Cheap (without lens it costs $149 at BHPhoto), DOF, excellent controls, accepts all Pentax lenses, Dummy (oops, sorry, Program) mode is OK, other modes work fine as well.

Plastic lens mount :( it already shows signs of wearing (I have this camera for more than half a year). Lightweight, but with FG adapter is fine. No built-in flash, but I dont need one, AF201Sa flash works just fine. Viewfinder info is hardly readable when shooting in bright light. No spotmetering. No TTL flash.

Overall-excellent camera for the price. Yes, it has manual focus, but I'd better trust myself than the autofocus (if I have ruined shot, I know who is guilty for that ;). Controls are really nice and easily readable, FG battery adapter gives enough weight and ergonomics. The only drawback is this plastic lens mount. But of you are going to have a zoom lens on it, this cannot be a problem. 4 modes are available: Program, Aperture, Shutter priority and Manual mode. You can change every setting by just rotating the disks, it's really wonderful and easy. Exposure compensation (+/-3 steps) can suite almost every situation when electronics can be fooled but you still want to use P, Av or Tv mode. I recommend this camera to everyone who wants to have manual camera with possibilities to use any of program modes or manual mode for the full control. If you are beginner - you can learn a lot, if you are pro-this can be nice backup camera. For those who need a flash: buy one! AF201Sa is designed for this camera, at least documentation says that :).

Customer Service

none needed yet

Similar Products Used:

Pentax MZ-3 (similar to ZX-5Nn), old KIEV (russian SLR)

1. Bright Viewfinder
2. Light and portable
3. Good light metering

1. Plastic body and hydrocarbonate lens mount
2. No built-in flash

1. it is quite good camera at economy price.
This camera gives good images and impressive
view finder. I used lot with Pentax SMCP FA 35/3.5 AL. The pictures is really great and impressive. Light metering is excellent in its class.

Customer Service

Never contacted

Similar Products Used:

1. Minolta Maxxum classic 600 Si
2. Contax 167MT
3. Pentax MX

Kit Price included 35-80 and a nice soft case big enough to also carry my Nikon 35TI. Good small camera for someone with large hands. Controls easy to use and very well marked.

Plastic body? Time will tell.

For years I looked for a replacement for my "war-horse" Minolta SRT-202, this is as close as it gets, with some bonuses. (motor wind, pre-programmed modes, etc). If you're thinking phone order, or internet shopping, try cameraworld, they're very courteous and ship your order as promised.

Customer Service

None.

Similar Products Used:

None.

light weight
easy, fast and sure film loading
exposure compensation,
quality AE ability with good results,
dependable and appropriate setting when using aperture priority mode and shutter priority mode,
easy to read LCD display,
easy to learn and operate for anyone,
Clear viewfinder with sharp split image focusing aid to accurately and quickly focus,
Allows to take multiple shots consecutively,

Seemingly less sturdy camera body comparing with what I was used to,
Also, lens mount is plastic ( I was told it is glass filled polycarbonate by another reviewer,) and it probably does not have the same durability the metal kind has but it seems durable enought so far.
Shutter release button is a little too far to the right end of the camera body and it would be more comfortable if it was a little to the view finder side. ( my finger is very long and my last camera's button got me used to the certain position,)
Need to set everything for someone to take a picture with me in it.

ZX-M serves my needs very well. I just reviewed the results of my second roll and I am quite satisfied with the AE mode accuracy and dependability as well as the Manual mode which I enjoy the most when I have time to indulge in the creativity of photography. I certainly don't have the time I had since our little one came along. I use Tokina SD 28mm-70mm 3.5/4.5 which I used last 15 years for P30.This lens also has macro capability and it has produced some beautiful close up of flowers, insects, or other creative photo to be used for personal correspondence cards. My last roll was from my childs'birthday party and I was able to get a close up of a beautifully decorated cake top in detail. Outdoor photos at different times of a day with various degrees of light intensity proved to be successful using all the modes. For those who would like to depend on AE mode, all the photo's done with AE mode came out nicely. A few times AE mode indicated the need for flash but I set it at F3.5 and and set the shutter speed as 1/30. The photo came out well, too. As far as the shutter release button position, I think I will get used to it in a while. I have to remind my self that I have to flex my finger quite bit to press the button instead of relaxing it. I caught myself pressing the center of the shutter speed dial quite a few times.
Although, I enjoyed the manual feel of winding each time after you take a shot, ZX-M is quickly getting me used to the convenience of having it done automatically so I am ready to take the second shot immediately. ( Some of you are probably thinking that I must be some kind of an antique loving character who just discovered the high tech erra,)
I taught myself to use the completely manual P30 15 years ago and I love being in CONTROL. But in this 21 st century, I can allow myself to let go of somethings for convenience. It was actually strange that it wound up the completed roll making the familiar zzzmmmmm sound but very quickly. This would be a wonderful camera for those who are biginner photographers or experienced ones. Especially perfect for a Mom who already has heavy load to carry but still wants to ensure the qualiy of photos and do not wnat to settle for a light and small point and shoot camera. I remember so many times when I wished the camera was lighter when I carried my P30 in the diaper bag. I wish I had ZX-M sooner.
Only problem is, that Tokina SZX 80mm-200mm which fits perfectly to my P30 does not fit ZX-M. My TOkina SD 28mm-70mm fits zx-m fine. I wish there was a way to make both lenses work on my new ZX-M.
All my friends can't believe that this camera is only $150. It is great quality for the amount of money you pay. The price is just for the body since I already had my lens. Well, I really can't wait to take my new camera out on a serious outdoor photo trip. Oh, another thing, a few of the shots from the last roll were taken at the pool on a very bright sunny day. I was cautiously doubting the result of the shot, ( I took the photos of kids in the pool with a lot of light reflecting on the surface of the water and I was not sure if AE mode would perform right) but the camera was smarter than I thought. It impressed me especially when I remembered how much I paid for this camera. Those of you who are reluctant to consider this camera because of lack of fancy features, think about how often you will really use or need those features. If you have a limited budget, I recommend this camera very highly.

