Just bought an MZ-S!

donutman_2000 · 04-03-2011, 10:03 PM

Ever since sending in my K-r for repair (faulty e-dial) I've been going through camera withdrawal so I've been routinely browsing craigslist and ebay for used lenses to use when I get it back. Just by chance I found a used MZ-S at a local store for $270, pretty much mint condition with the BG-10 battery grip. Considering the prices these things go for on ebay I figured I couldn't pass this up, and they even took $40 off that price! Initially I was thinking of just selling it to get a tamron 17-50 f2.8, but after running half a roll through it and playing around with it I think I'll probably keep it. It just feels so damn nice! Not much experience shooting film, but it is getting me excited about trying it out more.

I just love how easy it is to change from Av, Tv and P modes and all the controls are so logically placed that I can make any changes without taking my eye off the viewfinder. I'm a little worried I'm not going to feel quite the same when I get my K-r back after handling this beauty. Anyone else have experience with the MZ-S?

noahpurdy · 04-04-2011, 08:53 AM

I'm jealous!

MetaD · 04-04-2011, 09:17 AM

That's a great price. I really like the MZ-S that I bought recently... mint, but at a higher price than you paid.

Handling, size, usage, are all wonderful. I love the quiet little hiss made by the shutter and motor when you trigger the shot. Data imprinting on the roll edge is very nice.

As you say, the MZ-S makes it very logical and easy to change exposure mode: Tv by moving dial; Av by moving lens aperture ring; Manual by moving both. Hit Green button to reset back to automatic exposure mode. That is a very similar design philosophy to the 645N, even if the buttons look different.

One useful feature is the ability Mid Roll Change" before the end of the roll. You have to set it up in menu setting [F12]:[3] "Leaves out the film leader and enables MRC frame advance". Write down the frame number on your film canister. When you reload: With the back open, press the "green button" (exposure mode) while turning the dial to set the frame number.

Macario · 04-04-2011, 11:46 AM

I have owned a MZ-S for almost 10 years, and until last december when I got my K-7 is was my favorite camera to go shooting. ANd ergonomically, I do prefere it above the K-7, and I even think the AF is a bit better. Even though I used it it mostly with M lenses. I will take it in june for a short trip to paris with 3 prime M lenses instead of the K-7. It is just a joy to use

Ratmagiclady · 04-04-2011, 05:52 PM

Sweet, congrats, Donutman. Those are something special.

donutman_2000 · 04-04-2011, 11:07 PM

Originally posted by MetaD

One useful feature is the ability Mid Roll Change" before the end of the roll. You have to set it up in menu setting [F12]:[3] "Leaves out the film leader and enables MRC frame advance". Write down the frame number on your film canister. When you reload: With the back open, press the "green button" (exposure mode) while turning the dial to set the frame number.

Yeah, I actually just used this the other day. I noticed some condensation in the battery grip release button after doing some test shots outside. I didn't know if it was safe to remove it mid-roll. It's a really nice feature! I think I've read through the whole manual already. Seems pretty simple, just the pentax function numbers are hard to remember.

Originally posted by Macario

I have owned a MZ-S for almost 10 years, and until last december when I got my K-7 is was my favorite camera to go shooting. ANd ergonomically, I do prefere it above the K-7, and I even think the AF is a bit better

The ergonomics are definitely superior to my K-r as well, and it just feels way more solidly built. Wish they made a battery grip for the K-r...

donutman_2000 · 04-04-2011, 11:14 PM

Also, the only lens I have right now that has full frame coverage is the Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro. Tried the DA 18-55 kit lens on it and it vignettes noticeably below 24 mm.

Macario, what primes are you using with the MZ-S? Looks like I'm gonna need to pick up some new lenses to do this camera justice.

Macario · 04-05-2011, 09:51 AM

mostly M 50 1.4 (95% of the photo's are taken with this lens on the MZ-S)
and I combine it from time to time with a M 20 F4 and M 135 F2.5

donutman_2000 · 04-06-2011, 09:13 AM

Thanks Macario. I just picked up an SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 for $35, so I'll play with that for a bit. It's got some pretty good reviews for a bargain lens. Still looking out for a 50 1.4 or 1.7.

