The ultra-compact ZX-50 autofocus SLR combines simple operation and sophisticated features at a very affordable price. The ZX-50's "Green Operation Mode" offers point-and-shoot convenience, ideal for those who are new to SLR photography or for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments quickly and effortlessly. Creative control can be yours by switching to one of the four program modes or by choosing Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Metered Manual or Bulb modes.
Summary:I bought this used from a photographer in 2008 and it is the first time I've used an SLR. I was stunned at the quality of the prints because I had never used a better camera than this. It really is straightforward and easy to use.
I started out using the fully automatic mode, then progressed to manual focus, but prefer using autofocus and aperture priority mode. The CR2 lithium batteries seem to last forever and only cost $5 for a pair. (1 year with lots of flash use and my second set has lasted over a year thus far, but I'm not using the flash as often either).
It came with a Sigma 28—80mm f/3.5—5.6 zoom lens, which does the job just perfectly for me, although admittedly the images aren't always sharp, despite what you see in the viewfinder. That said, 95% of the time they are sharp and crisp, showing lots of detail. A 50mm prime lens would probably yield even better results, but I am satisfied with my purchase.
I am glad to be in the world of film again after using digital cameras for the past 9 years. Film has taught me patience and to use precision in my photography. I shoot about a roll a month.
I highly recommend this to those new to the world of film photography or who have never used an SLR. It is entry-level but has good features and appears to have good build quality.
This camera does not disappoint, especially for the price I paid for it.
Strengths:Easy to use even for the beginner, good quality pictures, nice built-in flash that you can pop up and fill the entire room evenly with light. CR2 lithium batteries seem to last forever (1 year at least, for me anyway) and are cheap ($5). Low battery warning lets you know in advance so your batteries don't die on you before you can replace them. Lightweight for an SLR, thus, easy to carry around. Appears to have good build quality as it was new in 1996 and I bought it used in 2008 and put 20 rolls of film through it, yet it still works perfectly.
Weaknesses:Sometimes the autofocus does not focus properly (a bit soft at times), but this may be due to the aftermarket lens (Sigma) being used instead of the official Pentax brand.
Adjusting the aperture/shutter would be easier if there was a wheel. The lens sometimes hunts too much, especially in low light, even though the light in the room seems to be enough. However, manual focus will fix that. :-) Lightweight body can mean more camera shake.
Summary:I'm not going to takl about fast or noisy autofocus - it is not the matter of the camera, it is the matter of the lenses!
The camera itself is easy to operate and pretty intuitive (for me :-)
Precise exposure meter, good viewfinder info, very comfortable to hold.
I use this camera already for 5 years, and I'm not going to change it meanwhile.
Offcoarse it is not a "pro" camera, but it suites 95% of all non-professional needs :)
Rating Reviewed by: Les Burel(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date November 4, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 3 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
14 votes
Review 3 of 56
, from MASS
Price Paid:
$125.00
from eBay
Summary:I've had an MZ-50 before for a short time and it was light, easy to use, shutter was quiet,and the auto-focus wasn't bad. Pentax seems to have a noisier auto-focus than the Canon Elan II or the Rebel. The MZ I have now I bought used on eBay. It came with Two Tamron AF lens. Doesn't focus well with either of them. I tried a new Vivitar AF lens and got the same results. Otherwise this camera makes a superb non-AF camera. The Canon EOS's seem to be far superior.
Strengths:Light , shutter is quiet, easy to figure out if you don't have the manual. Accepts all previous Pentax bayonet lenses. Makes a good program, auto, manual camera if you forget about the auto-focus.
Weaknesses:Lousy auto-focus. and it whirrs just like the new MZ-50, SF1, and PZ10 I had a while back. Maybe this camera isn't partial to aftermarket brand lenses.
Similar Products Used:Canon Rebel and Elan II. They both are quieter in the AF mode and the AF has an assist light, (infra-red on the Elan) for focusing in low light.
Summary:Compact and lightweight, this is an ideal camera for general purpose photography. It has a high enough framing speed for trying to capture a few shots of someone before they notice. Controls with no clutter.
Strengths:Very few controls, very easy to operate.
Reasonable framing speed.
Good AF.
Bright focusing screen.
You can turn off focus confirmation beep.
Weaknesses:Finder readouts protrude into the viewing area.
Limited ISO's for flash use. (only up to 800 speed film).
1/100 sec flash sync isn't that great for outdoors.
Knob for changing shutter speeds and aperatures in slower than a wheel.
It only lacks multiple exposures, a simple and gratifying feature.
Similar Products Used:Rebel 2000, Rebel SII, Canon EOS IX, Elan II, Elan 7
Rating Reviewed by: DAVID BAXTER(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date May 20, 2002
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Value Rating 2 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 4.78 of 5,
18 votes
Review 5 of 56
, from RICHMOND HILL
Price Paid:
$400.00
from henrys
Summary:DON'T BUY THIS CAMERA. BUY THE ZX-7/MZ-7. This camera is not a bad camera, but you can get more for not the much more out of the 7 or the 5n or even the new zx-l, but the camera has no DOF, not great metering, no focus in a darker room, But its not that the camera is terrible, just that you can get a much better camera for just a little bit more, and forger the 28-85 lens it comes with.
Strengths:Cheap and Light.
Weaknesses:Slow focus, bad metering, no DOF, feels cheap without the FG-10 battery grip.
Similar Products Used:Canon EOS 500, MZ-S, a great camera, Pentax Z1-P, Nikon F100.
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