Pentax ZX-5n (MZ-5n)

I've used my DA40 lens with the MZ-5, and while there is no vignetting as such, there is considerable falling off of the resolution in the corners when shooting wide open. Apart from that the DA40 makes a great package with the MZ-5. Hopefully the DA35 Macro will behave in similar fashion.
 
Al Patterson re the 24 to 135 if you mean zoom, there are 2 - I think both are not long off the current listings - Sigma 24-135mm f2.8-4.5 and Tamron 24-135mm f3.5-5.6 - the Sigma has a great aperture and is a fine lens (I have a battered example) but the Tamron is a little more compact and had somewhat better reviews. Both AF and all MZ5/3 functions connect. I think there was also a Tokina 24-200 but bulkier and said to be not as sharp.

Of course if you accept 28 as the widest then the Sigma and Tamron amd Pentax 28-200's are very compact and great value - but I agree that the stretch to 24 makes a useful difference.
 
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The ZX-L is the same as the MZ-6 me thinks

FA Limited said:
i just picked up a ZX-L, it has the 1/4000 and the on-board aperture control. but i believe it has a dimmer pentaprism finder as well but i think it would make a good pair w/ my ZX-5n.

if you find a few extra MZ-3's i'd be interesting in knowing where you find them! i haven't seen any in the usual channels.
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One of the final AF film cameras in the MZ series was the pro quality MZ-S - not at all common - really high quality camera, more compact than its rivals and pro in all respects except no high speed motorwind.

Anyone using one of these sought-after machines?
 
The MZ-S indeed looks like a beauty, but they go for around $400. If I had that kind of dough for an SLR I would probably buy an LX instead...

As for DA lenses on film bodies, it would appear that the DA21 shows a ton of vignetting and resolution fall-off, the 40 and 35 a moderate to small amount, and the 70 practically none, with good sharpness across the whole frame.
 
OK, thought I'd give this a quick update. A fellow RFF'er sold me a ZX-5n super cheap, and I just ran a roll through it, using a variety of lenses. I have to say, I really like it! The most surprising thing about it is the size--it's not much bigger than the ME Super. I had assumed it would be large. It's very comfortable to hold, and everything is where you'd expect it should be. The AF is excellent, just as good as on the K20D, and my Pentax-DA 35/2.8 Macro works like a charm in both shutter-priority and full-auto mode. No vignetting in the viewfinder, but I'm sure there will be on the film. It's made of plastic, but feels very solid nevertheless; all the same I wish it were metal. That's my only gripe, though. If I find an MZ-3 I'll get it (and thus 1/4000 sec), but I'm not going to be looking for one.

Thanks for the advice!
 
All me ZX/MZ series are very compact camera, a trait that was transferred to the KxxD cameras.
The Mz7 is only .5 cm longer than the K100D and it is thinner.

Just got back the pictures I took with the kit lens of the K100D and the vignetting @18 is not bad at all, I'll try to scan it tonight.

1/4000 s? I never used such speed even when I had a camera that could do it....

mabelsound said:
OK, thought I'd give this a quick update. A fellow RFF'er sold me a ZX-5n super cheap, and I just ran a roll through it, using a variety of lenses. I have to say, I really like it! The most surprising thing about it is the size--it's not much bigger than the ME Super. I had assumed it would be large. It's very comfortable to hold, and everything is where you'd expect it should be. The AF is excellent, just as good as on the K20D, and my Pentax-DA 35/2.8 Macro works like a charm in both shutter-priority and full-auto mode. No vignetting in the viewfinder, but I'm sure there will be on the film. It's made of plastic, but feels very solid nevertheless; all the same I wish it were metal. That's my only gripe, though. If I find an MZ-3 I'll get it (and thus 1/4000 sec), but I'm not going to be looking for one.

Thanks for the advice!
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Just for the sake of it I uploaded some pics taken with the MZ7 and the DA 18-55 (Kit) lens from the K100D
at 18

at 55

PS I just noticed the scans suck... they seem to be out of focus but the prints look good
 
Well, if my optic mathematic is correct a 70mm should cover an area almost equivalent to a 6x45 negative so there should not be a problem.

Now, when the focal gets below 45mm the area covered is smaller than the 36mm circle needed for film so wide angles are ging to be more problematic than normals/teles.




mabelsound said:
I've discovered that the 70mm DA limited works flawlessly with the ZX-5N, and the 35mm Macro does to, albeit with a bit of vignetting stopped down.
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I've had a ZX5-N for several years and have had exactly no problems with it. I very rarely use the auto focus-never trusted it, but all other aspects of the camera are excellent. I like the control layout because I never have to scroll through menus-a pet peeve of mine. One very good thing that I don't think has been mentioned is that the mirror slap is very gentle compared to all of my other SLRs. This is a real plus when shooting at questionable shutter speeds.
 
Rhoyle said:
I've had a ZX5-N for several years and have had exactly no problems with it. I very rarely use the auto focus-never trusted it, but all other aspects of the camera are excellent. I like the control layout because I never have to scroll through menus-a pet peeve of mine. One very good thing that I don't think has been mentioned is that the mirror slap is very gentle compared to all of my other SLRs. This is a real plus when shooting at questionable shutter speeds.
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i used the center spot AF, has fewer AF problems than with my K100D
definitely agree on the mirror slap, i can hand hold the same speed as the K100D (with IS), about ~1/15 with the 31mm lens
 
Some shots from today with the ZX-5n, 70mm Limited, and Ektar 100:

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