For Sale: MZ-S with battery grip BG-10

[Nick Siebers]

Pentax MZ-S 35mm film body with BG-10 battery grip - $499
Shipping and insurance $12 in the United States

To many film bodies, not enough time. 1-2 rolls a year doesn't seem right for this lovely camera, I am sure someone else wants to use it as it was meant to be used. I got it used so I do not know its full history, but it is in great condition externally and internally. I believe all functions work although I haven't tested every single of the numerous settings, and it comes with almost all original accessories. It has the (great) strap (with pockets), hotshoe cover, rear window cap for long exposures, and the cover for the cable release socket. I do not have a cable release, sorry, and I do not have the two little caps that go on the bottom of the camera when the grip comes off. So, I have always kept the grip on, with no bad effects. The camera does run fine on CR2 or AA batteries, and both compartments are clean. Flash pops right up and fires away, and exposure is spot on with both the flash and without it. I only used the quartz date for my first roll of film ever, before I realized what it was and how to turn it off - it may need a new battery. I've taken some of my best film pictures ever with this body; maybe you can too!

International buyers are welcome but shipping will be more, and thus any returns may be problematic. I am always happy to refund full purchase price if you find anything to be other than as described. Please ask any questions, and thanks for looking!

Nick

ps lens not included, Pentax body cap is, and printed copy of manual and cheat sheet (not original)

pps the hotshoe cover shown is not the one on the camera now, which matches.

[Hannican]

What can this camera do that my MZ-3 isn't capable of? Sell me on it.

[Vertex Ninja]

I'll take the grip for $100 if it's still available! PM sent.

[Nick Siebers]

I've never had an MZ-3, but I hear it is a very nice camera. What can the MZ-S do that it can't? Higher top shutter speed, mirror lock-up, print exposure information onto the film outside the viewing area... these are a few things. Plus the handling is amazing, with a green button --> back to auto mode with one press, then can adjust to manual with changing any setting - not sure if other top line cameras share this hypermanual functioning.

Does all that make it worth the upgrade? That's up to you and how you shoot. For me, shooting film is all about messing around with old gear and trying out new (old) things. If I always needed the best results, I would be using this camera every time.

V.N. - I will let you know if someone buys body only.

[k100d]

To add, the build quality is also much superior without the fear of random plastic gear breakdowns in all the other MZ/ZX cameras.
The built-in grip on the body also makes it easier to hold (IMO) with heavier lenses.

[Vertex Ninja]

I'll second the comments above about the grip. The built in grip is well sculpted and even with my fairly large hands feels very comfortable. Ergonomics of this camera are top notch and I actually prefer them to my K10D. The only exception being that I wish they would have worked aperture control into the body(I like using the ring on the lens, but an option would have been nice).

[Nick Siebers]

There is some percolating interest, but nothing definite as yet. Let me know if you want it.

[Nick Siebers]

Well, after a check of ongoing eBay activity, price is up to $499 for the camera and grip. Still a bargain, still a great camera.

[Nick Siebers]

I did check out all 19 Pentax Functions, all except wireless flash support, and they all worked perfectly.

[Nick Siebers]

A little bump, still available.

[Nick Siebers]

Now available on eBay, statring at 99 cents!

Pentax MZ-S 35mm Camera with Battery grip BG-10 - nice! - eBay (item 180434458955 end time Nov-28-09 18:30:04 PST)