Size. Viewfinder is brigh. AF is as fast and decasive as in EOS 3 or Nikon 100. Low light AF is great as well, and it is very important to me. Build quality is excellent.

None so far.

Fast, sensitive and reliable autofocus. Built. Ergonomics, including the famous slanted top panel - it really helps.

No moisture/dust sealings. No built in flash exposure compensation. Well, could we get MZ-S2 or MZ_SD with *ist-like cross sensors array and for a reasonable price? And a cup of coffee? All under $1000 for my next birthday?

Great camera. I couldn't get my hands on MZ-S for couple years - they don't sell them in Cleveland, revews were mixed, and an autofocus seemed to be outdated. Once visiting in Chicago, finally got to hold it in my hands and bought it, with the grip, on the spot. I dupmed the *ist, and feel the $600 have been spent well. And I stopped useng the LX as well. Yes, it lacks the AF sensors in the corners, and all the sensors are linear only, but overall the system is by any means amazingly sensitive and fast. If you read the Popular Photography test you'll see this camera AF speed in the bright light is one of the fastest even by today's standards - "1/3 to 2/5" (i.e., 0.33-0.4) sec. Most of the newest and most expensive bodies from Nikon and Canon end up with 0.4-0.6 sec. Nothing to compare with the *ist or *istD/DS series (which are not bad either). You can feel the difference immediately. I never had any problems with AF shooting kids or animals. Linear sensors ought to be inferior to the cross ones, but so far it performs flawlessly on every possible subject. It's sturdy and so far very reliable. Ergonomics is absolutely great. Shooting nighttime lanscapes is not a problem. Veiwfinder is wide and bright and, paradoxically, manual focus is easier than with my manual bodies, including my previous favorite LX. All the old manual optics works as promized. It takes rechargeable AA's. I use it almost exclusively with the battery grip which improves the handling, and remove it when my wife wants to use the camera or sometimes for a more "casual" look. By the way, the grip lock is the best I've seen - instead of unscrewing you just snap the lever close/open with your thumb. My brothers shoot with professional Nikons but I don't feel this body is inferior in any regard and after handling the MZ-S they agree with me. Yes, I do lack two crucial features: the built in flash exposure compensation and the dust and moisture seals. Come on, Pentax, how comes I can't take the "porfessional" body outside to shoot in desert storm or under rain? And if you put the built-in flash on the body aimed at advanced users, why make it almost useless by denying me the contrast/shadow control? My pocket-size digital P&S Minolta G400 knows how to do it! Yes, I would like to see cross sensors instead of linear ones, as sensitive and with as powerful a motor as in MZ-S, but in the *ist-like array. And even better, the USM lenses coupling. But I suspect it would bring the camera price beyond my bying capacity. Overall, as expected, I have problems with MZ-S in two situations. First, when I want to shoot outside and it's raining or there is a sand storm. My fears could have been exagerrated, but I don't want to risk the expensive body. I took it to the army trip but tried to keep it in the bag. Second, when shooting with a lot of ambient light, if I don't have time to mount a flash or I feel it will look too "professional" and may offend people, the built-in flash is useless for the shadow control. I can override it with twisting the ISO and manual exposure control, but it's cumbersome. Shame on you, Pentax.

Customer Service

Needed it once with a new IST DS - no problems.

Similar Products Used:

Pentaxes - IST D, DS, film *ist, LX, ME Super Have played with Nikons - 8008, F100 and D70.

All aspects.

None found

I've used nearly every camera in Pentax' line up, including the beast, the 6x7. I've never needed autofocus for the type of photography I do for love and profit, my fine art black and white infrared, so I've stuck with the manual focus jewels of the previous pentax generations. Namely, the LX, the K2, and two of the M 42 generation, the Spotmatic F and the ES II as well. Yes, I have two lens line ups, but that satisfies my need for stuff, and the price is right. But, because I sometimes need autofocus for fast-moving children (my own), I've always had an AF body around too. My first was the PZ 1, which is everything I could ever need in a camera body, except the ability to focus and lock quickly in dim light. I hoped the MZ-S was the solution to that. Indeed it was, and much more. I was dismayed at the slower flash sync speed, since fill-flash is a must for my shots in 75% of the pics I take. So far, after dozens of rolls of film, that has not been a problem. The on-film data recording is a serious "bell-and-whistle" for a stat freak like me, but it would have been more useful in my formative years, because now I already know what to do, and usually what I did too, so records of shutter speed and aperture are not so important anymore. Now, if I were using the MZ-S for my HIE infrared shooting, that would be a much bigger deal. -- Say, now there's an idea... The MZ-S has all the features a working pro can't do without, but not all the really fancy things that an F5 or, perhaps a Maxxum 9 does. And some would say that its feature set suggests a less-expensive price tag. Some even call it a "boutique" camera, meaning, I suppose, its a nice camera, but it won't make the rounds with the vast majority of working pros. Alas. With the right hands working the controls, it would be very nice for sideline sports (even though there are few film cameras left there) but... I"m rambling here. I give this camera my complete and unreserved endorsement. In every category. A photographer has no reason to abandon pentax because they don't have a "modern" 35mm camera.

