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05-02-2008, 03:57 PM   #1
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"Point & Shoot" SLR?

I'm looking for an Pentax AF film SLR for my wife, something that will give consistently good results.
But it must be easy to use - if it's complicated to operate I'm certain she will never use it.

The more classic control interface of the ZX-5/ZX-5n appeals to me,
but the Auto Picture Mode of the ZX-7/ZX-L might be better for her.

Any thoughts or other recommendations?

TIA.
Chris


Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 05-02-2008 at 04:19 PM.
05-03-2008, 09:55 PM   #2
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Funny you know,..I was 'sucked in' by that Post's Title.

I recently purchased a Canon (Booh,..Hiss!!,..lol), EOS 50 in Mint condition for $50.00AUS and along with the Placky 'Cheapo' f1.8 50mm (Which IS actually Damn Sharp).,..all to help a friend out 'Learning' and also Gave me access to some Nice 'L' series lenses!,..lol

But,..I have found that I have tended to use this Camera in Much the same way as Many here would use a more 'Natural' P&S type camera.
With the accessory Battery Holder/Grip, the Camera Handles Much better than Without it.

I would Really like a Proper f1.4 50mm as I think it would Improve the Focusing Speed and accuracy, but I Regularly use this camera without EVER looking through the Viewfinder,..It's On,..you just Aim and Go "Schlitzka' !!,..

Works for Me !!
05-03-2008, 10:15 PM   #3
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I have the ZX-7 . Nice light camera . Like a DS in film , with the "mode" option :-) . Cheap and easy to use !
05-04-2008, 01:42 AM   #4
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Thanks for your input.

I chose the ZX-7 after reading about the newbie-friendly Magic Lantern guide for the ZX-7/ZX-30 (author: Mike Stensvold).

The ZX-7 camera body, -F 35-70mm zoom, AA battery pack, fitted case, strap and instruction manual
(all EX condition) came to under $150 shipped from KEH; the guide book was $3.95 at Amazon.

Chris

05-05-2008, 06:10 AM   #5
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Bad news. My wife can't read the top LCD panel, and the
unfamiliar controls are just too complicated for her.

Though she has trouble seeing the controls on the camera,
she can still see through the viewfinder to focus and check exposure.

We will try a P3/P3n?P30/P30t, which will have familiar controls
(like her old K1000) and Program AE, which she can set-and-forget.
There are no LCDs or tiny buttons she need contend with.
I suppose I'll have to read the frame counter for her though.

And so the saga continues...

Chris
05-05-2008, 06:50 AM   #6
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QuoteQuote:
But it must be easy to use - if it's complicated to operate I'm certain she will never use it.
I really don't mean to be rude but if she doesn't really care to learn anything too complicated then why is she even interested in photography? why not just get an actual P&S? if it must be film then why not buy an IQ zoom. that seems to match the 'film P&S' aspect. a P&S and an SLR are just too different.
05-05-2008, 07:20 AM   #7
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My wife learned photography with a K1000 and used one for 30 years. Need I say more?
If she could read the shutter speed dial and aperture ring she'd continue to use a K1000.

I am no technophobe - I have been employed in electronics and I.T. for 20+ years.
Yet I too find AF film SLRs (as well as digital cameras, and most consumer electronic
products for that matter) unnecessarily complicated and downright unpleasant to use.

Chris


Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 05-05-2008 at 03:22 PM.
05-05-2008, 07:29 AM   #8
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you can see the shutter speed and aperture in the viewfinder of an MX, its just as simple as the K1000, but as we both know its not AF.
05-05-2008, 08:42 AM   #9
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Just a question - doesn't the ZX-7 have a 'green mode' as well as a couple of other modes on a twist button on top? For point n shoot mode, just put it in green mode and the camera will pick between closeup-mountains-portrait-whatever else they have.

On my ZX-10 that's how it works.

Or is the problem that in addition there should be a clearly readable aperture / speed display so you can use it in NON-p&s more, or influence the p&s mode?
05-05-2008, 09:32 AM   #10
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My wife can't read the mode dial or the LCD panel on the ZX-7.

She says Program AE should suffice; in fact she even likes the idea.
The P3n shutter speed dial is in the same place as on the K1000,
and can be operated by feel when she wants to be creative.

I know the P series are not favorites of Pentax aficionados.
I realize it's heresy, but she doesn't like the MX.

Besides, my vision is good and even I have trouble seeing
the tiny reflected aperture number in the finder.
And yes, my MX works perfectly - Eric Hendrickson CLA'ed it.

Chris

Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 05-05-2008 at 03:24 PM.
05-05-2008, 09:51 AM   #11
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My vote goes for the *ist and a DA40. As compact as your ever gonna get, lightweight, option of manual settings if you want them and cracking shots. Mine has never let me down yet.


Of course you could just go for an old Olympus TRIP 35. Just load her up and forget all about film speeds and apertures and shoot away. The old Trip has a realy sharp lens that will not show itself up. I use mine for those times when the SLR is not appropriate or to hand.

I had my Trip 35 given but they can be had for beer money on eBay and suchlike.
05-05-2008, 10:01 AM   #12
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FWIW I bought a refurbished IQ Zoom/Espio something-or-other too, just in case...

Chris

Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 05-05-2008 at 03:24 PM.
05-05-2008, 12:14 PM   #13
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Send the ZX-7 back and get the ZX-5. Controls are more like the K1000, you get Program mode (for full auto) along with aperture and shutter priority modes.
05-05-2008, 01:09 PM   #14
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My wife looked at the ZX-5n but that model was "future shock", too.
She claims she'll be able to use the P3n. Time will tell...

Chris
05-05-2008, 03:36 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChrisPlatt Quote
My wife looked at the ZX-5n but that model was "future shock", too.
She claims she'll be able to use the P3n. Time will tell...

Chris
Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought the emphasis was on getting an AF camera......

The P3 isn't a bad camera but the P3n gives the option of Program or aperture priority. The "P" series camera I didn't like was the P5/P50. I think the Chinon CP-5 was a much better camera with the same basic specs (and K mount) but gave the option of Program auto with any K-Mount lens.
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