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cameranorm · 05-07-2021, 10:17 AM

Hi. This is my first post as a new member.

I recently acquired a Pentax zxD DSLR. An exhaustive web search turned up no evidence of the existence of this model. ?????

Looking at photos everywhere...Wikipedia, eBay, numerous websites, etc., I noticed it looked just like an *istD. Downloaded the *istD manual and confirmed their sameness.

Not wanting to give up without knowing what I have, IGoogle zxD again, and this time went through 8-10 pages of search results and LO AND BEHOLD, found a Korean Wikipedia page about the zxD/*istD. Thank goodness Wikipedia can translate Korean to English!

The zxD is an *istD renamed for the South Korean market because of trademark issues!

So now I am wondering how rare this zxD is and if it is a real collectible, valuable item.

I don't have an AF lens for it but it works beautifully with a Pentax-A manual focus lens. Borrowed an SMC FA 28-80 zoom and I'm amazed how quickly it snaps into focus.

Decision time.....do I spring for a DA 18-55 kit lens or even a DA 16-45 f/4, or sell the body. I like the camera so much I can't decide if I can bear to part with it.

How many of you have even heard of this camera?

stevebrot · 05-07-2021, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by cameranorm

How many of you have even heard of this camera?

Not I!

Steve

Lord Lucan · 05-07-2021, 11:03 AM - **3 Likes**

At least zxD is a more sensible name than *istD

**boriscleto** · 05-07-2021, 12:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Lord Lucan

At leasr zxD is a more sensible name than *istD

But the * is a wildcard...it can be anything!!!

AfterPentax Mark II · 05-07-2021, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by cameranorm

Hi. This is my first post as a new member.

I recently acquired a Pentax zxD DSLR. An exhaustive web search turned up no evidence of the existence of this model. ?????

Looking at photos everywhere...Wikipedia, eBay, numerous websites, etc., I noticed it looked just like an *istD. Downloaded the *istD manual and confirmed their sameness.

Not wanting to give up without knowing what I have, IGoogle zxD again, and this time went through 8-10 pages of search results and LO AND BEHOLD, found a Korean Wikipedia page about the zxD/*istD. Thank goodness Wikipedia can translate Korean to English!

The zxD is an *istD renamed for the South Korean market because of trademark issues!

So now I am wondering how rare this zxD is and if it is a real collectible, valuable item.

I don't have an AF lens for it but it works beautifully with a Pentax-A manual focus lens. Borrowed an SMC FA 28-80 zoom and I'm amazed how quickly it snaps into focus.

Decision time.....do I spring for a DA 18-55 kit lens or even a DA 16-45 f/4, or sell the body. I like the camera so much I can't decide if I can bear to part with it.

How many of you have even heard of this camera?

Buy a 16-45! On the *istD it was the (more expensive) kit lens.

**i_trax** · 05-07-2021, 01:45 PM

interesting...
no I never heard about it

Kunzite · 05-07-2021, 01:53 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Lord Lucan

At least zxD is a more sensible name than *istD

I'm sure it is a swear word in some language. Same for *istD, K20D and pretty much every Pentax camera ever.

**boriscleto** · 05-07-2021, 01:56 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kunzite

I'm sure it is a swear word in some language. Same for *istD, K20D and pretty much every Pentax camera ever.

Ask a French speaker about the Q...

**Apet-Sure** · 05-07-2021, 02:29 PM - **1 Like**

If you keep it, you may want to consider registering it in the serial number database for the istD:
Pentax *ist D Serial Numbers - Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com

In the description section you can explain your model number and the Korean connection. Good for future reference for other folks.

**i_trax** · 05-07-2021, 02:40 PM

http://asahipentax.co.kr/web/product/big/kooms76_1826.jpg

**aslyfox** · 05-07-2021, 03:16 PM

welcome to the forums

you will find friendly members and a lot of knowledge here

nice detective work

perhaps this chart might be of interest

Quote:

Pentax K-mount Lens Compatibility Chart
Copyright 2006-2020 Mosphotos.com. All rights reserved.

Pentax bayonet lenses labeled "SMC Pentax" are referred to as "K" lenses in the table below. Other Pentax bayonet lenses have the lens designation as a part of their name as in "SMC Pentax-FA".
Note that "star" lenses work like their "non-star" counterparts unless they are singled out in the table below. So for compatibility of a DA* lens which is not singled out, look under DA lenses, etc.
Exceptions:
FA and F "soft" lenses behave like M lenses in terms of metering.

The Pentax K-mount Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

shyrsio · 05-07-2021, 04:30 PM - **1 Like**

I'm telling you, in no one at pentaxforums has heard about it, isët sure is a collectible!

**DWS1** · 05-07-2021, 06:42 PM

Welcome to the forum. Interesting find. I have an *ist DL and the 18-55 is good, just make sure it's the ALii version or newer. The original AL version is not as good. However, the DA 16-45mm is much better. I have both.

**aslyfox** · 05-07-2021, 06:50 PM

Originally posted by Apet-Sure

If you keep it, you may want to consider registering it in the serial number database for the istD:
Pentax *ist D Serial Numbers - Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com

In the description section you can explain your model number and the Korean connection. Good for future reference for other folks.

I would urge the OP to do this

for the reasons stated

**i_trax** · 05-07-2021, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

I would urge the OP to do this

for the reasons stated

would you really??

