What would be the best SLR with my Fa lenses?

*NorthPentax* · 08-18-2008, 01:44 PM

Hi, this is my first thread here on pentax forums.

I have dSLR's and some FA lenses and was thinking about buying an old fasion SLR and use my FA 28/2.8, 35/2.0 and 50/1.4 lenses.

What would be the best choice for me?

The idea is to shoot in B/W and perhaps learn how to develope the pictures myself.

Thanks.

Boucicaut · 08-18-2008, 02:20 PM

Hi and welcome to the boards!

I recently bought a Pentax LX and have used it with FA 50/1.4 and FA 28/2.8. Got the first BW roll back from development and it looks like a good match! Focusing these lenses manually is not optimal of course, because the focusing ring is not wide.

BTW I also intend to do my own developing and a dark room is in the plans for the winter! Already have two enlargers acquired and waiting.

Best regards,
Boucicaut

*Nesster* · 08-18-2008, 03:18 PM

I have a ZX-10 but the ZX-5 is 'better' in that it has more features etc. These are auto focus. There of course are other good AF bodies - the main difference between any series' 'top' model and lesser ones is that with the top models you can set aperture in camera. That could be important if you want to use lenses without aperture rings.

I also use a Program Plus, but the Super A / Super Program is 'better' in the same sense as above. With this series of bodies you can use the 'a' setting and have program exposure.

The ME/ME Super has a lot of fans here - they have the biggest viewfinders, and you can do aperture priority metering.

The fully manual cameras (KX, MX etc) will also work, as traditional match needle workflow.

So it is really up to you how much automation you want to retain, and then within that level Pentax has at least a couple of excellent cameras. You really can't go too wrong.

Lowell Goudge · 08-18-2008, 04:11 PM

I guess you can tell what I will suggest.

A PZ-1 is a great camera for all lenses.

It has a fully functional PAF2 mount, so it can meter correctly with K mount lenses, and can also function with FA-J lensesthat don't have an apature ring.

With a 1/8000 shutter, and 1/250 flash sync, it has the fastest pentax shuter ever, and is a big rugged camera

*felix68* · 08-18-2008, 05:55 PM

The PZ-1P is my $0.02. Not only is it autofocus, but it has a faster frame rate than any other Pentax, including the current digital models. Mine clocked at 4.5 FPS! It also uses the same two wheel apeture and shutter speed interface that the K10D, K200D and K20D use. It is really a great camera. You won't be dissapointed. The LX is an amazing camera but the lack of autofocus leaves your FA lenses a bit of a challenge to use.

Wheatfield · 08-18-2008, 06:10 PM

LX.
There is no other choice.

welshwizard645 · 08-19-2008, 02:38 AM

Errr yes, there is.....

Great the LX is, the lenses quoted are AF with a very narrow focus grip.....so I'd recommend an AF camera...

Big fan that I am of the Z-1/Z-1p (I have both, as well as an MZ-S)

I'd recommend the MZ-5n or MZ-3

And you could use your DA 70

*J.Scott* · 08-19-2008, 04:36 AM

I'd recommend the MZ-5N. A feature loaded, compact AF camera. Battery packs are cheap and easy to find and allow you to use simple AA batteries for some economical shooting.

Their controls are intuitive and easy to learn and the AF system is a welcome improvement over that of the older Z-/PZ-series cameras. DOF-preview works in all operating modes.

MZ-5N

*NorthPentax* · 08-19-2008, 01:50 PM

Thanks for your quick answers.

I found these on ebay:

MZ-50 current bid at 22USD

MZ-10 78USD

ZX-7 ?USD

MZ-7 78USD

MZ-30 44USD

PZ-10 35USD

ZX-10 40USD

ZX-5 65USD

Are there some of these SLR's you don't recommend?

At the Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page it says "crippled" KAF mount about the MZ-50, what does that mean?

*J.Scott* · 08-19-2008, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by NorthPentax

At the Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page it says "crippled" KAF mount about the MZ-50, what does that mean?

I means that this camera can only correctly use lenses that have an 'A' setting on the aperture ring.

*NorthPentax* · 08-19-2008, 02:44 PM

Thanks, J.Scott.

I think I will buy one of the cheaper SLR's. Will expand my collection later.

What do you think is best, the PZ-10 or the ZX-10?

*Nesster* · 08-19-2008, 03:44 PM

I don't think you'll go wrong with either of the 10's. I really like my ZX-10, but had the PZ-10 been in the auction 10 years ago... I'd have that and like it too. A quick look at the mechanical specs and they seem very similar. The ZX is younger so may have that going for it... and it really does (nearly) everything I want it to. The PZ may have some exposure modes that are better perhaps. They both are very light!!

I'd recommend: which ever one came up in the right condition with the right price.

The usual kit zoom that comes with them is pretty crappy.

*ryno* · 08-19-2008, 03:49 PM

I vote spend a little more and get the ZX-5N/MZ-5N.

The PZ-10 was made in the early 90's and replaced by the ZX-10 for the late 90's.
Z-10 / PZ-10
MZ-10 / ZX-10
MZ-5n / ZX-5n

Lowell Goudge · 08-19-2008, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by J.Scott

I means that this camera can only correctly use lenses that have an 'A' setting on the aperture ring.

Actually it measn that there is no mechanical coupling to read the apature setting of K mount lenses. But the default is that it can only use KA mount or later lenses effectively

jgredline · 08-19-2008, 05:10 PM

Well, I will go against the grain and suggest a K1000 or ME super...I love these two models and bring great joy to me. Not to mention they have taught me allot...Here is is my family..