camera should get wet, dry it off immediately when a clean soft cloth. If it becomes submerged in salt water, place it in a pail of fresh
water to retard the onset of corrosion and take it immediately to a Pentax Service Center to determine if repairs can be effected.
·The automatic shutter of the LX will operate over a temperature range of 50°C (1 22°F) to -20°C (-4OF), and the mechanical shutter
will function from 50°C (122°F) to -30°C (-22°F). To assure reliable operation of the automatic shutter in low temperatures carry spare
batteries.
·Always store your camera in a cool, dry, clean and well-ventilated place when it is not in use to avoid the possibility of damage due to
condensation buildup. This is particularly important in areas of high humidity. Keep the camera in its case or in a gadget bag with the
lens cap on as added protection. Condensation also builds up when bringing the camera into a warm room from the extreme cold, or
vice versa. This can be prevented by immediately placing the camera in itsicase, bag or wrapping so that temperature changes
gradually.4www.butkus.org
LX INTERCHANGEABLE VIEWFINDERS
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The Pentax LX System includes an array of optional interchangeable viewfinders designed to meet almost any photographic situation.
Because the LX Integrated Direct Metering system measures light at the film plane, no exposure compensation is required with any of
the LX Finder models.
Model FA-1 Eye-Level Pentaprism Finder
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Model FA-1W Eye-Level Pentaprism Finder
The same features as the FA-1 with an extended built-in diopter correction range from - 3 to +1 inclusive.
Model FA-2 Eye-Level Pentaprism Finder
Similar to the FA-1 standard Pentaprism viewfinder without the built-in hotshoe. Available in the - 1.5 to 0 diopter range as with the FA-1; no wide range model is available.
NOTE: The Pentax FA-1, FA-1W and FA-2 Finder models are fully compatible with all Pentax critical focusing accessories.
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Model FE-1 Waist-Level Finder
A high magnification waist-level viewing model ideal for close-up work or in any situation where critical focusing is important. Adjustable diopter correction range from--5 to +4 inclusive is provided and all data except aperture setting is visible.4www.butkus.org Model FF 1 Waist-Level Finder Model FB-1 System Finder FC-1 Action Eyepiece -- Rotates a full 180 for total flexibility in the viewing angle. |
FD-1 Magni Eyepiece--A waist-level finder eyepiece with a convenient 45° viewing angle. Focusing-type diopter correction from -4.5
to +3.5 inclusive.
FD-2 Standard Eyepiece --Provides a convenient 45° viewing angle ideal for microscope use or copy work.
CHANGING THE FOCUSING SCREEN
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To change the LX Focusing Screen, use the pincette supplied with your new focusing screen. Insert the head of the pincette against
the top plate of the mount so that the two ear-like tabs rest against the indentation in the plate as illustrated. Then, gently lift upward on
the handle of the pincette until the focusing screen frame drops down.4www.butkus.org
CAUTION: Move the pincette very carefully. If the screen doesn't release immediately, do not exert excessive pressure: a slip could
damage either the focusing screen or mirror surface. Squeeze the handle of the pincette and very carefully sandwich the tab of the focusing screen between the two sections of the head.
Lift the screen out of the frame and place it in the container for protection.4www.butkus.org
To install the new focusing screen: Pick up the screen by the tab with the pincette as described above and place it on the focusing screen frame with the tab on the right hand side as shown. Push the frame back to its original position until it locks in place. |
IMPORTANT: Only handle the screen with the pincette and by the tab only. Never wipe screen surfaces with clothing or a cloth to avoid damage. Remove dust particles with a blower or camel's hair brush.
The LX system includes twelve focusing screens to provided focusing aids for a wide variety of general and specialized
applications.