Customer Service

never needed; but the cameras I've had serviced were too old to be worked on by Pentax themselves, so I've never used Pentax' official service.

Similar Products Used:

All pentax cameras, basically. I've used TLR and SLR medium format and a smattering of Large format and digital.

1.build quality 2.reliable exposure meter 3.control layout 4.lens line-up 5.small size

1. focus point selection not the easiest 2. 2.ffps motor drive 3. lens line up missing built-in image stabilization these are only a weakness if you really need them.

I bought this camera about 3 months ago and I do not reget it one bit.This camera is definitly not perfect and not for every one. But,If you are looking for a camera that is small and well built, this one could fit your needs.The MZ-S has a very reliable exposure meter,easy to use control layout (except focus area selector),fast enough auto focus(except extreme action photography) all in a small well built body.This camera has been a reliable travel companion and great for landscape, architecture and wildlife photgraphy. Pentax has some great lenses in it's line up and only if you need image stabilization or extreme telephoto lenses will you not be disapointed. I love this camera and If it's features meet your needs(be honest with yourself) and you like the layout do not hesitate to buy one.

Customer Service

great and quick

Similar Products Used:

nikon f100,n80 and fe2 pentax lx(still have) canon eos elan 7 I tried canon and nikon all good cameras but the pentax suits me best

Solid, well built camera with a comfortable accessory grip. Very intuative operation. Less expensive than other Pro bodies which have features I wouldn't use

Focus point selection. Lack of sealing against dust and moisture. No dial on verticle grip for adjusting Shutter speed

Solid, well built and very intuative except for the manual focus point selection. Autofocus is good and focus confirmation with older lenses is worth while. Hyper operation is also a plus. Not keen on the lack of sealing against dust and moisture - but then again, it didn't choked the one time I was stuck in a light drizzle. Because I do mostly Landscape work, the 2.5 FPS doesn't bother me in the least and the built in flash is a nice feature to have for family pics.

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Olympus OM-4T, Olympus OM-1, Pentax MX

-Handling and layout (functionality) -Beautiful and fun to use -Viewfinder nicely done -BG-10 Vertical grip

-2.5fps on pro body?? -AF speed good but not great -No light up AF points -At $799, ready for an updated model (don't mess with it too much, though!)

Beautiful camera with intelligently laid-out controls. Almost cute with its diminutive size. BG-10 Grip is a must for me, and even adds to camera's beauty. The most comfortable SLR to hold IMHO. Well made, but not to the level of Canon or Nikon pro bodies. The shutter and wind mechanism is very distinct but not in a loud way (sounds like a mouse sneezing). Easy to learn to use, although not as intuitive initially as Canon's offerings. An updated MZ-S with faster AF, higher fps, and AF points that light up would make this camera ideal for me!

Customer Service

-Hard to reach live, small staff. Friendly and attentive, however!

Similar Products Used:

-Canon EOS 1, 1n, 1nRS, 3, Elan 7E -Nikon N80

See above.

Price

I decided to buy the MZ-S because I could not tolerate the Z1-P viewfinder - the way the exposure info on the viewfinder chops in the right side of the picture area, impairing composition, is irritating and silly. Construction:the MZ-S is made of high quality materials, making it a pleasure to touch and hold. The construction has nothing to do with the plastic construction of most cameras. Viewfinder:at least Pentax releases a Z-MZ series camera with a decent viewfinder-no stupid cuts on the right border,but a normal, perfectly rectangular image area, just like photos are.This is great news for Pentax users and it justifies for itself updating to the MZ-S.The exposure data displays on the bottom of the finder, wich is much better than in the righ side. However the magnification of the image is greater in the Z1. Brightness of the finder is the same in the two models-average. Handling:all the adjustments can be easily made. Aperture values must be adjusted with the aperture ring on the lens-I like it. The camera is small and very light, wich makes it ideal for outdoors-travelling.The position of the DOF preview button is original and very ergonomical. Specification:maximum speed is 1/6000-it could be faster, but it's enough for me.Motor:only 2.5 images/second-not great but more than enough for me-I only use single frame advance.The camera is the first Pentax model to use multiple(6) focus points-it's ok, but who cares:I only use the central point. All the exposure and focusing modes are available, as well as exposure compensation from -3 to +3 and bracketing. Two great features are: the possiblity to imprint data on the film and the excellent MRC function, wich makes easy to rewind a film mid-roll, charge another film, then charge again the first one starting mid-roll. Extremelly useful when you are shooting with two or more different films simultaneously. The camera comes with a quartz date-this is useless and I desactivated it before starting shooting. Performance:the autofocusing is fast and precise (better than in the Z1) and the metering is very accurate. Noise:the MZ-S mirror is very discreet-the camera is very silent-much better than the Z1. Conclusion:the MZ-S is a perfect camera for any advanced amateur or any pro who doesn't need a fast motor. Combine it some of the best Pentax lenses and you will have an outstanding 35mm photographic tool.

