I just bought... my second analog Pentax!

Erik · 05-03-2009, 08:51 AM

I was so disappointed by my new ME not working right, and Harrow Tech being unwilling to repair it due to lack of spare parts, that I almost immediately started looking around for a newer body that would not be as likely to need CLA/repair. I initially thought of the MZ-5/ZX-5 but today I found an MZ-6 (european ZX-L) for 37 dollars in supposed "excellent" condition so I went for it. Seems to be an excellent camera!

Is it correct that I get in-camera aperture control so I'll be able to use my DA40 fully? That's super awesome if true. Can't wait for this to arrive and hope I will have better luck with its function than I had with my poor old ME.

EDIT: Wow, after checking some prices on eBay I'm even happier with this. $37 is pretty good for this camera in great condition, is it not?

Last edited by Erik; 05-03-2009 at 09:51 AM.

ftpaddict · 05-03-2009, 10:01 AM

All the MZ/ZX bodies except for the MZ-S and ZX-5(n) can control lens aperture via control dial, as far as I know, so yes. You're good on that. Enjoy your ridiculously good find.

Erik · 05-03-2009, 10:25 AM

Cool, thanks! A question: how is the battery life on these cameras? Is it okay to just use some good alkalines? How many rolls would they probably be good for?

ftpaddict · 05-03-2009, 11:02 AM

I own a ZX-30, but I suspect is similar - unless you own or will acquire a Battery Pack Fg, you'll have to use two lithium batteries to power the camera. I can't remember the exact type. They'll hold you for about 15 rolls 36exp. film.

PS: if anybody's reading this.. can someone spare an Fg? I could really use one..

Erik · 05-03-2009, 11:07 AM

Oh, I see, thanks. It is indeed the same as the ZX-30; I kind of misread Dimitrov's page before. I'll just get a couple of CR2's then. Hopefully there are still some with juice left in the camera

k100d · 05-03-2009, 02:44 PM

Originally posted by Erik

EDIT: Wow, after checking some prices on eBay I'm even happier with this. $37 is pretty good for this camera in great condition, is it not?

yes that is. the ZX-L is a really neat camera, i had a good time with it for the brief amount of time i had it, but i couldn't get over the small vf and the cheaper build.

Erik · 05-03-2009, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by k100d

yes that is. the ZX-L is a really neat camera, i had a good time with it for the brief amount of time i had it, but i couldn't get over the small vf and the cheaper build.

I don't have the camera in my hands yet, so I'm curious to know: is the viewfinder at least bigger than that in a K100D? (I'm too lazy to do the math, I suppose

)

ajuett · 05-03-2009, 08:38 PM

Originally posted by Erik

I don't have the camera in my hands yet, so I'm curious to know: is the viewfinder at least bigger than that in a K100D? (I'm too lazy to do the math, I suppose

)

I can't say about the K100D Super however, the MZ-5n and the Super Program have about the same VF. Looking through both you can't tell the difference.

Andi Lo · 05-03-2009, 09:02 PM

MZ-L have slightly smaller viewfinder than K100D + KPS magnifier but with no vignetting. It's definitely bigger than the default K100D magnifier though. I'm enjoying the results I'm getting from it. In fact I like it so much I'm getting an MZ-7 to keep it company / have two films at the ready. Still looking for that perfect MF body for my taks... My keeper rate in film is like WAY higher than digital thanks to thinking before shooting =)

It's not a body built for manual focusing since it doesnt have a split screen, so you have to either salvage a MZ-M or find a broken one somewhere.

Erik · 05-04-2009, 01:08 AM

Thanks for the info.

Originally posted by Andi Lo

It's not a body built for manual focusing since it doesnt have a split screen, so you have to either salvage a MZ-M or find a broken one somewhere.

I think that will be okay since it apparently has catch-in focus/focus indication with MF lenses, which works well enough for me with my K100D so should work similarly well on the MZ-6.

ajuett · 05-04-2009, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by Erik

I think that will be okay since it apparently has catch-in focus/focus indication with MF lenses, which works well enough for me with my K100D so should work similarly well on the MZ-6.

If it's like the MZ-5n then it will have an audible and a visual 'catch in focus' icon in the VF.

Erik · 05-04-2009, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by ajuett

If it's like the MZ-5n then it will have an audible and a visual 'catch in focus' icon in the VF.

Ah yes, so exactly like my K100D then. Good to know! I can't wait til I receive this camera in the mail!

It's just amazing that a nice, full-featured autofocus camera that was pretty state-of-the-art in 2002 and was still sold as of 2005 costs $37 four years later. Film really is dead, I guess

ajuett · 05-04-2009, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by Erik

Ah yes, so exactly like my K100D then. Good to know! I can't wait til I receive this camera in the mail!

