Easy to use;
Nice interface, each function has its own button;

No multiple exposure;
No flash compensation;
Too small;
Expensive lenses;
Memory lock button in the wrong place;
AF mode selection button difficult to use;
Slow autofocus;
No AF tracking;
No manual exposure longer than 2 seconds;

Nice beginner´s camera. Lacks some important features that same price competitors already offer. I have mine since january 2000. Unfortunately Pentax AF lenses are expensive and there are few options. (Example: if you want a 85mm and don´t want a soft focus feature, the ONLY option is 85/1.4, which is VERY expensive). OTOH, 85/2.8 soft focus feels really cheap (and 135/3.5 too, the focus ring is a joke!). When I´m using spot metering and try to use the memory lock button the camera always shake and changes the metering, recording it wrong. AF hunts in low light conditions.

Similar Products Used:

None

- Easy to use
- Fast AF
- Spot metering
- Metal lens mount
- Smart flash
- DOF preview for all exposures mode.

- No multiple exposure ( who need it )

- A great camera compare to the other brand in similar price.
- For the great results, buy it with FA 50mm f/1.4 or FA 28-70mm f/4.

Customer Service

Good

Similar Products Used:

None

Classic design, easy to use without reading I/M. Cheaper than MZ-3 but all the functions are the same except 1/2000sec shutter speed, so 5n is a more cost effective choice.

No double exposure function.
Like other MZ bodies, the hand grip is not comfortable to hold coz of too small size.

Easy to use body, provide all round functions except double exposure. I like the most common functions (eg shutter speed, exposure compensation) are changing by turning knobs, very convenient and easy to understand.
Compact size and light in weight.

Customer Service

the distributer in HK is not customer friendly.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F5, F4, F3, F70. Pentax Z-1p, MZ-3, MZ-10, MZ-50. Canon EOS30, EOS300. Contax N1.

Straight-forward operation
Inexpensive
Compact

No PC socket
Low flash sync speed- 100
No muli-exposure

Best value for the money. Don't have to stop and think about functions or programs. Uses all K-mount Pentax lenses. Good for any level of experience.

Customer Service

Pretty good. Haven't had much trouble with the camera.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax K1000, MX, PZ-70

great metering system, ease of use for all functions, lightweight and compact size and auto bracketing.

Dark veiwfinder! I often shoot in bright light conditions and cannot see the LED's.

Autofocus is not suited to poor light conditions

No lock down on Exp. Comp. settings

No automatic Off function if camera accidentally left on.

My first fully auto camera and I am pleased with the performance. I rarely use the Automatic setting, yet find it worth having for those quick shots when no time is available for any setup. Auto exposures usually are bang on, and with tricky lighting the exp. compensation works well.
The Autoocus in poor light isn't great, but is easy enough to work around.

The comment about the veiwfinder is my biggest beef. In bright light (on snow, etc,), I often set my camera to shutter priority simply because I cannot see the LED's, and just wing my exposures! The upside is the metering is good enough to get away with this more often than not!

The only other issue that has conme up is that in very cold environments (-30 and colder) I have 2x had the batteries die when film is rewinding. In itself this is commmon, though when I replace or rewarm the batteries, the camera thinks that the film is rewound and will not function until the back is opened and new film inserted. This creates a problem in the field because the film is still spooled in the camera and has not been completely rewound, thus requiring a darkroom environment to manually rewind the film outside of the camera! Pentax has advised me that there is nothing they can do about this and that I make sure that I have fresh, warm batteries installed before rewinding, which is easier said than done in -30 conditions when one set of batteries may only last one roll and the light is changing fast! I suspect other cameras have the same problems, perhaps I'm being a bit picky about a rare situation. I'm also coming from a couple of decades of shooting primarily with the fully manual MX...

Overall I am very pleased with the MZ-5n and the quality of images i am capturing with it!

Customer Service

Good, lot's of helpful response.

Similar Products Used:

MX, ME-Super, OM-1, OM-2, Nikon 65

1. Ease of use.
2. Quality of product.

I haven't found any for my style of photography.

