What film body - Cost/Performance wise

jerrymouse · 07-30-2009, 05:23 PM

Hi, I've never shot film DSLR before, but I'm really tempted to try it with some Pentax film body.

I own DA 40/2.8 (full frame compatible?), FA 28/2.8, A50/1.7 and M42 Pentacon 135/2.8 and I'm looking for a used body that will work with these lenses (it means it has to work with lenses without aperture ring). I don't really need AF, but it would be nice.

I have two questions:

1) Which film body would you recommend (price is important, working with lenses without aperture ring)?

2) Which film body would you recommend (price is important, doesn't have to work with lenses without aperture ring)?

Thank you.

k100d · 07-30-2009, 05:42 PM

1. ZX-L, PZ-1P
2. MZ-5n (program mode for your DA), ME Super (manual focus, does not work with DA)

Pentax Camera Bodies

Stevopedia · 07-30-2009, 05:48 PM

1. SF1n, PZ-1, PZ-1p
2. SF1n, PZ-1, PZ-1p

Seriously, the SF1n is a really nice camera that got overshadowed by the PZ series not two years after its release. It was Pentax' flagship from 1988 to 1991(ish). They're fully-featured cameras and easy to use once you get a hang of its user interface, and very cheap these days. I've used one, and I think they've got great ergonomics and handle quite nicely.

And the PZ-1(p) is quite possibly Pentax' film masterpiece. It handles and operates almost exactly like a DSLR with its front and rear control dials. It's the SF1n, but better.

scimitar12 · 07-31-2009, 04:45 PM

I agree with the above. Having all of them (except the zx-l) I have to say the best option is the sf-1n, considering the cost factor. Once you get past the heft of the camera I think you will realy like the feel; how it naturally fits in your hands

Nick Siebers · 08-05-2009, 06:07 PM

I was ready to love the SF1n. But no DOF preview! I think a PZ-1p is the way to go. I've never owned one, but I like the handling of the PZ70, and the added features would be nice.

If you are thinking manual focus, you can use a DA40 on a Super Program - that's a great combo.

frank · 08-05-2009, 11:53 PM

Get a SuperA/SuperProgram or ProgramA/ProgramPlus, and you are ready to have some film fun w/ your existing lenses including DA ones

jerrymouse · 08-06-2009, 01:53 PM

Thank you all for replies. I'll try to get hold of one

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-06-2009, 05:40 PM

The Super Program/Super A is one Pentax body I will never own.
IMO the LCD exposure readout in the finder is not very intuitive.
To judge yourself download the manual at pentaximaging.com

Chris

frank · 08-06-2009, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

The Super Program/Super A is one Pentax body I will never own.
IMO the LCD exposure readout in the finder is not very intuitive.
To judge yourself download the manual at pentaximaging.com

Chris

It's just personal preference I guess. I know a lot guys like the SuperProgram/SuperA more than ME Super or MX, or even LX

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-06-2009, 07:20 PM

I would agree with all that suggest the PZ-1/PZ-1p

it is like a film version of the *istD, down to dual thumb wheels, special functions, and the shutter at 1/8000 with 1/250 sync is great.

Blue · 08-06-2009, 08:31 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

The Super Program/Super A is one Pentax body I will never own.
IMO the LCD exposure readout in the finder is not very intuitive.
To judge yourself download the manual at pentaximaging.com

Chris

I guess using the SuperProgram doesn't bother me because of using the K1000 and Spot F.

However, the SuperProgram has a couple of things going for it as a mf body. 1st, it has ttl flash capabilities. Second, it has a 1/2000 shutter speed.

frank · 08-06-2009, 09:22 PM

Originally posted by Blue

I guess using the SuperProgram doesn't bother me because of using the K1000 and Spot F.

However, the SuperProgram has a couple of things going for it as a mf body. 1st, it has ttl flash capabilities. Second, it has a 1/2000 shutter speed.

And 3rd, it works pretty well even w/ DA lenses (try that w/ an MX or LX

). 4th, the small grips do enhance the handling quite a bit. Plus DOF preview, timer, Tv mode and etc. It does have some followers

Erik · 08-07-2009, 01:18 AM

1) MZ-6/ZX-L (two names, same camera)

2) MZ-6/ZX-L, Super Program, ME Super

Check out my review of the MZ-6. I very much recommend this camera -- it ticks all your boxes!

Blue · 08-07-2009, 09:22 AM

Originally posted by frank

And 3rd, it works pretty well even w/ DA lenses (try that w/ an MX or LX

). 4th, the small grips do enhance the handling quite a bit. Plus DOF preview, timer, Tv mode and etc. It does have some followers

Very true. Its buttons are along the same style as the ME Super and ME F as well.

Nesster · 08-07-2009, 09:41 AM

I happen to be one of the Pgm enthusiasts - they are great to grip while out walking, not too small, and reliable. Not to mention: they are gateway drugs... erm... cameras to the 645.

