| Author: | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 60 | | Review Date: January 23, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $35.00
| Rating: 4 |
| Pros: | fairly cheap | | Cons: | mirror motor gear | |
A decent camera except for the plastic gear. Bought 2 cameras from ebay that were working fine. Went through 2 rolls on each and the gear went out.
 | | | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2011 Posts: 13 | | Review Date: June 21, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $18.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Takes Great Pictures | | Cons: | | |
I recently bought two of these cameras on eBay as they were so cheap and I wanted to experiment with analogue photography without breaking the bank. I currently have one set up with the 40mm Xs pancake lens, it's so light, you'll hardly notice it carrying it around. I accidentally dropped one of them onto concrete and it was still working, don't be fooled by the cheap looking plastic body, It holds up well. Highly recommend getting them whilst they are still cheap, they are fun to use and great for street photography and traveling.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2013 Posts: 7 | | Review Date: January 18, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Lightweight, great usability. | | Cons: | Plastic feel, not as good as a k1000 in a fight. | |
For the money, you can’t beat this camera. This was never intended to be a premium product, but Pentax really got the feature balance spot on with this camera.
It’s almost ridiculously lightweight, and has the feel of a plastic toy camera. However, it does appear to be pretty robust, and matches something like a da35 f2.4 perfectly for balance. A seriously comfortable set-up with a compact prime of any kind. I find the penta-mirror viewfinder is actually reasonable. The handling generally is great, and feels much like a modern DSLR. Only lighter. You can’t underestimate what a bonus such light, easy handling is.
It’s feature set is pretty comprehensive. When I first got it, I would look at that simple plastic exterior while thinking I bet it can’t do this or that, only to discover that it can. Mostly.
Bear in mind it will only work with lenses with auto aperture capability: that’s A series onwards.
Handy flash, all the modes you need, DX override, Exposure compensation. The auto wind won’t win any races, but it a has no-fuss quality to it, really quick and easy to load film. The auto focus seems similarly workmanlike and reliable. It kinda looks pretty cool too, from a distance. Really, it gets the job done, well and without demanding your attention. Perfect. And remember, if you load it with Portra, put an fa77 on it, you have absolutely top drawer image quality too!
Seriously, if you just want a cheap, comprehensive camera to dabble in film without breaking the bank, you can’t do much better.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2011 Posts: 485
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 26, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | super cheap, get one that is working and it works well | | Cons: | cheap feeling body, I like winding my film :) | |
For what this is, it's a great camera. It was gifted to me as my first film SLR and I couldn't have been more pleased. It accepted my Pentax lenses and was simple to pick up and use while I was getting the ropes down for 35mm film photography.
If you can get one for cheap that you know is working, I'm not sure you can go wrong with this one. If you want a more manual experience and a more hefty body, go with an older all metal K1000 or even older Spotmatic  | | | | | | | Forum Member Registered: June, 2014 Posts: 58 | | Review Date: December 6, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $26.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | small, light, easy to use, can make multi-exposures | | Cons: | poor viewfinder | |
I wanted to shoot multiple exposures, and since I already had Pentax lenses, looked for a Pentax film SLR that has autofocus and multi-exposure capability. I was lucky to find an MZ-30 with battery grip at a local used camera store for $35 CAD.
The camera looks pretty clean with only one small scratch. Having the battery grip it can work on 4 AA batteries, and I don't have to waste money on special ones.
The camera is very light and easy to use with simple and logical controls. The autofocus is fast and accurate. There isn't much I can add. A film camera is basically a light tight box that, if working properly, doesn't affect image quality. It's all about film and lenses.