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SC-21 The standard screen featuring a central split-image spot with a microprism collar on a matte field. SA-21 A highly versatile yet simple screen comprised of a central microprism grid on a matte field. SA-23 Similar to the SA-21 with sharper prism angles to aid focusing with high speed (f/1.2 --f/2.8) lenses. SA-26 A microprism screen with a matte field suited for telephotos longer than 300mm. A 4° prism angle permits use up to f/8. SB-21 Standard split-image focusing center spot on a matte field. SC-26 A split-image/microprism screen on a matte field for use with telephotos in excess of 300mm. A 4° prism angle permits use up to f/8. The split-image spot diameter is
25mm while the microprism collar is 5mm in diameter. SD-21 An all matte focusing screen with central cross hairs for use in photomicrography, astrophotography and photomacrography in dim light. |
SD-11 Similar to SD-21 but with no matte.4www.butkus.org
SE-20 An all-matte screen especially suited for focusing small aperture telephoto or macro lenses.
SE-25 An all-matte screen suitable for telephoto lenses longer than 300mm. For situations where the split-image and microprism are inadequate.
SG-20 Similar to the SE-20 but with etched crosslines in 6mm squares. Excellent for architectural subjects and multiple exposure composition.
Sl-20 Similar to SE-20 but with engraved scales for determining subject size with bellows and microscope photography.
WINDER/MOTOR/ DRIVE SYSTEM
With the Winder LX or Motor Drive LX, you'll always be ready to capture even the fastest action. Whether its sports, news or active
children at play, the automatic film transport capabilities provided by these accessories help you keep your eye on the action and the
shutter ready to fire. Even changing film is made simpler and faster through the built-in automatic rewind feature which rewinds a full
36 exposure film cassette in just seconds.
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Winder LX Powered by four 1.5-volt AA batteries, the Winder LX can record the action at speeds of up to 2 frames per second at the continuous ("C") setting or provide single frame exposures with automatic film advance at "S" while retaining full synchronization with all LX camera shutter speeds (except "B"). The compact, lightweight unit attaches quickly and easily to the camera's tripod socket and can be fired by the camera shutter release or the optional remote control unit. An LED flashes when the film stops automatically at the end of the cassette and the automatic rewind feature rewinds a full 36-exposure ssette in about 1 15 seconds.4www.butkus.org |
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Motor Drive LX
To meet the challenge of professional high speed sequential applications, the Motor Drive LX provides automatic film advance at speeds up to 5 frames per second in "High" or as slow as 0.5 frame per second in "Low." Other features include a single-frame setting, full synchronization with all camera shutter speeds (except "B"), an end of film LED and automatic film rewinding (36-exposures in 8 seconds). The Motor Drive LX mounts quickly to the base of the camera via the tripod socket. The shutter can be triggered by the camera shutter
release button, the release button on the Battery Grip M or by remote control via the optional remote control unit. An optional 250-exposure bulk film back is also available.
The Motor Drive LX provides a wide variety of power options including the Battery Grip M for penlight batteries, the Ni-Cad Battery Pack LX for rechargeable nickel cadmium cells or the Power Pack M for standard AC current.
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DATA RECORDING SYSTEM
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By taking advantage of the fully interchangeable back of your Pentax LX, the camera can quickly and easily be converted into a sophisticated data camera capable of recording valuable information directly on the finished photograph. This can be a valuable tool in scientific and biomedical photography, in architectural and industrial applications to record progress of a given project, in government and evidentiary photography, or simply for recording the growth of the family as years pass. |
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Dial Data LX
The Dial Data LX provides thee alpha-numeric wheels indexed in numbers from 0 to 36 and in letters from A to O. This accessory is particularly good for recording the year-month-day a photograph is taken as well as for recording exposure information such as shutter speed, aperture or frame number directly in the corner of the frame. The Dial Data LX is powered by three 1.5-volt Alkaline or Silver Oxide mini-batteiries and can be set for two ASA ranges for color film (ASA 25-50 and ASA 64-400) as well as for black & white films. A built-in battery check and confirmation LED are also provided.4www.butkus.org
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Watch Data LX The unique Watch Data LX allows you to record the face of a timepiece directly in the corner of your photograph to display the day of the month, hour, minute, and second the photograph is taken. The central portion of the watch itself provides a ground glass portion where additional information can be penciled. Three settings are provided for black & white film (ASA 100, 200 and 400) and one setting for color film (ASA 160). The Watch Data LX is powered by a single 6-volt Alkaline or Silver Oxide Battery and provides a built-in confirmation LED and battery check. |
Using the Film Blind
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When using the Watch Data LX, it is necessary to lower the special film blind to block out the corner of the film for recording purposes.
