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All that Glitters: The Asahi Pentax LX Gold

Posted by: Rachel Hulin Date: September 9, 2008 | 6 Comments

Another golden goose chase, this one in the form of a Pentax. Here’s the timeline, as gleaned from some online sources:

1981: Pentax had sold its ten-millionth LX SLR camera. To celebrate this fete, they created a limited “LX Gold” edition which was 18 carat gold plated and wrapped in brown leather lizard skin. It came in a wooden box with red lining and silk gloves for handling.
Only 300 pieces were made with 200 going to Japan and 100 for the
international market. But not all were sold, as some were given away for
photo contests and other PR stunts making it a super rare find.

UNTIL

2006: The LX Gold reappears! This time it’s recreated as the the “world’s first” completely dust-proof and
water-proof SLR case design, and marks Pentax’s 60th anniversary. Box again included. Gloves too.

Reader scavenger hunt:

Can anyone find one of these for sale?

6 Comments

Keith 9-9-2008

Not quite, but I did find this, which I’d have to say is pure gold in its own right.

nico 12-3-2008

please some one find this for sale. i will buy it. no doubt about it. pleaseeee

C Caldwell 6-23-2009

I came across this website by chance. nico if you’re still out there my mother owns one of these in mint condition (never been used) Any idea of what they are worth?

gold 11-4-2009

save your future by saving your wealth physically best choice is gold Thanks for the great reading, we buy gold in a recession. I will pass this on to our ira clients to read