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jimfellows · 05-18-2021, 06:46 AM

I am looking at picking up an inexpensive PZ or Z series camera. Besides a dial selector vs a slide switch and the metal vs plastic lens mount, is there much of a difference between the PX 20 and the PZ 70?

Thanks,

Jim

**TwoUptons** · 05-18-2021, 07:04 AM

Without looking up the specs, the PZ-20 was considered a mid-range, enthusiast camera 25 years ago, while the PZ-70 was considered an entry-level model.

I really liked the PZ-20 I had. It was a nice machine.

Though here's the PZ-70: https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-z-70-pz-70.html
And the PZ-20: https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-z-20-pz-20.html

-Eric

pschlute · 05-18-2021, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by jimfellows

I am looking at picking up an inexpensive PZ or Z series camera. Besides a dial selector vs a slide switch and the metal vs plastic lens mount, is there much of a difference between the PZ 20 and the PZ 70?

Thanks,

Jim

Frames per second 2 versus 1.5 and a 0.80 versus 0.77 viewfinder magnification seem to be the only differences according to this site Z/PZ-Series Film Bodies | The K-Mount Page

I used a Z-1 in this era. Great camera.

jimfellows · 05-18-2021, 07:42 AM

I owned a Z-5 for a few years, I should have kept it after I went digital.

Jim

**UncleVanya** · 05-18-2021, 09:44 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by pschlute

Frames per second 2 versus 1.5 and a 0.80 versus 0.77 viewfinder magnification seem to be the only differences according to this site Z/PZ-Series Film Bodies | The K-Mount Page

I used a Z-1 in this era. Great camera.

I still have my pz-1. Love that camera.

pschlute · 05-18-2021, 10:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I still have my pz-1. Love that camera.

Yes. Twin scroll wheels; Hyper Manual; Hyper Program; Exposure lock in Manual.....all the things we love on our modern DSLRs all started with the Z-1/PZ-1 30 years ago.

**UncleVanya** · 05-18-2021, 10:53 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pschlute

Yes. Twin scroll wheels; Hyper Manual; Hyper Program; Exposure lock in Manual.....all the things we love on our modern DSLRs all started with the Z-1/PZ-1 30 years ago.

Somewhere I still have a laminated card included with the camera that listed the Pf codes - these days that would have all been much more verbose but it worked well for the time. I also liked the location of the lcd (behind the pop up flash on the pentaprism which required the alternate location for the flash hotshoe).

**jopenmx** · 05-18-2021, 12:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pschlute

Yes. Twin scroll wheels; Hyper Manual; Hyper Program; Exposure lock in Manual.....all the things we love on our modern DSLRs all started with the Z-1/PZ-1 30 years ago.

I full agree. Still have my Z-1p , of course in perfect order, and it was the great founder for all the new DSLr´s. Hyper manual, Hyper program, 4 fps., no problem at all with manual lenses, etc. The best of the best.

johnha · 05-18-2021, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by jopenmx

I full agree. Still have my Z-1p , of course in perfect order, and it was the great founder for all the new DSLr´s. Hyper manual, Hyper program, 4 fps., no problem at all with manual lenses, etc. The best of the best.

I agree, for perfection you need the Gripstrap FDp too but the body is still sublime without it. Only flaw is not bring able to use normal batteries, but at least the 2CR5s are a lot cheaper than £20 each like back in the day.

05-18-2021, 06:46 AM	#1
jimfellows Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 108	Pz-20 vs pz-70 I am looking at picking up an inexpensive PZ or Z series camera. Besides a dial selector vs a slide switch and the metal vs plastic lens mount, is there much of a difference between the PX 20 and the PZ 70? Thanks, Jim

05-18-2021, 07:04 AM	#2
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,227	Without looking up the specs, the PZ-20 was considered a mid-range, enthusiast camera 25 years ago, while the PZ-70 was considered an entry-level model. I really liked the PZ-20 I had. It was a nice machine. Though here's the PZ-70: https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-z-70-pz-70.html And the PZ-20: https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-z-20-pz-20.html -Eric Last edited by TwoUptons; 05-18-2021 at 07:07 AM. Reason: added links

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05-18-2021, 07:13 AM	#3
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,219	Originally posted by jimfellows I am looking at picking up an inexpensive PZ or Z series camera. Besides a dial selector vs a slide switch and the metal vs plastic lens mount, is there much of a difference between the PZ 20 and the PZ 70? Thanks, Jim Frames per second 2 versus 1.5 and a 0.80 versus 0.77 viewfinder magnification seem to be the only differences according to this site Z/PZ-Series Film Bodies \| The K-Mount Page I used a Z-1 in this era. Great camera.

05-18-2021, 07:42 AM	#4
jimfellows Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 108 Original Poster	I owned a Z-5 for a few years, I should have kept it after I went digital. Jim

05-18-2021, 09:44 AM - 2 Likes	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by pschlute Frames per second 2 versus 1.5 and a 0.80 versus 0.77 viewfinder magnification seem to be the only differences according to this site Z/PZ-Series Film Bodies \| The K-Mount Page I used a Z-1 in this era. Great camera. I still have my pz-1. Love that camera.

05-18-2021, 10:47 AM - 1 Like	#6
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,219	Originally posted by UncleVanya I still have my pz-1. Love that camera. Yes. Twin scroll wheels; Hyper Manual; Hyper Program; Exposure lock in Manual.....all the things we love on our modern DSLRs all started with the Z-1/PZ-1 30 years ago.

05-18-2021, 10:53 AM - 1 Like	#7
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by pschlute Yes. Twin scroll wheels; Hyper Manual; Hyper Program; Exposure lock in Manual.....all the things we love on our modern DSLRs all started with the Z-1/PZ-1 30 years ago. Somewhere I still have a laminated card included with the camera that listed the Pf codes - these days that would have all been much more verbose but it worked well for the time. I also liked the location of the lcd (behind the pop up flash on the pentaprism which required the alternate location for the flash hotshoe).

05-18-2021, 12:31 PM - 1 Like	#8
jopenmx Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: vigo Photos: Gallery Posts: 137	Originally posted by pschlute Yes. Twin scroll wheels; Hyper Manual; Hyper Program; Exposure lock in Manual.....all the things we love on our modern DSLRs all started with the Z-1/PZ-1 30 years ago. I full agree. Still have my Z-1p , of course in perfect order, and it was the great founder for all the new DSLr´s. Hyper manual, Hyper program, 4 fps., no problem at all with manual lenses, etc. The best of the best.

05-18-2021, 11:47 PM	#9
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	Originally posted by jopenmx I full agree. Still have my Z-1p , of course in perfect order, and it was the great founder for all the new DSLr´s. Hyper manual, Hyper program, 4 fps., no problem at all with manual lenses, etc. The best of the best. I agree, for perfection you need the Gripstrap FDp too but the body is still sublime without it. Only flaw is not bring able to use normal batteries, but at least the 2CR5s are a lot cheaper than £20 each like back in the day.

Pz-20 vs pz-70

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