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Pentax MZ-S Auto Focus SLR Body

Pentax MZ-S Auto Focus SLR Body

List Price: $1,333.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: no complaints after one year of use
Review: After trying out a Canon EOS1 and a Nikon F100, I bought a Pentax MZ-S because it feels more like a camera rather than a computer. Yes, this is an all-electronic camera but the controls are similar to the analog/mechanical cameras -- to change the shutter speed you rotate the shutter speed dial, to change the aperture you turn the aperture ring. This is also the smallest and the lightest professional SLR I have seen. The all-metal body is comfortable to hold and there is a grip protrusion even on the left side. This is also one of the few pro SLRs with a built-in flash which comes in handy when you want to travel light and need a fill-flash. The depth-of-field preview lever is conveniently located as a ring around the shutter button. There is no manual mirror lockup option but you can use the 2 second timer which locks the mirror then opens the shutter 2 seconds later. The exposure data imprint is a nice option which prints the speed and f stop on the film outside the frame. The slanted top panel isn't exactly a life-changing innovation but it is a nice touch.

The only drawbacks might be the slow flash synch (1/160), slow frame advance (2.5 per sec) and the difficult to reach auto focus control switches. However, none of these are problems for me because I don't shoot action or sports. Oh, another con is that it is a little overpriced.

I have been using this for over a year now and have no complaints yet. It is a great camera to travel with because of its small size and weight.


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