The MZ-S, PZ-1p, and ZX-5n are generally considered the better AF 35mm offerings from Pentax. The MZ-3 is basically a 5n with a higher top shutter speed. The MZ-3 has usually been quite hard to find, but recently there have been quite a few available on Ebay from Japan.
The PZ-1p and MZ-S were Pentax's attempts at a pro level body. I've owned a MZ-S and a PZ-1 (slightly downgraded version of the PZ-1p), and they both have strengths and weaknesses.
My 2 favorite AF bodies so far have been the MZ-L (ZX-L/MZ-6), and the ZX-5n.
The MZ-L has some great features otherwise only available on the MZ-S, like being able to rewind the film with the leader left out. I think it also supports wireless flash with the AF-360. The MZ-L also works superbly with DA type lenses, as well as K and M type lenses.
The ZX-5n has a great classic, simple control layout, and also a very nice true pentaprism finder. I'm pretty sure that the 5n/5/3 cameras are the smallest AF SLRs that still have a true prism finder.
---------- Post added 07-17-2015 at 04:06 PM ----------
Originally posted by Swift1 The ZX-5n has a great classic, simple control layout, and also a very nice true pentaprism finder. I'm pretty sure that the 5n/5/3 cameras are the smallest AF SLRs that still have a true prism finder.
And it looks superb with the FA 43/1.9 Ltd.