Before taking pictures with this back, open the camera and lower the blind by turning the small thumbwheel on the lower right hand
side of the shutter counter-clockwise. Remember to return the film blind to its normal position before resuming non-data photos.
MAKE
SURE YOU AVOID TOUCHING THE SHUTTER CURTAINS. Note: The film blind is used only for the Watch Data LX and need not be lowered when using the Dial Data accessory. |
PENTAX LENS LENS
SYSTEM
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The over 40 SMC Pentax Lenses which make up the Pentax Bayonet Lens System feature the latest in computer designs and represent the superb quality that has been associated with Pentax optics for over 60 years. The available selection runs all the way from 15mm ultra-wide-angle to 2000mm super telephoto and offers an assortment of special purpose lenses including eight zooms, plus fisheye, macro, bellows and shift lenses. All SMC Pentax Lenses feature exclusive Super-Multi-Coating to minimize flare while increasing light transmission and enhancing resolution, contrast and color balance. Superb Pentax quality control assures matched color balance throughout the lens system and the utmost in mechanical and optical reliability. |
* the photo below shows two kinds of optical groups, each made up of two glass elements cemented together. The group on the left has been Super-Multi-Coated; significant
reduction in the amount of reflection is readily apparent
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SUPER-MULTI-COATING (SMC)
SMC Pentax lenses evidence very low levels of flare, virtually no ghost images and offer excellent image reproduction and color rendition. The experienced pro can literally
take pie: tures directly into the setting sun with them and obtain exciting results.
The high quality of SMC Pentax lenses is the combined product of Pentax space-age optical engineering and SuperMulti-Coating, Asahi Optical's own unique 7-layer lens-coating process that eliminates both flare and ghost images, and transmits more light for vivid colors. Reflection ratio is a mere 0.2%, while reflection control is nearly flat against the whole range of visible light. These two factors result in improved performance in almost all lighting situations. |
* With Super-Multi-Coating, flare and ghosts and other unwanted reflections are almost totally eliminated; images are further sharpened by elimination of side-lighting. With
ordinary coating, flare is induced as direct sun rays trounce off of successive lens surfaces.
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Moreover, recently improved multi-coating
techniques entail the coating of most glass surfaces
within the lens, including some which were previously
cemented together, and others which were only
single-coated previously. The effects of
Super-Multi-Coating are particularly outstanding with zoom
lenses, which have a great many individual lens elements
and transmit less light than other lenses. Without any
coating a zoom lens transmits about 17.5% of the light.
With conventional coating, transmission increases to
66.3%, while with Super-Multi-Coating, transmission is
95.3% -- about 50% brighter than with conventional
coatings.4www.butkus.org
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Wide Angle Lenses
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Whether you're shooting a panoramic landscape, a party or the cover of an annual report, the Pentax SMC Lens System lets you select the focal length and features just right for your needs. From the incredible effects of the SMC Pentax 15mm f/3.5 to the classic wide angle view of the SMC Pentax-M 35mm f/2.8, over JO different focal lengths provide the versatility in angle of view, lens speed and styling required to capture the unusual world of wide angle images. |
Telephoto Lenses
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Fifteen focal lengths comprise the comprehensive Pentax SMC Telephoto lens group allowing the LX photographer to choose from portraits at 85mm, candids at 200mm, wildlife at 2000mm or just about anywhere in between. Designed to complement the lightweight, compact styling of the Pentax LX and all other Pentax compact 35mm SLR cameras, these superb telephoto and ultra telephoto lenses afford the photographer with the flexibility to meet al most any photographic challenge with complete confidence. |
Zoom Lenses
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The eleven lenses in this lens group are truly representative of the Pentax dedication to optical versatility and handling ease. Whether
you're an architectural photographer requiring the wide angle perspectives of the SMC Pentax-M 24-35mmf/3.5, a nature lover who
appreciates the power of the 135-600mm f/6.7 zoom or just an all-around photographer looking for the flexibility provided by the 40mm
f/2.8-80mm f/4 Close Focusing Zoom, there's a Pentax zoom that's ideal for you.