05-07-2021, 10:17 AM	#1
cameranorm New Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 10	zxD mystery camera solved. Hi. This is my first post as a new member. I recently acquired a Pentax zxD DSLR. An exhaustive web search turned up no evidence of the existence of this model. ????? Looking at photos everywhere...Wikipedia, eBay, numerous websites, etc., I noticed it looked just like an istD. Downloaded the istD manual and confirmed their sameness. Not wanting to give up without knowing what I have, IGoogle zxD again, and this time went through 8-10 pages of search results and LO AND BEHOLD, found a Korean Wikipedia page about the zxD/istD. Thank goodness Wikipedia can translate Korean to English! The zxD is an istD renamed for the South Korean market because of trademark issues! So now I am wondering how rare this zxD is and if it is a real collectible, valuable item. I don't have an AF lens for it but it works beautifully with a Pentax-A manual focus lens. Borrowed an SMC FA 28-80 zoom and I'm amazed how quickly it snaps into focus. Decision time.....do I spring for a DA 18-55 kit lens or even a DA 16-45 f/4, or sell the body. I like the camera so much I can't decide if I can bear to part with it. How many of you have even heard of this camera?

05-07-2021, 11:03 AM - 3 Likes	#3
Lord Lucan Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: South Wales Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,980	At least zxD is a more sensible name than istD Last edited by Lord Lucan; 05-07-2021 at 01:00 PM. Reason: Tpyo*

05-07-2021, 02:40 PM	#10
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	asahipentax.co.kr http://asahipentax.co.kr/web/product/big/kooms76_1826.jpg

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05-07-2021, 10:56 AM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by cameranorm How many of you have even heard of this camera? Not I! Steve

05-07-2021, 12:17 PM - 1 Like	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by Lord Lucan At leasr zxD is a more sensible name than istD But the is a wildcard...it can be anything!!!

05-07-2021, 01:16 PM	#5
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,467	Originally posted by cameranorm Hi. This is my first post as a new member. I recently acquired a Pentax zxD DSLR. An exhaustive web search turned up no evidence of the existence of this model. ????? Looking at photos everywhere...Wikipedia, eBay, numerous websites, etc., I noticed it looked just like an istD. Downloaded the istD manual and confirmed their sameness. Not wanting to give up without knowing what I have, IGoogle zxD again, and this time went through 8-10 pages of search results and LO AND BEHOLD, found a Korean Wikipedia page about the zxD/istD. Thank goodness Wikipedia can translate Korean to English! The zxD is an istD renamed for the South Korean market because of trademark issues! So now I am wondering how rare this zxD is and if it is a real collectible, valuable item. I don't have an AF lens for it but it works beautifully with a Pentax-A manual focus lens. Borrowed an SMC FA 28-80 zoom and I'm amazed how quickly it snaps into focus. Decision time.....do I spring for a DA 18-55 kit lens or even a DA 16-45 f/4, or sell the body. I like the camera so much I can't decide if I can bear to part with it. How many of you have even heard of this camera? Buy a 16-45! On the *istD it was the (more expensive) kit lens.

05-07-2021, 01:45 PM	#6
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	interesting... no I never heard about it

05-07-2021, 01:53 PM - 1 Like	#7
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by Lord Lucan At least zxD is a more sensible name than istD I'm sure it is a swear word in some language. Same for istD, K20D and pretty much every Pentax camera ever.

05-07-2021, 01:56 PM - 1 Like	#8
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by Kunzite I'm sure it is a swear word in some language. Same for *istD, K20D and pretty much every Pentax camera ever. Ask a French speaker about the Q...

05-07-2021, 02:29 PM - 1 Like	#9
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,872	If you keep it, you may want to consider registering it in the serial number database for the istD: Pentax *ist D Serial Numbers - Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com In the description section you can explain your model number and the Korean connection. Good for future reference for other folks.

05-07-2021, 03:16 PM	#11
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	welcome to the forums you will find friendly members and a lot of knowledge here nice detective work perhaps this chart might be of interest Quote: Pentax K-mount Lens Compatibility Chart Copyright 2006-2020 Mosphotos.com. All rights reserved. Pentax bayonet lenses labeled "SMC Pentax" are referred to as "K" lenses in the table below. Other Pentax bayonet lenses have the lens designation as a part of their name as in "SMC Pentax-FA". Note that "star" lenses work like their "non-star" counterparts unless they are singled out in the table below. So for compatibility of a DA* lens which is not singled out, look under DA lenses, etc. Exceptions: FA and F "soft" lenses behave like M lenses in terms of metering. The Pentax K-mount Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

05-07-2021, 04:30 PM - 1 Like	#12
shyrsio Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Tirana Posts: 780	I'm telling you, in no one at pentaxforums has heard about it, isët sure is a collectible!

05-07-2021, 06:42 PM	#13
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	Welcome to the forum. Interesting find. I have an *ist DL and the 18-55 is good, just make sure it's the ALii version or newer. The original AL version is not as good. However, the DA 16-45mm is much better. I have both.

05-07-2021, 06:50 PM	#14
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by Apet-Sure If you keep it, you may want to consider registering it in the serial number database for the istD: Pentax *ist D Serial Numbers - Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com In the description section you can explain your model number and the Korean connection. Good for future reference for other folks. I would urge the OP to do this for the reasons stated

05-07-2021, 07:27 PM	#15
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Originally posted by aslyfox I would urge the OP to do this for the reasons stated would you really??

zxD mystery camera solved.

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!