Customer Service

my zx-m is brand new and never needed service yet

Similar Products Used:

Pentax P30

Light, manual control, bright finder, nice combination of analog knobs with electronic features

Plastic Lens Mount, No spot meter, The black painted letters ZX-M are starting to rub away Not the best brand to grow with as a photographer

I've had this camera for over three years. This camera in and of itself offers outstanding value in terms of features and design of the camera. The manual controls of this camera forces the beginning photographer to consider his shots, when I had a canon rebel I learned nothing about photography, since the majority of the pictures taken with the rebel were in focus and reasonably exposed. The first couple of rolls of film I shot with the pentax almost all of the pictures were out of focus, underexposed or overexposed. It forced me to learn the fundamentals of photography, to slow down and consider the composition, DOF, and exposure settings. That more than all the electronic automation of the Cannon rebel made me a better photographer. That said the Pentax System does have its limitations, while it has a great selection of used lenses to select from in terms of new lenses it trails Nikon and Canon in selection and often is more expensive than Nikon and Canon. Also Pentax's flagship models have done little to rally the consumers, the new MZ-S seems to trail the Canon Elan 7e in terms of technology and features even though the Elan 7e retails at half the price of the MZ-S and offers a more comprehensive system. Despite all of this I am very happy with my Pentax, it forces the photographer to become responsible for the pictures they take, if the picture is bad or if it is great you can take credit for it and you get feedback everytime you develop a roll. The camera has held up reasonable well. After years of use the painted letter M of the ZX-M is starting to rub away, after a certain point I'll probably just rub all of it off. I've spent maybe forty dollars on batteries and shot hundreds of rolls with this camera. My other camera is a Stylus Epic that I "borrowed" from my sister and a Lomo action camera that takes four consequetive shots on a singe frame.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

Cannon Rebel, Canon Elan IIe, K-1000, ZX-5n

light, easy to use, holds up to the weather, gives you a lot of creative options, has a pretty good metering system

i can't really think of any

This camera is great and pentax is very reliable. My old pentax is still even now is great working order. This camera is great for anyone who either wants to learn to do everything the old fashioned, and at the same time, for anyone who wants quick easy shots. Its gives you TONS of creative options that you wouldn't get with any old autofocus camera. It has great metering modes and a good metering system. I absolutely love it. And pentax has such a wide variety of lenses and accessories. Bottom line: if your looking for a camera that is reliable, AFFORDABLE!!!, and easy to use, this is definitely the camera for you.

Customer Service

haven't had to use it yet!

Similar Products Used:

pentax ME super

It uses the lens I had, saving me quite a few bucks. It is enough like my old K1000 that I learned to use it quickly. I like the small size and the auto exposure. The AE does a great job in situations too complex for me. Also the exposure meter is very well lit, a great improvement over the K1000. I like the simplicity. The more features on a camera the more ways to mess up. While I sure don't want a point and shoot camera I don't want one with 30 features I will never use.

The only thing I don't like is the on/off switch. I keep leaving it on all night. Why have an on/off switch? Why not just have the camera switch to off if the meter hasn't been tripped on for 5 minutes?

This camera is a replacement for my trusty K1000 Pentax. While I can use it the same as my manual K100 I enjoy its new features also. It fills my needs.
Now a word about the "value rating" I have to fill out below. Is ANYONE going to say that the camera they just bought was a poor value? I mean, if it was a poor value would they admit that they buy such things?

Similar Products Used:

Pentax K-1000, a totally manual camera. Geee, I miss the "KERPLUNK" of the shutter.

Most features for the money.
DOF preview.
No AF or built-in flash, so batteries last forever.
Lightweight but solid.
Accurate metering, shutter.
Fully manual, aperture priority, and programmed modes.

Pentamirror viewer: the pentaprism on the ME Super gives a larger image, making focussing easier.
Total reliance on electronics.
No multiple exposure, mirror lockup, TTL flash, or other high-end stuff, except DOF.
Requires dedicated electronic cable release.

A lot of camera for a little money. The polycarbonate body has held up well for about 3 years. A 4-AA battery pack is available which gives it a better balance with long lenses. Not a model for the pros, but packed with more than enough features for the enthusiastic amateur. Accepts all MF and AF K-mount lenses, and there are plenty of used ones available cheap, both Pentax and third party.

Customer Service

Never used.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax ME Super

Love the camera, love the knobs.

Plastic lens mount

Great beginner camera. Will operate without batteries. Would be great for next 20-30 years after digital cameras take over - IF it had a metal bayonet. Don't think plastic will hold up more than 10 years - but if you don't change lenses much, maybe it will. Please email me if you ever hear of anyone retrofitting a metal ring onto these for a reasonable fee.

Customer Service

None needed yet.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N90, Yashica T-4 Super, various Pentaxes

Extremely light, compact, excellent controls. Exposure meter is very accurate, even though it has only two zones.

The shutter/mirror noise and vibration are a bit higher than on the upper end Pentax models.

It's an excellent camera for somebody who wants to exercise considerable control over their pictures. Probably the highest value to price ratio of any SLR on the market.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax MZ-5