hello from new Pentax user

lynnb · 12-20-2014, 12:48 AM

Hi,

I've just bought my first ever Pentax, an MZ-5 (KAF2) with a Sigma 35-80 4-5.6 DL-II. Just running my first roll of HP5+ through it now; it seems to be in excellent working order apart from the common problem of the flash spring not working (found the thread about this, will investigate), and missing viewfinder eyecup.

I normally shoot both film (35mm and MF) and digital (up to FF).

Can anyone please advise which currently available eyecups will fit the MZ-5?

I'm also interested in any advice and recommendations about quality Pentax primes, particularly those best suited to portraiture and street. I'll be buying second hand - I just would appreciate an idea of what to keep an eye out for. I mostly shoot between 24-135mm focal lengths. So far I've heard good things about the 30/2.8 (for its bokeh, lower contrast and colour) and the 50s (1.7, 1.2). I don't mind if they're manual focus. All suggestions welcome!

Compared to my other AF 35mm film SLR cameras (F80, EOS300) the MZ-5 is a nice, compact little user with good ergonomics.

kind regards,
Lynn
Sydney

**PJ1** · 12-20-2014, 02:10 AM

Welcome to the Forums. Check out the lens database. You can get some great lenses for very little $. The Pentax SMC M50/1.7 is very good (I have one myself). But just about any Pentax 50 will do what you want. For wider angle, the K35/3.5 is very sharp. Or you can go to the M42 (screw mount) lenses - Takumars and others such as old Zeiss lenses. For a longer focal length, the Pentax 135/3.5 won't break the bank and has a good reputation. But take a look at a Zeiss 135/3.5 (particularly the zebra version) if you get the chance. And have fun! (I have an MZ-5n which I haven't used for years. It has the battery grip and 28-80 lens. But I don't get the opportunity to play with film these days.)

lynnb · 12-20-2014, 03:45 AM

thanks - I'll check out the database. I guess my favourite portrait focal length is in the 70-100mm range, so I'll see what's there.

Meanwhile I've designed a custom eyecup that should have the additional benefit of making my camera unattractive to thieves:

by lynnb on Flickr

I couldn't resist the MZ-5 when I saw it - I've been wanting to play with Pentax glass for some time.

Cheers,
Lynn

**beachgardener** · 12-20-2014, 03:53 AM

G'day mate and welcome to the forum

Docrwm · 12-20-2014, 04:15 AM

Welcome aboard!

JayBee451 · 12-20-2014, 04:23 AM

G'day Lynn, great that you could join us.

**Kerrowdown** · 12-21-2014, 04:35 AM

Originally posted by lynnb

recommendations about quality Pentax primes

Welcome to the forum, there's a lot of useful information here on the forum that may help you decide.

Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

lynnb · 12-21-2014, 11:34 PM

thanks for the warm welcome! I've now found a Pentax-M 50/1.7, I'm very happy with its compact size and smooth focus throw.

by lynnb on Flickr

Now to keep an eye out for a wide and a telephoto.

aaroncgi · 12-22-2014, 11:12 AM

Welcome to the forum! Nice looking camera you have there.

12-20-2014, 12:48 AM	#1
lynnb New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 10	hello from new Pentax user Hi, I've just bought my first ever Pentax, an MZ-5 (KAF2) with a Sigma 35-80 4-5.6 DL-II. Just running my first roll of HP5+ through it now; it seems to be in excellent working order apart from the common problem of the flash spring not working (found the thread about this, will investigate), and missing viewfinder eyecup. I normally shoot both film (35mm and MF) and digital (up to FF). Can anyone please advise which currently available eyecups will fit the MZ-5? I'm also interested in any advice and recommendations about quality Pentax primes, particularly those best suited to portraiture and street. I'll be buying second hand - I just would appreciate an idea of what to keep an eye out for. I mostly shoot between 24-135mm focal lengths. So far I've heard good things about the 30/2.8 (for its bokeh, lower contrast and colour) and the 50s (1.7, 1.2). I don't mind if they're manual focus. All suggestions welcome! Compared to my other AF 35mm film SLR cameras (F80, EOS300) the MZ-5 is a nice, compact little user with good ergonomics. kind regards, Lynn Sydney

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12-20-2014, 02:10 AM	#2
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,486	Welcome to the Forums. Check out the lens database. You can get some great lenses for very little $. The Pentax SMC M50/1.7 is very good (I have one myself). But just about any Pentax 50 will do what you want. For wider angle, the K35/3.5 is very sharp. Or you can go to the M42 (screw mount) lenses - Takumars and others such as old Zeiss lenses. For a longer focal length, the Pentax 135/3.5 won't break the bank and has a good reputation. But take a look at a Zeiss 135/3.5 (particularly the zebra version) if you get the chance. And have fun! (I have an MZ-5n which I haven't used for years. It has the battery grip and 28-80 lens. But I don't get the opportunity to play with film these days.)

12-20-2014, 03:45 AM	#3
lynnb New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 10 Original Poster	thanks - I'll check out the database. I guess my favourite portrait focal length is in the 70-100mm range, so I'll see what's there. Meanwhile I've designed a custom eyecup that should have the additional benefit of making my camera unattractive to thieves: by lynnb on Flickr I couldn't resist the MZ-5 when I saw it - I've been wanting to play with Pentax glass for some time. Cheers, Lynn

12-20-2014, 03:53 AM	#4
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	G'day mate and welcome to the forum

12-20-2014, 04:15 AM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Welcome aboard!

12-20-2014, 04:23 AM	#6
JayBee451 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 379	G'day Lynn, great that you could join us.

12-21-2014, 04:35 AM	#7
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,835	Originally posted by lynnb recommendations about quality Pentax primes Welcome to the forum, there's a lot of useful information here on the forum that may help you decide. Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

12-21-2014, 11:34 PM	#8
lynnb New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 10 Original Poster	thanks for the warm welcome! I've now found a Pentax-M 50/1.7, I'm very happy with its compact size and smooth focus throw. by lynnb on Flickr Now to keep an eye out for a wide and a telephoto.

12-22-2014, 11:12 AM	#9
aaroncgi New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 20	Welcome to the forum! Nice looking camera you have there.