Pentax MV

1979

Pentax MV camera front view
Pentax MV camera top view

The Pentax MV can be thought of as a stripped-down version of the original Pentax ME. Exposures are fully automatic. There is no allowance for manual settings other than “B” and the 1/100 flash-sync speed. There is no traditional shutter speed dial. The finder is also quite barren, lacking any shutter speed or aperture information. You can think of this camera as basically a point-and-shoot with interchangeable lenses. And the body came in black only.

Technicals Specifications:

Pentax MV viewfinder
Pentax MV viewfinder

Original List Price (1980): $119.00 (body only)
Price in 2020 Dollars: $427.72*
Manufacturer: Ashai Kogaku (Pentax)
Model: MV
Year Introduced: 1980
Film Format: 35mm SLR
Lens: Pentax K-Mount
Shutter: Metal, vertical-travel
Self-timer: No
Shutter Speeds: 1-1/1000
Shutter Release: on top
Built-in Meter: TTL
Film Speed/ASA Range: 25-1600
Flash Sync: 1/100
Film Advance: on top
Frame Counter: on top
Exposure Modes: Aperture-priority
Finder: 92% area
Focusing Screens: non-interchangeaable, split-image
Mirror: instant return
Battery: 2-SR44 (1.5v x 2)
Other points of note: Black body only, no provision for attaching motor drive or winder.

*Based on current information at
in2013dollars.com


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