It's just amazing that a nice, full-featured autofocus camera that was pretty state-of-the-art in 2002 and was still sold as of 2005 costs $37 four years later. Film really is dead, I guess

The K100D Super I had had the red in focus indicator in the center of the screen, my MZ-5n has a green indicator on the right side of the VF. Also, a button on the front of the body to turn off the audible option.

Film is actually growing. I've been in contact with a couple of different shops that develop film and they say business has actually increased. If so, that's great!

Just like the vinyl records are making a comeback, there are more shops around town then there use to be. I have a bunch of old vinyl, might take it in to sell it and potentially satisfy some LBA.

Erik · 05-04-2009, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by ajuett

The K100D Super I had had the red in focus indicator in the center of the screen, my MZ-5n has a green indicator on the right side of the VF. Also, a button on the front of the body to turn off the audible option.

Oh, right. Well, the K100D has the red indicator, but also the green "diamond" indicator at the bottom which is the real "in-focus" indicator.

Originally posted by ajuett

Film is actually growing. I've been in contact with a couple of different shops that develop film and they say business has actually increased. If so, that's great!

Oh, I know, but I love how most of the cameras are getting to be worth nothing, though. Well, you have the "cult" cameras like Pentax LX, Leicas, Nikon F, Canonets etc. increasing in value but the plastic-fantastic fancy 90's/00's AF cameras are worth close to nothing at this point. Good for those of us who still think they're kind of neat.

When I get this camera I am hoping to use it to get into processing my own B/W, because honestly, shooting color film is just not worth it in my opinion with what it costs these days. I have been enjoying experimenting with some Ektar and Reala and whatnot but I will never go back to film for everyday color photography again. Not that I want to start a film/digital flamewar, hehe, I'm just saying what I hope to do with my new toy.

ajuett · 05-04-2009, 09:09 AM

Sounds good to me. We buy and use our camera for our own needs. All I do is shoot color and get "developed only, no prints". I'll scan them in, if they are exceptional keepers then I'll get them printed. Most just get stuck on my PBase account.

05-03-2009, 08:51 AM	#1
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755	I just bought... my second analog Pentax! I was so disappointed by my new ME not working right, and Harrow Tech being unwilling to repair it due to lack of spare parts, that I almost immediately started looking around for a newer body that would not be as likely to need CLA/repair. I initially thought of the MZ-5/ZX-5 but today I found an MZ-6 (european ZX-L) for 37 dollars in supposed "excellent" condition so I went for it. Seems to be an excellent camera! Is it correct that I get in-camera aperture control so I'll be able to use my DA40 fully? That's super awesome if true. Can't wait for this to arrive and hope I will have better luck with its function than I had with my poor old ME. EDIT: Wow, after checking some prices on eBay I'm even happier with this. $37 is pretty good for this camera in great condition, is it not? Last edited by Erik; 05-03-2009 at 09:51 AM.

05-03-2009, 09:02 PM	#9
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	MZ-L have slightly smaller viewfinder than K100D + KPS magnifier but with no vignetting. It's definitely bigger than the default K100D magnifier though. I'm enjoying the results I'm getting from it. In fact I like it so much I'm getting an MZ-7 to keep it company / have two films at the ready. Still looking for that perfect MF body for my taks... My keeper rate in film is like WAY higher than digital thanks to thinking before shooting =) It's not a body built for manual focusing since it doesnt have a split screen, so you have to either salvage a MZ-M or find a broken one somewhere. Last edited by Andi Lo; 05-03-2009 at 09:14 PM.

05-04-2009, 08:13 AM	#12
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755 Original Poster	Originally posted by ajuett If it's like the MZ-5n then it will have an audible and a visual 'catch in focus' icon in the VF. Ah yes, so exactly like my K100D then. Good to know! I can't wait til I receive this camera in the mail! It's just amazing that a nice, full-featured autofocus camera that was pretty state-of-the-art in 2002 and was still sold as of 2005 costs $37 four years later. Film really is dead, I guess Last edited by Erik; 05-04-2009 at 08:20 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Analog greetings from Sweden	t0mpa	Welcomes and Introductions	3	10-14-2010 01:28 PM
Old Analog Lens Is It Usable?	llwil2003	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	15	06-02-2010 04:54 AM
analog to digital	fixedfocus	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	9	01-19-2010 01:26 PM
Going from Digital to Analog	ghelary	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	63	03-13-2009 08:11 AM
Dutch analog photographer	Barbecueboy	Welcomes and Introductions	4	02-11-2008 10:37 AM

05-03-2009, 10:01 AM	#2
ftpaddict Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Yurp Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,666	All the MZ/ZX bodies except for the MZ-S and ZX-5(n) can control lens aperture via control dial, as far as I know, so yes. You're good on that. Enjoy your ridiculously good find.