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Special Purpose Lenses
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When the unusual calls and the demands require a special kind of handling, the SMC Pentax system is there. Whether you're exploring the canyons etched in the face of a grain of sand with a bellows, capturing a life-size image of a chery blossom, or taking advantage of the unique perspectives of the 17mm fisheye lens or the perspective control provided by the 28mm shift lens, you can be confident that the images will be recorded with superb resolution, contrast and color balance. |
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 35mm full-frame single lens reflex camera, with IDM off-the-film plane aperture-preferred automatic or full manual exposure measurement, TTL integrated flash control with Pentax "T"-type flash unite.
Lens Mount: Pentax Bayonet Mount with fully automatic diaphragm coupling.
Standard LENS: SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2, SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.7, 50mm f/2, 40mm f/2.8.
Shutter: Electro-mechanical horizontally-run titanium focal plane shutter; manual speeds mechanically controlled from 1/2000th second to "X" (1/75th second) and electronically controlled from 1/60th second to 4 seconds; mechanical speeds and "B" operational without batteries; automatic exposures electronically controlled in stepless range from 1 /2000th second down to 125 seconds; shutter lock provided; shutter dial locks at "automatic" with push button release; built-in curtain blind for use with Watch Data LX.
Flash Control: TTL measurement of ambient and electronic flash lighting directly off film plane with "T"-type Pentax flash models providing auto flash synch at "X" and visible ready light/exposure check in viewfinder when flash reaches full charge; automatic flash synch and visible viewfinder ready light with other Pentax dedicated flash models.
Flash Synchronization: FP terminal and X terminal, plus contacts for TTL
integrated automatic flash control at camera front
FA-1 standard Finder features built-in X-synch hotshoe with TTL contacts
Sell-Timer/ Preview: Multi-Function Lever provides 4 to 10 second delay manually activated self-timer, depth of field preview and mirror-lock capability.
Exposure Measurement: Open aperture, center-weighted, through-the-lens light metering for both automatic and manual modes. Integrated Direct Metering (IDM) system measures light at the film plane via Silicon Photo Diode (SPD): high speed measurements for automatic operation are made off fixed pattern on front shutter curtain, slow speed measurements off curtain pattern and film automatic electronic flash/ambient light measurement with TTL "T"-type flash models. Manual exposure range from EV 1 to EV 19 (ASA 100, f/1.4); stepless automatic exposure range extends to EV -5.5 ~.EV 20 (125 second at f/1.2 to 1/2000th second at f/22 at ASA 100 under normal temperatures and humidity). Meter activated by light pressure on shutter release button or MD exposure check button; automatic shut off after 25 seconds. ASA film speed range: ASA 6 ~ 3200
Exposure Compensation: Up to +2 EV automatic exposure compensation in automatic mode by dial control; dial indexed at 1/4X, 1/2X, 1X, 2X and 4X with click stops at 1/3 EV positions; red flag appears in viewfinder to indicate dial is off "1X" normal exposure position; dial lock provided at "1 X" with push button release.
Viewfinder: Standard FA-1 Interchangeable Eye-Level Pentaxprism Finder features silver-coating and shows 98% vertical, 95% horizontal of picture area plus full data viewfinder display; built-in Copter correction by adjustment screw. Finder removable bv release lever.
Viewfinder Display: Tri-color display for TTL measured shutter speeds with green LEDs indicating hand-holdable speeds from 1 /2000th second to 1 /30th second, yellow L EDs as slow speed warn ing f rom 1/15th second to 4 seconds, and red LEDs to indicate overexposure or long time and X synch ready light with TTL and dedicated flash units; blue flag indicates automatic at "A" and manually selected shutter speeds; aperture visible in standard FA-1 finder model.
Focusing Screen: SC-21 standard with center split-image spot surrounded by microprism collar on ground glass field; fully interchangeable with 8 other focusing screen models through the lens mount.