The test roll turned out pretty good, slightly overexposed by 0.5 - 1 stop which is no problem with negative films. I tested it with most of my lenses and here are the results:DA 35mm F2.4 works good, no problem
DA 50mm F1.8 works good, only extreme corners are unsharp
DA 35mm F2.8 Ltd. produces dark vignette in the corners
DA 70mm F2.4 Ltd. works good, left and right extreme edges are unsharp
The only drawback I can think of is the viewfinder. This is my first camera with a pentamirror viewfinder, and I don't like it much. It is about the same size as my K-S1's and is OK in good light but has some optical distortion which makes manual focus difficult. I have to rely on the AF and focus confirmation. Other than that it's a nice little camera I can recommend to anyone who wants to try film photography cheap and with modern conveniences.
 | | | | | Forum Member Registered: November, 2009 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 65 | | Review Date: October 27, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $8.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Easy to use, lightweight, comfortable | | Cons: | plastic | |
The price is an estimate. I bought this for $16 total, with a kit lens, so I'm just splitting the cost in half.
I was looking for an AF companion to my ZX-M, and am pleased so far with this camera. It's lightweight (just under a pound -- not as light as the M, which is like a feather, but very manageable to carry around). It also has a very nice, ergonomic feel. It fits 'just right' in my big hands. The grip is pronounced, but rounded and comfortable. The body is plastic, but it feels sturdy. The viewfinder is small. The bigger issue I have with it, though, is that it lacks a cowl, which forces me to use my hand to shield out light more often than not.
The controls are intuitive and well planned, and the AF is swift and accurate.
My camera came to me in pristine condition. Honestly, there's not a scratch or smudge on it. I think I really lucked out. It looks brand new. And so far, the shutter and everything else is working great.
At this price, you can't go wrong. Even if it's a dud that the seller won't take back, you're only out a few bucks. Given the excellent condition, I'd pay up to $30 for this body.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: November, 2007 Location: Gwynedd, Wales Posts: 89 | | Review Date: August 7, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $4.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Program, Tv, Av, M , the nice in-viewfinder info | | Cons: | Plastic mount, no lenses older than A, no DOF preview | |
You have to take into account what it provides and what its current price is. Mine was £3.00 .
As it happens, I have a A 50mm 1,7 lens which I got in 1984 with my first Pentax - an MEF. Which, of course, could not use the A setting. But, ironically, the aperture ring broke and it is now stuck on A.
So, for 3 quid plus the old lens I have a camera that does everything my beloved MEF did, plus built in flash, extra modes, memory lock, diopter adjustment. All of which are useful to me.
It also has a data back and AF which bother me less - as long as I have the focus advisory in the viewfinder I really don't mind twisting the focus ring.
I have never understood Pentax's policy on fitting their cameras with a DOF preview lever, so its no surprise there isn't one on this presumably entry level camera.
It may not be robust, but clearly the one I have has been around for a long time and is still working. In any case, if it breaks its cost me less than a beer.
So now, if I'm going to parties or something else that has a relatively high camera risk factor, I can take this little baby and keep my MEF and DSLR's safe.
Really, if you want a throwaway or a camera to keep in your car, it's hard to imagine any better value. Except possibly another one in the MZ/ZX series on which you prefer the ergonomics. They are pretty much all selling for peanuts now.
Update - still working! Just to mention that it has noticeably better autofocus than earlier cameras in this series.
Update 16/04/20 - it is STILL working. Unlike any of the other MZ/ZX series cameras I have owned, all of which have died. Maybe mine is late production? Rumour has it Pentax did try to address the gear problem late on.
Edit 09/08/22. Still working. I have acquired a battery pack FG for it which for me improves the handling while still keeping it a small compact package - it also works well with the AF360FGZ flash which i normally use with my digital.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2014 Location: London Posts: 21
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 25, 2015 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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This little & cheap camera, can be found for less than 30 pounds online, if you are lucky like me, you can find one in mind condition for almost 10 pounds.