04-03-2011, 10:03 PM	#1
donutman_2000 New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 23	Just bought an MZ-S! Ever since sending in my K-r for repair (faulty e-dial) I've been going through camera withdrawal so I've been routinely browsing craigslist and ebay for used lenses to use when I get it back. Just by chance I found a used MZ-S at a local store for $270, pretty much mint condition with the BG-10 battery grip. Considering the prices these things go for on ebay I figured I couldn't pass this up, and they even took $40 off that price! Initially I was thinking of just selling it to get a tamron 17-50 f2.8, but after running half a roll through it and playing around with it I think I'll probably keep it. It just feels so damn nice! Not much experience shooting film, but it is getting me excited about trying it out more. I just love how easy it is to change from Av, Tv and P modes and all the controls are so logically placed that I can make any changes without taking my eye off the viewfinder. I'm a little worried I'm not going to feel quite the same when I get my K-r back after handling this beauty. Anyone else have experience with the MZ-S?

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04-04-2011, 08:53 AM	#2
noahpurdy Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 479	I'm jealous!

04-04-2011, 09:17 AM	#3
MetaD Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 105	That's a great price. I really like the MZ-S that I bought recently... mint, but at a higher price than you paid. Handling, size, usage, are all wonderful. I love the quiet little hiss made by the shutter and motor when you trigger the shot. Data imprinting on the roll edge is very nice. As you say, the MZ-S makes it very logical and easy to change exposure mode: Tv by moving dial; Av by moving lens aperture ring; Manual by moving both. Hit Green button to reset back to automatic exposure mode. That is a very similar design philosophy to the 645N, even if the buttons look different. One useful feature is the ability Mid Roll Change" before the end of the roll. You have to set it up in menu setting [F12]:[3] "Leaves out the film leader and enables MRC frame advance". Write down the frame number on your film canister. When you reload: With the back open, press the "green button" (exposure mode) while turning the dial to set the frame number.

04-04-2011, 11:46 AM	#4
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	I have owned a MZ-S for almost 10 years, and until last december when I got my K-7 is was my favorite camera to go shooting. ANd ergonomically, I do prefere it above the K-7, and I even think the AF is a bit better. Even though I used it it mostly with M lenses. I will take it in june for a short trip to paris with 3 prime M lenses instead of the K-7. It is just a joy to use

04-04-2011, 05:52 PM	#5
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Sweet, congrats, Donutman. Those are something special.

04-04-2011, 11:07 PM	#6
donutman_2000 New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 23 Original Poster	Originally posted by MetaD One useful feature is the ability Mid Roll Change" before the end of the roll. You have to set it up in menu setting [F12]:[3] "Leaves out the film leader and enables MRC frame advance". Write down the frame number on your film canister. When you reload: With the back open, press the "green button" (exposure mode) while turning the dial to set the frame number. Yeah, I actually just used this the other day. I noticed some condensation in the battery grip release button after doing some test shots outside. I didn't know if it was safe to remove it mid-roll. It's a really nice feature! I think I've read through the whole manual already. Seems pretty simple, just the pentax function numbers are hard to remember. Originally posted by Macario I have owned a MZ-S for almost 10 years, and until last december when I got my K-7 is was my favorite camera to go shooting. ANd ergonomically, I do prefere it above the K-7, and I even think the AF is a bit better The ergonomics are definitely superior to my K-r as well, and it just feels way more solidly built. Wish they made a battery grip for the K-r...

04-04-2011, 11:14 PM	#7
donutman_2000 New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 23 Original Poster	Also, the only lens I have right now that has full frame coverage is the Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro. Tried the DA 18-55 kit lens on it and it vignettes noticeably below 24 mm. Macario, what primes are you using with the MZ-S? Looks like I'm gonna need to pick up some new lenses to do this camera justice.

04-05-2011, 09:51 AM	#8
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	mostly M 50 1.4 (95% of the photo's are taken with this lens on the MZ-S) and I combine it from time to time with a M 20 F4 and M 135 F2.5

04-06-2011, 09:13 AM	#9
donutman_2000 New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 23 Original Poster	Thanks Macario. I just picked up an SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 for $35, so I'll play with that for a bit. It's got some pretty good reviews for a bargain lens. Still looking out for a 50 1.4 or 1.7.