Film Transport: Pentax Magic Needle Loading System. Single-stroke, rapid wind lever with 120° throw and 25° standoff angle; built-in shutter cocked indicator. Accepts Winder LX and Motor Drive LX for automatic film advance and automatic rewind capability.
Exposure Counter: Additive two-way exposure counter moves from loading indicator to "36" with color-coded indexes at "0", "20", "24" and "36"; operates in reverse to indicate precise film location for rewind or tracking of multiple exposures.
Film Rewind: Crank type: Film Rewind Button doubles as multiple exposure button to disengage film advance mechanism. Automatic rewind with Winder LX and Motor Drive LX.
Power Source: Two 1.5-volt alkaline or silver oxide mini-batteries power all electronic systems in both automatic and manual modes; 4www.butkus.org LED flickers in viewfinder to indicate low battery condition; mirror locks when batteries fail.
Mirror: Large back-swing type, instant-return mirror to virtually eliminate image cutoff with most lenses; lock provision.
Back Cover: Standard camera back with spring catch, built-in film memo holder. Back is fully interchangeable with Dial Data LX, Watch Data LX and LX Bulk Film Magazine.
Body Size: 144.5mm x 90.5mm x 50mm (5.7" x 3.6" x 1.9' ) with standard FA-1 Finder attached.
Weight: 570 grams (20 ounces) with standard FA-1 Finder and batteries.
Other Features: Optional hand grips, special gaskets to minimize entry of dust and moisture, rubber fittings at base for stability on flat surfaces, interchangeable strap fasteners, Tripod Spacer Ring for use with very compact or large diameter
lenses , neck strap with shoulder pad.
WARRANTY POLICY
All Pentax cameras purchased through authorized bona fide photographic distribution channels are guaranteed against defects of material or
workmanship for a period of twelve months from date of purchase. Service will be rendered and defective parts will be replaced without cost to
you within that period, provided the equipment has not been abused, altered, or operated contrary to instruction. Because the tolerances, quality,
and design compatibility of lenses other than Pentax lenses are beyond our control, damage caused by use of such lenses will not be covered by
this warranty policy. The manufacturer or its authorized representatives shall not be I iable for any repair or alterations except those made with its
written consent and shall not be liable for damages from delay or loss of use or from other indirect or consequential damages of any kind,
whether caused by defective material or workmanship or otherwise; and it is expressly agreed that the liability of the manufacturer or its
representatives under all guarantees or warranties, whether expressed or implied, is strictly limited to the replacement of parts as herein before
provided.
Procedure During 12-month Warranty Period
Any Pentax which proves defective during the 12month warranty period should be returned to the dealer from whom you purchased the
equipment or to the manufacturer. If there is no representative of the manufacturer in your country, send the equipment to the manufacturer, with
postage prepaid. In this case, it will take a considerable length of time before the equipment can be returned to you owing to the complicated
customs procedures required in Japan in importing and re-exporting photographic equipment. If the equipment is covered by warranty, repairs
will be made and parts replaced free of charge, and the equipment will be returned to you upon completion of servicing. If the equipment is not
covered by warranty, regular charges of the manufacturer or of its representatives will apply. Shipping charges are to be borne by the owner. If
your Pentax was purchased outside of the country where you wish to have serviced during the warranty period, regular handling and servicing
fees may be charged by the manufacturer's representatives in that country. Notwithstanding this, your Pentax returned to the manufacturer will
be serviced free of charge according to this procedure and warranty policy. In any case, however, shipping charges and customs clearance
fees are to be homed by the sender. To prove the date of your purchase when required, please keep the receipts or bills covering the purchase
of your equipment for at least a year. Before sending your equipment for servicing, please make sure that you are sending it to the
manufacturer's authorized representatives or their accredited repair shops, unless you are sending it directly to the manufacturer. Always obtain
a quotation of the service charge, and only after you accept the quoted service charge, instruct the service station to proceed with the servicing.
This warranty policy does not apply to Pentax products purchased in the U.S.A., U.K., or Canada. The local warranty policies available from Pentax distributors in those countries supersede this warranty policy.
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