[brofkand]

Hi All,

I just switched (back) to Pentax and I am looking for a good film body to supplement the K-5. I know that some film SLRs by Pentax required using the aperture ring of the lens to adjust the aperture, but obviously the 100 Macro WR doesn't have an aperture ring. So, can the MZ-S adjust the aperture on the camera? Will I lose functionality?

On the other side of the coin, if it isn't possible to control aperture on the camera body, is there another Pentax 35mm SLR that supports it and supports imprinting exposure information on the film rebate?

Thanks

[Adam]

With the D-FA WR macro you wouldn't be able to adjust the aperture, no. So you'd be limited to P and Tv mode.

If you want full control, get a PZ-1. Or, you could get the non-WR macro. Same optics, just different aperture blades

[brofkand]

You're right, the non-WR lens works great and is cheaper.

But I really like the idea of having WR on that lens. Plus, for some reason the MZ-S still routinely goes for over $300 on eBay and used sites.

The PZ-1 series seems like the better buy for what I need. Thanks for mentioning that camera.

Is the MZ-S the only body that imprints exposure data on the film? It seems like it's the only 35mm SLR that does it, regardless of brand.

[Ratmagiclady]

You're right, the non-WR lens works great and is cheaper.

But I really like the idea of having WR on that lens. Plus, for some reason the MZ-S still routinely goes for over $300 on eBay and used sites.

The PZ-1 series seems like the better buy for what I need. Thanks for mentioning that camera.

Is the MZ-S the only body that imprints exposure data on the film? It seems like it's the only 35mm SLR that does it, regardless of brand.

I believe I've heard that the available databack for the MZ-S that actually writes in the margins rather than on the image itself: I don't know about the PZ-1P's, but there almost assuredly is one.

The MZ-S rates the price, I would think, just such a gem, but there are purposes for which that PZ-1P would be more convenient.

[twitch]

Mz-s is gorgeous to look at and use, the pz-1 is IMHO fugly.

I'd get the mz-s and the non WR 100m macro.

[Jazz28]

I use my MZ-S all the time, I have the BG-10 attached too. And, yes, film data is printed between the sprocket holes.

[G and T]

I use my MZ-S all the time and I would definately go with the non WR 100 Macro. The camera is worth the price in my opinion and having to use lenses with aperture rings is a small price to pay to use such a great camera.

[Swift1]

You're right, the non-WR lens works great and is cheaper.

But I really like the idea of having WR on that lens. Plus, for some reason the MZ-S still routinely goes for over $300 on eBay and used sites.

The PZ-1 series seems like the better buy for what I need. Thanks for mentioning that camera.

Is the MZ-S the only body that imprints exposure data on the film? It seems like it's the only 35mm SLR that does it, regardless of brand.

Another option is the ZX-L/MZ-L. You would get Av with the WR macro and some other features that the MZ-S has like wireless TTL flash and mid roll rewinding with the leader left out. For the price of an MZ-S, you could buy 7 ZX-Ls
You do lose the bigger VF and the data imprinting, but having owned both, I wouldn't hesitate recommending the ZX-L.


There is a somewhat rare version of the Nikon N-80, the F-80s, that has a similar data imprinting feature. I think maybe the F6 as well.

[Macario]

You can use the 100WR with the MZ-S, just you need to use the shutterspeeds to get the right apperture (Av information you can see on the camera).
Another opstion is the Z-20 (PZ-20). CHeaper even than the Z-1, and a very good camera. After the MZ-S, it is my fav AF (film) camera.

[brofkand]

Another option is the ZX-L/MZ-L. You would get Av with the WR macro and some other features that the MZ-S has like wireless TTL flash and mid roll rewinding with the leader left out. For the price of an MZ-S, you could buy 7 ZX-Ls
You do lose the bigger VF and the data imprinting, but having owned both, I wouldn't hesitate recommending the ZX-L.


There is a somewhat rare version of the Nikon N-80, the F-80s, that has a similar data imprinting feature. I think maybe the F6 as well.

The F6 and F-80s imprint the data between frames. I've never seen it, but it would appear that would make cutting the frames apart even more difficult than it already is.

That's why I like the MZ-S' feature of imprinting on the rebate. Such a genius feature. Is the imprinting large enough to be seen without a loupe?

[twitch]

The F6 and F-80s imprint the data between frames. I've never seen it, but it would appear that would make cutting the frames apart even more difficult than it already is.

That's why I like the MZ-S' feature of imprinting on the rebate. Such a genius feature. Is the imprinting large enough to be seen without a loupe?

Barely, and I have good eyes. Most 35+ year olds would struggle without a loupe.

By the way, there are three settings for data imprint intensity, always set it to the lowest.

[Macario]

The F6 and F-80s imprint the data between frames. I've never seen it, but it would appear that would make cutting the frames apart even more difficult than it already is.

That's why I like the MZ-S' feature of imprinting on the rebate. Such a genius feature. Is the imprinting large enough to be seen without a loupe?

yes, you don't need a loupe to see it. That said, it does depend on film. With some it is easier to read than with others

[brofkand]

Is there a Pentax AF SLR that doesn't use IR to advance the film? I don't shoot with IR film often, but I'd like to know that I can without fogging my film.