05-03-2009, 10:25 AM	#3
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755 Original Poster	Cool, thanks! A question: how is the battery life on these cameras? Is it okay to just use some good alkalines? How many rolls would they probably be good for?

05-03-2009, 11:02 AM	#4
ftpaddict Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Yurp Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,666	I own a ZX-30, but I suspect is similar - unless you own or will acquire a Battery Pack Fg, you'll have to use two lithium batteries to power the camera. I can't remember the exact type. They'll hold you for about 15 rolls 36exp. film. PS: if anybody's reading this.. can someone spare an Fg? I could really use one..

05-03-2009, 11:07 AM	#5
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755 Original Poster	Oh, I see, thanks. It is indeed the same as the ZX-30; I kind of misread Dimitrov's page before. I'll just get a couple of CR2's then. Hopefully there are still some with juice left in the camera

05-03-2009, 02:44 PM	#6
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	Originally posted by Erik EDIT: Wow, after checking some prices on eBay I'm even happier with this. $37 is pretty good for this camera in great condition, is it not? yes that is. the ZX-L is a really neat camera, i had a good time with it for the brief amount of time i had it, but i couldn't get over the small vf and the cheaper build.

05-03-2009, 02:46 PM	#7
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755 Original Poster	Originally posted by k100d yes that is. the ZX-L is a really neat camera, i had a good time with it for the brief amount of time i had it, but i couldn't get over the small vf and the cheaper build. I don't have the camera in my hands yet, so I'm curious to know: is the viewfinder at least bigger than that in a K100D? (I'm too lazy to do the math, I suppose )

05-03-2009, 08:38 PM	#8
ajuett Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,100	Originally posted by Erik I don't have the camera in my hands yet, so I'm curious to know: is the viewfinder at least bigger than that in a K100D? (I'm too lazy to do the math, I suppose ) I can't say about the K100D Super however, the MZ-5n and the Super Program have about the same VF. Looking through both you can't tell the difference.

05-04-2009, 01:08 AM	#10
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755 Original Poster	Thanks for the info. Originally posted by Andi Lo It's not a body built for manual focusing since it doesnt have a split screen, so you have to either salvage a MZ-M or find a broken one somewhere. I think that will be okay since it apparently has catch-in focus/focus indication with MF lenses, which works well enough for me with my K100D so should work similarly well on the MZ-6.

05-04-2009, 07:59 AM	#11
ajuett Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,100	Originally posted by Erik I think that will be okay since it apparently has catch-in focus/focus indication with MF lenses, which works well enough for me with my K100D so should work similarly well on the MZ-6. If it's like the MZ-5n then it will have an audible and a visual 'catch in focus' icon in the VF.

05-04-2009, 08:30 AM	#13
ajuett Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,100	Originally posted by Erik Ah yes, so exactly like my K100D then. Good to know! I can't wait til I receive this camera in the mail! It's just amazing that a nice, full-featured autofocus camera that was pretty state-of-the-art in 2002 and was still sold as of 2005 costs $37 four years later. Film really is dead, I guess The K100D Super I had had the red in focus indicator in the center of the screen, my MZ-5n has a green indicator on the right side of the VF. Also, a button on the front of the body to turn off the audible option. Film is actually growing. I've been in contact with a couple of different shops that develop film and they say business has actually increased. If so, that's great! Just like the vinyl records are making a comeback, there are more shops around town then there use to be. I have a bunch of old vinyl, might take it in to sell it and potentially satisfy some LBA.

05-04-2009, 08:40 AM	#14
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755 Original Poster	Originally posted by ajuett The K100D Super I had had the red in focus indicator in the center of the screen, my MZ-5n has a green indicator on the right side of the VF. Also, a button on the front of the body to turn off the audible option. Oh, right. Well, the K100D has the red indicator, but also the green "diamond" indicator at the bottom which is the real "in-focus" indicator. Originally posted by ajuett Film is actually growing. I've been in contact with a couple of different shops that develop film and they say business has actually increased. If so, that's great! Oh, I know, but I love how most of the cameras are getting to be worth nothing, though. Well, you have the "cult" cameras like Pentax LX, Leicas, Nikon F, Canonets etc. increasing in value but the plastic-fantastic fancy 90's/00's AF cameras are worth close to nothing at this point. Good for those of us who still think they're kind of neat. When I get this camera I am hoping to use it to get into processing my own B/W, because honestly, shooting color film is just not worth it in my opinion with what it costs these days. I have been enjoying experimenting with some Ektar and Reala and whatnot but I will never go back to film for everyday color photography again. Not that I want to start a film/digital flamewar, hehe, I'm just saying what I hope to do with my new toy.

05-04-2009, 09:09 AM	#15
ajuett Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,100	Sounds good to me. We buy and use our camera for our own needs. All I do is shoot color and get "developed only, no prints". I'll scan them in, if they are exceptional keepers then I'll get them printed. Most just get stuck on my PBase account.