Customer Service

Very good in my town

Similar Products Used:

Pentax Z1-P

Size. Viewfinder is brigh. AF is as fast and decasive as in EOS 3 or Nikon 100. Low light AF is great as well, and it is very important to me. Build quality is excellent.

2.5 frames per second if you are into action shots. No true ML (the same as in PZ1P) Top flash sync only 1/180 if you do not have the newest Pentax Flash. No flash exposure compensation if you do not own the new flash (I have FTZ500). This camera is overpriced for its features. Do not buy it, if you do not own lots of Pentax equipment. The new flash is not as powerful as old but very good FTZ 500. Remote control cable about $60.00!! (about 3x more than EOS 3 version)

I own Pz1P of which review you can find here on this site. About two years ago I bought Canon EOS3 as my answer to Pentax AF abilities. Since that time I got a few Canon L lenses and a Bronica GS1 medium format. My old PZ1P served me lately as a portrait camera in combination with the Tokina 80-200 Pro lens (see my review)and Pentax FA100mm f2.8 macro (perfect lens). Unfortunately, the camera quit working properly (sometimes it does not rewind films), and since I invested in other Pentax lenses (600mm f 4.0 for example - used from KEH), I decided to get the new Pentax camera. In general, the MZ-s is a very good camera that I would recommend for those who already own Pentax lenses. If you are just starting and are ready to spend this kind of money, I would go with Canon Eos 3 or above. Why? It is not because EOS 3 is a much better camera, or even a better camera (all depends on you application). The primary reason is Canon lenses. If you are very serious shooter, you have a greater range of options both from Canon and other manufacturers. In addition, Canon offers wonderful, but often times too expensive IS lenses. For my type of photography - wildlife, sports, and weddings - I could use extra help. The IS system is wonderful. If Pentax had it, I would not think of Canon equipment. Otherwise, many Pentax lenses and the new camera are excellent. Sometimes I make money using my photo skills, but I do not consider MZ-s to be a true pro camera. For my limited need, taking headshots and other portraits, it serves its purpose. If you are semi-serious about your pictures, you take them only during vacations or events, get cheaper EOS 7 or Nikon 80. They are more than fine for casual photographers. I could rate this camera based on its price, or forget the price and rate it in comparison to EOS 3. I decided to look at the price and offer my grade based on the features I get for it.

Customer Service

Nice people and willing to help. Sent me a part for free (special situation - too long to describe)

Similar Products Used:

EOS 3, Nikon 100. PZ1P

Well made, thoughtfully designed, a joy to use.

The rewind is noiser than many other SLR's.@

This is not a technical review. Several of the other reviews here accurately describe the strengths of the camera (which are many), and it’s weaknesses (which are very few). I bought my Pentax MZ-S this summer based largely upon reviews I had read, and upon research I had done on the internet. I was not able to find a local dealer who carried Pentax SLR’s, so I had to buy the camera sight-unseen. It was a difficult decision since it had the potential of being a very costly mistake. When the camera arrived, I spent the first day familiarizing myself with the controls, and reading the instruction manual. The next day, I loaded the camera with film, and started shooting. About half-way through the first roll, I recall saying aloud to myself, “I feel like I have been using this camera all my life.” The camera feels as if it were designed especially for me. I don’t have to think about how to operate the camera, where to find the controls, or try to remember how they work. I just take photographs, and think about composition and light. The camera has no features that I do not need. The camera has no features lacking that I wish it had. This camera and I are a perfect match, and I wish I had purchased it earlier. I love it’s smaller size and lighter weight, but most of all , I like the photographs it helps me make. If you are a professional photographer who makes a living doing sports photography, the 2.5 fps will not be adequate. For me, it is. Some feel that the mirror lock up being available only with the 2 second delay might allow some vibration. I have used the camera quite a bit with the SMCP-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus lens, and have had not found any problem with vibration while making 1X exposures. I also bought the Normal SMCP-FA 50 mm f/1.4; the SMCP-FA 24-90mm f/3.5-4.5 AL Autofoucs Lens, and the SMCP-FA 200 mm f/2.8 IF Autofocus lens. The Zoom is a joy to use and it does a great job. The 200mm and 100mm macro both produce the sharpest images I have ever made. The normal lens is also a beauty. I am extremely pleased with this equipment, and would have no hesitation to recommend it to others for whom it is suited. ›

Customer Service

I have not had any experience with Pentax customer service, except to register the available Pentax extended warranty. They were polite and efficient.

