film body recommendation - EVERY lens OK

*architorture* · 08-26-2008, 02:16 AM

i searched in the forum for an answer, but didn't get a full one.

i want a film body that will let me control aperture of fa-j or da lenses from the body, but still work with every other older lens as the lenses were meant to function (or as they do on my k10d - i don't need open aperture metering, though it would be nice).

i know the pz-1/pz-1p is the usual recommendation since it functions much like the k10d, and the mz-5n/zx-5n is the other common suggestion (except it won't work right with fa-j/da type lenses).

however, i don't like the way the pz-1/pz-1p looks

it's too ugly, but more importantly too big and bulky - it's just like my k10d, except super fugly. i want a more compact body that functions right with every lens i could find. is this possible? any mz/zx series? please don't say p-series, those are fugly too

i have a k1000, it is fine, i just can't control the aperture on my da lens. i don't need auto settings.

any ideas?

Wheatfield · 08-26-2008, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by architorture

i searched in the forum for an answer, but didn't get a full one.

i want a film body that will let me control aperture of fa-j or da lenses from the body, but still work with every other older lens as the lenses were meant to function (or as they do on my k10d - i don't need open aperture metering, though it would be nice).

i know the pz-1/pz-1p is the usual recommendation since it functions much like the k10d, and the mz-5n/zx-5n is the other common suggestion (except it won't work right with fa-j/da type lenses).

however, i don't like the way the pz-1/pz-1p looks it's too ugly, but more importantly too big and bulky - it's just like my k10d, except super fugly. i want a more compact body that functions right with every lens i could find. is this possible? any mz/zx series? please don't say p-series, those are fugly too

i have a k1000, it is fine, i just can't control the aperture on my da lens. i don't need auto settings.

any ideas?

Considering that the image circle on the DA lenses generally won't cover the 35mm format, and while the FA-J lenses will, their corner sharpness is pretty poor, I'm wondering why you want this.
Don't answer.

Anyway, you need a camera that will control the aperture with on body controls. I think this limits you to a few of the PZ bodies.
Sorry.

However, any camera that offers either shutter preferred auto or programmed exposure control will allow you to use these lenses with correct operation in those two modes.
Think of the DA lenses as lenses that they put into A mode at the factory, and then took off the aperture ring.
A Super Program will work, you just won't have manual exposure control (but you can bias the automatic exposure with the ISO dial).

filmamigo · 08-26-2008, 02:38 PM

Aha!! That's exactly the question I was asking over the last year.

Why, you might ask? (Actually, the previous poster did ask but retracted...)

Because of the amazing FAJ 18-35, which offers sharp, contrasty, beautiful 18mm full frame images at an unbeatable price.

My answer to the OP -- the Pentax MZ-7. I am VERY pleased with this camera. It is really the film equivalent of my *ist DL. It has on-body aperture control.

One other advantage, the MZ-7 also has good TTL flash support, so my AF220T is a perfect match.

jgredline · 08-26-2008, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by architorture

however, i don't like the way the pz-1/pz-1p looks it's too ugly,

this is exactly why I have not bought one of these.

*felix68* · 08-26-2008, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by jgredline

this is exactly why I have not bought one of these.

That's a shame because I think it is the best film body, all around, that Pentax produced. Sure, it looks kind of fugly but it fits my hand perfectly and performs superbly.
I think that filmamigo has it right. If the PZ series is too ugly to shoot, the MZ-7 would fit the bill. Nice body without the speed or some of the features of the PZ.

jgredline · 08-26-2008, 09:50 PM

The MZ-7 does look pretty good. I may have to go on a hunt for one.

*architorture* · 08-26-2008, 10:02 PM

would the zx-6 work similarly? it seems slightly higher-speced in appealing ways.

also, if you know more that would work, even though you don't think there the best, please let me know. however, i don't want the "crippled" mount ones that won't function acceptably with manual lenses.

*architorture* · 08-26-2008, 10:39 PM

hm, i've discovered that the zx-7 and zx-6 are pentamirror viewfinders, not pentaprism. d'oh! anybody know how bad is it? i know its obviously bigger than my dslr, but compared to the k1000 i have, or lx and super program i'm also thinking about, that's a let down.

*Nesster* · 08-27-2008, 04:24 AM

The K100D and K200D have pentamirrors as well.

Saves cost and weight.

Yes, you lose a little something compared to the true pentaprism. But it's not like trying to see through a brick

My ZX-10 is smaller and lighter than my K100D, by quite a bit. Oh wait... I have a pic here somewhere...

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

K100D on the right, then ZX-10, then Program Plus.

Lowell Goudge · 08-27-2008, 04:44 AM

If you want a body that can control everything, it does not exist. Lenses that come out in the future with HSM only will only owrk on K10D, K100Super and later bodies, BUT for every other lens, including power zoom lenses, and FA-J lenses, your best bet is a PZ-1 or PZ-1p.

This is quite possibly the best , most versitile film body pentax ever made, and if you have an *istD, K10D oer K20D you will feel right at home with the dual thumb wheels.

The PZ-1 also has a few benefits, such as 1/8000 shutter and 1/250 sync speed.

Only problem with these cameras is the lack if instant image review found on the DSLRs. The controls are so close to my DSLRs that I keep looking at the back of mine for the image to appear after I shoot

*Mike Cash* · 08-27-2008, 05:54 AM

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

Only problem with these cameras is the lack if instant image review found on the DSLRs. The controls are so close to my DSLRs that I keep looking at the back of mine for the image to appear after I shoot

After shooting with film bodies for a while when I switch back to digital for a while my right thumb whiffs the air where the film advance lever should be.....

You know, I sometimes wish they'd make a USB accessory for computers that emulates the old carriage return lever on manual typewriters.

KungPOW · 08-27-2008, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Cash

After shooting with film bodies for a while when I switch back to digital for a while my right thumb whiffs the air where the film advance lever should be.....

Yeah...

I NEVER do that....

(looks at shoes)...

woof · 08-27-2008, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

... most versitile film body pentax ever made, and if you have an *istD, K10D oer K20D you will feel right at home with the dual thumb wheels.

I've recently shot with a K100D and finally realized what everyone is missing with a single control. Placing the camera in Hyper Program and being able to toggle back and forth between AV and TV based on which wheel you are spinning is simply awesome. It's nice to be able to control the aperture in this manner. Or the shutter speed. But to control both at the same time simply by toggling fore and aft... brilliant.

I understand the PZ-1 ugly argument. I felt the same way. Then I used one.

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

The controls are so close to my DSLRs that I keep looking at the back of mine for the image to appear after I shoot

I do this...

Originally Posted by Mike Cash

when I switch back to digital for a while my right thumb whiffs the air ....

I kind of do this too... heh.

woof!

WJW · 08-27-2008, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Cash

After shooting with film bodies for a while when I switch back to digital for a while my right thumb whiffs the air where the film advance lever should be.....

Never have that problem as all my 35mm have motors. All my manual advance cameras have cranks or knobs to advance the film, some more than one....

*Nesster* · 08-28-2008, 04:52 AM

Originally Posted by WJW

Never have that problem as all my 35mm have motors. All my manual advance cameras have cranks or knobs to advance the film, some more than one....

Yeah, I have that problem too... you just can't hire any good help these days, they all turn out cranks or knobs... but it's good if you manage to get more than one for a camera, so if one gets too cranky you can always order the other one to do it.