Which AF SLR to buy

**UncleVanya** · 02-28-2018, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by ryanM

Really? I always thought the camera had the buttons layed out exactly how I want them and switching between aperture and shutter speed via the rotating knobs right under your fingers/thumb is great.

For a while in my shooting I switched over to Nikon using some of their lower end digital models like the D50 ect, hated it, and always felt that Pentax had it nailed with the Pz-1p.

LOL... whoops. That's not what I am talking about. That aspect is very easy to use. I'm talking about the 18 or so PF functions that control things less often changed. Things like how the rewind works etc.

The PF functions are numbered but not labeled in language text. The settings are also simply numeric.

Swift1 · 02-28-2018, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

LOL... whoops. That's not what I am talking about. That aspect is very easy to use. I'm talking about the 18 or so PF functions that control things less often changed. Things like how the rewind works etc.

The PF functions are numbered but not labeled in language text. The settings are also simply numeric.

Most of the PF functions you can set once and then forget. After getting my Z-1p, I went through and set the ones I wanted to use, and then left it.
For the most part, the PZ-1/Z-1 and Z-1p/PZ-1p are very easy and intuitive to use.
Ergonomically, I very much prefer the Z-1p to the MZ-S.

**UncleVanya** · 03-01-2018, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by Swift1

Most of the PF functions you can set once and then forget. After getting my Z-1p, I went through and set the ones I wanted to use, and then left it.
For the most part, the PZ-1/Z-1 and Z-1p/PZ-1p are very easy and intuitive to use.
Ergonomically, I very much prefer the Z-1p to the MZ-S.

Ironically I carried my plastic pf reference card everywhere. I changed something at least daily but I can't remember which setting it was that made this needed.

yucafrita · 03-01-2018, 11:04 PM

I mostly set the Pentax functions once and its done. Manual override of DX Iso is often used, though.

I tried the Z-1P once and I see it's advantages as the most complete AF body but I wasnt entirely pleased by its feel and weight. Maybe my hands are to small but I like the MZ-S with battery grip attached more. Yes, the MZ-S has its drawbacks, eg max shutter 1/6000th & lacking the possibility of adjusting the aperture via wheel. However, ergonomically and handling-wise, it's almost in DSLR territory.

I just wanted to throw in the Z-20. It is considerably lighter than the Z-1 and has almost all the same functions, although may speed is 1/4000th (in fact, enough for me), lacking C-AF, DOF preview and having only one wheelie, which can control AV, though. It is smaller than the Z-1, so it fits my hands better. And you can get it for a fiver.

Hyperfocal · 03-04-2018, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by yucafrita

I mostly set the Pentax functions once and its done. Manual override of DX Iso is often used, though.

I tried the Z-1P once and I see it's advantages as the most complete AF body but I wasnt entirely pleased by its feel and weight. Maybe my hands are to small but I like the MZ-S with battery grip attached more. Yes, the MZ-S has its drawbacks, eg max shutter 1/6000th & lacking the possibility of adjusting the aperture via wheel. However, ergonomically and handling-wise, it's almost in DSLR territory.

I just wanted to throw in the Z-20. It is considerably lighter than the Z-1 and has almost all the same functions, although may speed is 1/4000th (in fact, enough for me), lacking C-AF, DOF preview and having only one wheelie, which can control AV, though. It is smaller than the Z-1, so it fits my hands better. And you can get it for a fiver.

Another vote for the Z-20, an underrated gem.
I have both, the Z-1p and the Z-20, sure the Z-1p is a better camera (actually it's my main camera), but Z-20 is lighter, handling is very good, very user friendly, it's auto-focus, and it sets the lens aperture from the body.
I use the Z-20 when I need a smaller camera, and when I don't need advanced functions (which is most of the time).
Last but not least, Z-20 is cheaper.

kiron Kid · 03-04-2018, 09:46 PM

Bump.

gnugent · 04-11-2018, 02:28 PM

just a quick follow up I bought a Mz-7 and its a lot of fun plus Most of my K1 lens work on it im very interest in the ist film camera but it never comes up on Ebay as far as I can see any one have any thoughts on it

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Which SLR to buy?	Paleki	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	5	01-24-2011 01:46 PM
Last question before I buy... Kx or K7, which would you buy?	DavoMrMac	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	7	02-01-2010 02:42 AM
Color K-x - Which color you like the most? Which one you'd like to buy?	frank	Pentax DSLR Discussion	16	11-18-2009 09:41 AM
which entry level slr to buy...	jensp2m	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	22	05-28-2009 04:08 PM