Similar Products Used:

Used: Canon EOS 3, Nikon F5 Own: Contax T3

- classy high tech „feel“ thanks to lush design of control elements and well-thought out surfaces (in terms of both shapes&textures) and materials used – battery grip for overall impression and for much more heartily recommended ! - magnesium body&build quality with very tight tolerances which none other Japanese maker even nearly applies anymore in up to similarly priced or even pricier bodies - ergonomics in general including the top slant – Pentax has always had good ideas in this regard (largely copied and their origin seldom known to masses) - as for controls, actually everything there (DOF, MLU, multiexposure…way down to backlit display J) – sorry folks in review magazines, I dare to disagree with your quibbles and marks. It has EVERYTHING needed. - DOF lever placement ! (it only should require a bit more force feedback to pull as it is more than often unintentionally activated when turning the camera on). However, quite cool. - weight - dimensions - midroll film change - data imprinting - metering accuracy (not the number of zones counts but performance – which is just about perfect) - very soft and well damped mirror slap (Nikons come to mind) with a distinct (and

(In approximate order of importance) - exposure compensation in only 1/2 stops - 1/3 EV increment option needed at times for slide photography. Why it isn´t here since the similarly recently introduced MZ-6 has it I do not understand. - noisy film rewind & advance (may scare animals or attract undesired attention in the streets, it should either be more silent generally or there should be an option for slower and "silent" rewind as in most other advanced cameras. The rewind mechanism rather metallic high frequency noise is even quite unpleasant at times) - slow film advance in continuous (I don´t really need 10 fps, but 2,5 fps is way too low for a body in this class - actually too low for effective continuous shooting - the standard at this level being 4 fps). Even considering the understandably limiting dimensions there should be at least the possibility of 4 fps with the battery grip. But in general given my photographic preferences I can live with this one. Still, an existing option would be nice. - selecting autofocus point manually (very, very awkward requiring both hands in a troublesome manner either way, thankfully seldom used) Minor rants - The left strap leathe

Note: I know the price seems a bit high but that's the best deal available in my country and it comes with the battery grip included. Overall a brilliant, classy camera combining comprehensive functionality, build quality and low weight in a way not quite seen yet in an autofocus camera before, not mentioning the Pentax lenses which are usually also way lighter and smaller than others´. This is the camera I have been waiting for as it is SMALLER and LIGHTER than any other high tech offering there and due to its appearance makes a distinctly "smarter" and less obtrusive impression - I was considering the F100 long but what has always repelled me was its bulk and heft and I just don´t exactly want to look like a press photographer. "The-finally-right-sized-Nikon" comes to mind here. And – given the price, weight and feature package the MZ-S beats the F100 for most purposes hands down. And I bet the MZ-S will be long and long around unlike current plastic offerings as it´s much more substantial (explanation: advantage goes to you customer, in case of plastic it´s obvious that it would rather be advantageous for the producer if they just forced us somehow to buy a new camera every season or so – and we have just very nearly arrived there thanks to build "quality" of most offerings. Strangely the build quality doesn´t seem to be much of an issue these years, seems like all customers are playing the cost- and corners-cutting game of producers. Well, I am not that happy when I am looking at all the plastic below-the-top-of-the-line bodies. ANY used camera older than 10 years I see in the shop is made of METAL. And how will most today´s cameras look 10 years from now I dare not think about. Other than that, an MZ-S-2(n?) should be considered by Pentax to further develop the camera´s strenghts and eliminate its weaknesses and you can count me in on it as nothing is perfect, the other reason being that I want to get rid of the MZ-3 which is currently relegated to my second body. It´s a nice camera, but clearly another league, the differences between the two are vast. For some of the biased reviewers below: they either didn´t USE the MZ-S at all or in the case of use with flash, just ignored the 360FGZ flash specifically designated for this body (and for the MZ-6) adding substantial flash functionality (amongst others flash exp compensation, ability to use the

Customer Service

Up to now not needed on any of my bodies.

Similar Products Used:

Other products used: Nikon F90x, Pentax MZ-3 (own), Pentax MZ-6