Purchased this camera as a second body due to other family members having Pentax cameras and lenses. I have found that I am becoming very attached to it-simply the most uncluttered camera that I have ever used( no modes-programing buttons, large data backs etc.) just picked it up , with excellent results. I didn't have to memorize a thing nor have I had to constantly return to the manual for instructions. ( I have found that for me the more "sophisticated electronic camera backs" are a hendrance.)
"Great Camera" for learning and expanding photographic skills and beyond. If you want a solid performing product at a great price -this is it!


* This is not an intimidating camera!*

Customer Service

If you need help you'll get it! Answered many questions regarding this camera before I purchased it. I had to mail order-none available locally.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax ZX-10
Pentax PZ70
Nikon N70
Nikon 6i

It is a good camera for the money. I can use all my old lens, can use AA batteries of I like to (with AA battery holder.)

focus speed is not as fast as the PZ-1.The Pentax Pro lens are too expansive.

This is a lot camera for the money.I bought the AA battery grip for about $25.00 extra. I wish they offered this camera with the old PC connector. This camera is much easier to use then the PZ-1

Customer Service

None required yet on this camera, but I have used Pentax customer service befopre and they are goog.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax PZ-1,

-Straight Forward design
-Light weight
-Accurate Meter
-Exposure Bracketing
-DOF preview
-A real camera with auto focus, not an expensive point and shoot with expensive lens

-Major lens companies don't make all lenses for Pentax

After using an X-700 adopted from my parents, i decided i needed something a with auto focus. Looked at other Minoltas, but they were all just big point and shoots that had interchangable lenses. I did like the XTSI, though. It was like the X-700 but had the auto focusing. Almost bought it, but luckily drove 25 miles away from a Ritz and went to a small town to check out a camera shop. They had Pentax. After hearing good things from a very experienced photographer who used Pentax, I had no reserves in buying the ZX-5n. This is the best camera i have ever used hands down. I would not only reccomend it to any beginner, I would strongly urge you to. It is worth every cent

Customer Service

with an excellent build quality who needs it

Similar Products Used:

Minolta X-700
Minolta Maxxum 3000i(laugh with me)
Ricoh
Canon AE-1

Easty to manipulate retro styled knobs control most camera functions. Light weight. Just plain fun to use!!

Only has 1/2000 max shutter speed. Auto focus modes are not as advanced as Canon. Only 1/100 Flash-sync speed

Incredibly simple to use and thoughtfully laid out controls. Made this the camera body for me. I researched for weeks and Pentax has a winner here. Combination of price and features with quality manufacturing means I recommend this camera!!!! Canon lovers beware this thing is far simpler to use.

Similar Products Used:

You gotta get the AA battery pack. Ads heft and makes the camera feel great in the hands.

Price
Depth of view (DOV) preview.
Most of the essential features of an auto-everything camera.
True pentaprism instead of pentamirror.
Metal lens mount.
Takes all Pentax lenses

No mirror lock up.
Manual film speed not straight forward.
Can use a brighter viewfinder.
View finder screen not changeable

I bought it yesterday to be used as my primary body, replacing a P30. I wanted to buy the ZX-M, but it does not have TTL flash. Other Pentax auto bodies (except PZ-1P and ZX-S) do not have depth of view (DOV). This is the least expensive model that features DOV.

I am very happy with the body. The vibration/noise associated with the P30 shutter/mirror is essentially absent. It is by far the best camera I have ever used in this aspect. I don't really need the manual to use the camera; that how straightforward and easy it is.

The view finder is not as bright as the P30 or the Nikon. But manual focusing was not difficult even in dim light, which is a surprise. The auto focus can assist but I am not sure whether that is useful or not as I have not yet run into a situation where I need it.

I would recommend this to anyone, beginner or pro. This is a camera that has the potential to grow with you. Depth of view preview function is missing in most of the entry to mid level cameras. It may be a frustrating experience at the beginning (darken view finder) but it is extremely useful for portraits and closeup, just to name two.

Pentax has done an excellent job in this body. Other manufacturers are playing the number game; ie, the number of features. But seriously, what is the percentage of the features that are being used on a regular basis. The 5N packs all of the essentail features and package it at a very good price. I will not hasitate to buy another.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax MX (my first SLR)
Pentax P30
Nikon EL
Minolta 101b
Minolta 370