07-30-2009, 05:23 PM	#1
jerrymouse Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pilsen, Czech Republic Posts: 224	What film body - Cost/Performance wise Hi, I've never shot film DSLR before, but I'm really tempted to try it with some Pentax film body. I own DA 40/2.8 (full frame compatible?), FA 28/2.8, A50/1.7 and M42 Pentacon 135/2.8 and I'm looking for a used body that will work with these lenses (it means it has to work with lenses without aperture ring). I don't really need AF, but it would be nice. I have two questions: 1) Which film body would you recommend (price is important, working with lenses without aperture ring)? 2) Which film body would you recommend (price is important, doesn't have to work with lenses without aperture ring)? Thank you.

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07-30-2009, 05:42 PM	#2
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	1. ZX-L, PZ-1P 2. MZ-5n (program mode for your DA), ME Super (manual focus, does not work with DA) Pentax Camera Bodies

07-30-2009, 05:48 PM	#3
Stevopedia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Posts: 273	1. SF1n, PZ-1, PZ-1p 2. SF1n, PZ-1, PZ-1p Seriously, the SF1n is a really nice camera that got overshadowed by the PZ series not two years after its release. It was Pentax' flagship from 1988 to 1991(ish). They're fully-featured cameras and easy to use once you get a hang of its user interface, and very cheap these days. I've used one, and I think they've got great ergonomics and handle quite nicely. And the PZ-1(p) is quite possibly Pentax' film masterpiece. It handles and operates almost exactly like a DSLR with its front and rear control dials. It's the SF1n, but better.

07-31-2009, 04:45 PM	#4
scimitar12 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sterling, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 70	I agree with the above. Having all of them (except the zx-l) I have to say the best option is the sf-1n, considering the cost factor. Once you get past the heft of the camera I think you will realy like the feel; how it naturally fits in your hands

08-05-2009, 06:07 PM	#5
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	I was ready to love the SF1n. But no DOF preview! I think a PZ-1p is the way to go. I've never owned one, but I like the handling of the PZ70, and the added features would be nice. If you are thinking manual focus, you can use a DA40 on a Super Program - that's a great combo.

08-05-2009, 11:53 PM	#6
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Get a SuperA/SuperProgram or ProgramA/ProgramPlus, and you are ready to have some film fun w/ your existing lenses including DA ones

08-06-2009, 01:53 PM	#7
jerrymouse Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pilsen, Czech Republic Posts: 224 Original Poster	Thank you all for replies. I'll try to get hold of one

08-06-2009, 05:40 PM	#8
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,697	The Super Program/Super A is one Pentax body I will never own. IMO the LCD exposure readout in the finder is not very intuitive. To judge yourself download the manual at pentaximaging.com Chris

08-06-2009, 07:12 PM	#9
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt The Super Program/Super A is one Pentax body I will never own. IMO the LCD exposure readout in the finder is not very intuitive. To judge yourself download the manual at pentaximaging.com Chris It's just personal preference I guess. I know a lot guys like the SuperProgram/SuperA more than ME Super or MX, or even LX

08-06-2009, 07:20 PM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	I would agree with all that suggest the PZ-1/PZ-1p it is like a film version of the *istD, down to dual thumb wheels, special functions, and the shutter at 1/8000 with 1/250 sync is great.

08-06-2009, 08:31 PM	#11
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt The Super Program/Super A is one Pentax body I will never own. IMO the LCD exposure readout in the finder is not very intuitive. To judge yourself download the manual at pentaximaging.com Chris I guess using the SuperProgram doesn't bother me because of using the K1000 and Spot F. However, the SuperProgram has a couple of things going for it as a mf body. 1st, it has ttl flash capabilities. Second, it has a 1/2000 shutter speed.

08-06-2009, 09:22 PM	#12
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by Blue I guess using the SuperProgram doesn't bother me because of using the K1000 and Spot F. However, the SuperProgram has a couple of things going for it as a mf body. 1st, it has ttl flash capabilities. Second, it has a 1/2000 shutter speed. And 3rd, it works pretty well even w/ DA lenses (try that w/ an MX or LX ). 4th, the small grips do enhance the handling quite a bit. Plus DOF preview, timer, Tv mode and etc. It does have some followers

08-07-2009, 01:18 AM	#13
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755	1) MZ-6/ZX-L (two names, same camera) 2) MZ-6/ZX-L, Super Program, ME Super Check out my review of the MZ-6. I very much recommend this camera -- it ticks all your boxes!

08-07-2009, 09:22 AM	#14
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by frank And 3rd, it works pretty well even w/ DA lenses (try that w/ an MX or LX ). 4th, the small grips do enhance the handling quite a bit. Plus DOF preview, timer, Tv mode and etc. It does have some followers Very true. Its buttons are along the same style as the ME Super and ME F as well.

08-07-2009, 09:41 AM	#15
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	I happen to be one of the Pgm enthusiasts - they are great to grip while out walking, not too small, and reliable. Not to mention: they are gateway drugs... erm... cameras to the 645.