What do you get?:
1) A full frame camera
2) Full Manual
3) FULLY COMPATIBLE with DA 50 1.4AL, DA 35 2.4, DA smc 70mm 2.4 (Limited and normal edition)
Yes it has a Black plastic Bayonet but for the use I'm going to do it wont be a problem, you can spend a bit more and get a better build body like the MZ5 or MZ5n (but you will only get AV mode (so the camera will choose the shutter speed x you) ( I also have one, I will upload the pictures taken with both MZ30 & MZ5 with my DA lenses)
 | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: July, 2012 Posts: 21,468 | | Review Date: May 17, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $40.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Rugged, lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand. A lot of fun to use. | | Cons: | Limited to the type and number of compatible lenses. | |
In just about 40 years in photography, I must admit this release from Pentax is a real enjoyable experience. Again, it is lightweight, rugged, easy to use with controls that are a snap to operate with clear icons all the way around.
However, my only complaint regarding this camera is the fact that the back door will open suddenly and without provocation. Trust me, this happened to me while my wife and I were out walking on the hottest and brightest day of the year. Of course, it happened when it was loaded with Kodak 800 Color Print Film. Fortunately, I caught it early and lost only a third of a frame.
I understand this has been a problem for other owners of this camera. Otherwise, the photos came out beautifully, colorful, crisp and with spot on exposure thanks to its impeccable metering system.
Thanks for reading,
Tony | | | | | Junior Member Registered: October, 2011 Location: Belton, SC Posts: 33 | | Review Date: June 16, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $5.95
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Lightweight, intuitive controls, DX film, bright viewfinder, grip available | | Cons: | plastic mount, CR2 batteries, slow max shutter speed(1/2000) | |
I haven't had this camera for long, but I already love it. In fact i'm still shooting the first roll of film I put in it. I love the control layout, though I do miss my wheels like on my K20D and Canon Rebel T2 (formerly my only AF film SLR) but that's just a small issue for me. The biggest problem I have is the shutter speed only reaches 1/2000sec, meaning I'll still be shooting my T2 in those really bright situations. Overall though this seems to be a great little camera, especially because it doesn't weigh down my camera bag.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: December, 2010 Location: Idaho Posts: 102 | | Review Date: September 7, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $25.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Small size, lightweight | | Cons: | | |
The ZX-30 is relatively small and lightweight, it's an easy walk-around camera. The controls are well laid out and easy to use even for someone with large hands. Even though I've since moved on to Pro level film bodies and digital slr's, I find it's small size and weight perfect for teaching photography to my children. At the prices it's currently going for on Ebay, I'd say it's a bargain for someone wanting to try a film slr on a budget.
| | | | | Moderator
Site Supporter Registered: June, 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Posts: 17,377 | | Review Date: May 24, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Compact, user friendly, Aperture control | | Cons: | smaller viewfinder than some | |
This body has aperture control which is the one feature directly missing from the MZ-3. However, it has a shutter speed of up to 1/2000 while not as fast as the MZ-3's speed of 1/4000, it is still respectable. The viewfinder is smaller than the MZ-3. This body would make a good companion to anyone with an MZ-3. The copy I got hold of has the data back like my MZ-3. This may be one of Pentax's "sleepers" among AF bodies.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: May, 2010 Location: Gold Coast, QLD Posts: 32 | | Review Date: October 10, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $1.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Easy to use, works suprisignly well with 3rd-part flash unuts | | Cons: | has "crippled" KAF mount, | |
| Pros | Easy to use, works suprisignly well with 3rd-part flash unuts | | Cons | has "crippled" KAF mount, | | Rating | 7 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 1v | | Years Owned | 7 months |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Great value 35mm
Nice build quality
Has multiple exposure
Front lever for adjusting shutter speed
Camera Review
The Pentax MZ-30 (ZX-30) is a nice and easy to use Pentax film SLR with a nice build quality.
What I like about it is its front mounted lever (that looks a bit like a digital camera's zoom lever) which is used for adjusting shutter speed-I find this to easier to use than a rotating dial
Autofocus on the MZ-30 seems to be quite quick.
This Pentax camera works best with Pentax's own flash units but I found the MZ-30 will work nicely with my Sunpak Auto 36FD flash.
One downside to this camera is that the aperture ring on most lenses have to be set to the "A" position otherwise the MZ-30 won't work properly-the shutter will not release (by comparison, the ZX-50 will with the aperture ring set to any position).
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