Pentax MZ-6/MZ-L/ZX-L

MZ-6/MZ-L/ZX-L
Year introduced 2001	Mount KAF	Meter range 0 - 21 EV	Meter pattern m s
ISO range 6 - 6400	DX ISO range 25 - 5000	Exposure modes AutoPict, P, Av, Tv, M, B	Exposure compensation +/-3 EV
Exposure lock Yes	Shutter speeds (auto) 30 - 1/4000s	Shutter speeds (manual) 30 - 1/4000s	Shutter speeds (mechanical) None
Self timer Yes	Mirror lock-up No	Auto bracketing Yes	Multiple exposures Yes
Winder Built-in 2 fps	Built-in flash Yes, GN 11	TTL flash Yes	P-TTL flash Yes
Sync speed 1/125s	Flash exposure comp No	Autofocus Yes (3 points)	Autofocus sensitivity -1 - 18 EV
Power zoom No	Viewfinder 0.7x, 92%	Viewfinder type Pentamirror	Diopter correction Yes
Exchangeable screen No	Depth of field preview Yes	Image size 24 x 36 mm	Panorama format No
Battery 2 x CR2	Battery grip/pack Grip FG, 4x AA	Size (W x H x D) 135.5 x 92 x 63 mm	Weight 400 g
Comment Program modes: Green, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night scene. Extra flash functions: Wireless, High-Speed, Contrast control

[Ole]

This is a very capable camera with a control layout much like Pentax' DSLRs. It makes a good companion for shooters who started out with a DSLR. Old schoolers may prefer the MZ-5/5N,ZX-5/5N with their classic control layout.

The mount is a fully functional KAF mount so all exposure modes are retained also with K and M lenses.

The viewfinder is on the small side with just a magnification of 0.7x.

[Erik]

Small in size but packed with features, the MZ-6 is a joy to use. It has very nearly every feature most users will ever need, while being easy and simple enough that nothing ever gets in your way.

The body is plastic but feels sturdy and well made. It is very small and light, and fits well in the hand with the nice rubber grip. Coupled with a small lens such as a DA 40 or DA 70, it easily fits into a jacket pocket.

The MZ-6 is a very good fit for Pentax DSLR users wanting to try a Pentax film camera. The controls are similar, with many controls (AE-L, MF/AF, mode wheel) being in familiar places. Its "uncrippled" KAF2 mount means that unlike Pentax DSLR cameras and some later film bodies, it has mechanical aperture coupling with K and M series lenses while working perfectly with later autofocus lenses as well. The on-body aperture control means FA J and DA lenses will work great (assuming the image circle of the DA lens is large enough.)

Like the lens mount, the flash system is also very flexible, being compatible with both newer P-TTL Pentax flashes as well as the older TTL flashes that do not function well on newer DSLRs. There is a built-in flash. I have never used it, so cannot comment on its usefulness. It looks very similar to the one on my K100D Super.

The three-point autofocus is decisive and snappy in most situations. One cannot explicitely choose which AF point to use, although a "center point only" mode is available via a dedicated switch. Like Pentax DSLR bodies, it will want to use flash pulses to assist AF in very dark situations. With manual focus lenses, the "green diamond" will light up in the viewfinder and the camera will beep to indicate that the subject is in focus.

In conclusion, this is very likely one of the finest Pentax film AF bodies available. I would without hesitation recommend it to everyone interested in a compact but full featured allround camera. The only potential gotcha is the viewfinder, which could be larger, but is still okay and better than most Pentax DSLRs.


Pros:
+ All K-mount lenses 1975-2003 work 100% in all respects, some DA lenses too
+ Size
+ Handsome design, sturdy build
+ Handles very well, with dedicated controls for most functions
+ Focus confirmation with MF lenses
+ Quiet shutter/film winding sound
+ Backlit LCD display automatically lights up in the dark
+ Depth-of-field preview
+ AE lock
+ Useful, informative viewfinder display
+ Highest shutter speed 1/4000
+ Price (this is worth nearly nothing on the second hand market nowadays)

Cons:
- No mirror lockup
- Viewfinder smallish
- No explicit AF point selection

[k100d]

Hands-On Comparison MZ-5n vs MZ-L(6) vs MZ-S