02-28-2018, 11:58 AM	#16
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,407	Originally posted by ryanM Really? I always thought the camera had the buttons layed out exactly how I want them and switching between aperture and shutter speed via the rotating knobs right under your fingers/thumb is great. For a while in my shooting I switched over to Nikon using some of their lower end digital models like the D50 ect, hated it, and always felt that Pentax had it nailed with the Pz-1p. LOL... whoops. That's not what I am talking about. That aspect is very easy to use. I'm talking about the 18 or so PF functions that control things less often changed. Things like how the rewind works etc. The PF functions are numbered but not labeled in language text. The settings are also simply numeric.

02-28-2018, 12:56 PM	#17
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by UncleVanya LOL... whoops. That's not what I am talking about. That aspect is very easy to use. I'm talking about the 18 or so PF functions that control things less often changed. Things like how the rewind works etc. The PF functions are numbered but not labeled in language text. The settings are also simply numeric. Most of the PF functions you can set once and then forget. After getting my Z-1p, I went through and set the ones I wanted to use, and then left it. For the most part, the PZ-1/Z-1 and Z-1p/PZ-1p are very easy and intuitive to use. Ergonomically, I very much prefer the Z-1p to the MZ-S.

03-01-2018, 11:37 AM	#18
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,407	Originally posted by Swift1 Most of the PF functions you can set once and then forget. After getting my Z-1p, I went through and set the ones I wanted to use, and then left it. For the most part, the PZ-1/Z-1 and Z-1p/PZ-1p are very easy and intuitive to use. Ergonomically, I very much prefer the Z-1p to the MZ-S. Ironically I carried my plastic pf reference card everywhere. I changed something at least daily but I can't remember which setting it was that made this needed.

03-01-2018, 11:04 PM	#19
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459	I mostly set the Pentax functions once and its done. Manual override of DX Iso is often used, though. I tried the Z-1P once and I see it's advantages as the most complete AF body but I wasnt entirely pleased by its feel and weight. Maybe my hands are to small but I like the MZ-S with battery grip attached more. Yes, the MZ-S has its drawbacks, eg max shutter 1/6000th & lacking the possibility of adjusting the aperture via wheel. However, ergonomically and handling-wise, it's almost in DSLR territory. I just wanted to throw in the Z-20. It is considerably lighter than the Z-1 and has almost all the same functions, although may speed is 1/4000th (in fact, enough for me), lacking C-AF, DOF preview and having only one wheelie, which can control AV, though. It is smaller than the Z-1, so it fits my hands better. And you can get it for a fiver.

03-04-2018, 01:35 PM	#20
Hyperfocal Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Madrid Posts: 35	Originally posted by yucafrita I mostly set the Pentax functions once and its done. Manual override of DX Iso is often used, though. I tried the Z-1P once and I see it's advantages as the most complete AF body but I wasnt entirely pleased by its feel and weight. Maybe my hands are to small but I like the MZ-S with battery grip attached more. Yes, the MZ-S has its drawbacks, eg max shutter 1/6000th & lacking the possibility of adjusting the aperture via wheel. However, ergonomically and handling-wise, it's almost in DSLR territory. I just wanted to throw in the Z-20. It is considerably lighter than the Z-1 and has almost all the same functions, although may speed is 1/4000th (in fact, enough for me), lacking C-AF, DOF preview and having only one wheelie, which can control AV, though. It is smaller than the Z-1, so it fits my hands better. And you can get it for a fiver. Another vote for the Z-20, an underrated gem. I have both, the Z-1p and the Z-20, sure the Z-1p is a better camera (actually it's my main camera), but Z-20 is lighter, handling is very good, very user friendly, it's auto-focus, and it sets the lens aperture from the body. I use the Z-20 when I need a smaller camera, and when I don't need advanced functions (which is most of the time). Last but not least, Z-20 is cheaper.

03-04-2018, 09:46 PM	#21
kiron Kid Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 42	Bump.

04-11-2018, 02:28 PM	#22
gnugent Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 47 Original Poster	just a quick follow up I bought a Mz-7 and its a lot of fun plus Most of my K1 lens work on it im very interest in the ist film camera but it never comes up on Ebay as far as I can see any one have any thoughts on it