Pentax ZX-M / MZ-M 35mm SLRs
Pentax ZX-M / MZ-M 35mm SLRs
USER REVIEWS
[Dec 06, 1999]
Mathias Tornqvist
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
ZX-M / MZ-M
Strength:
The ZX-M is the most ergonomic camera I could find anywhere near this price. All the functions are instantly availible - I just can't stand push-buttons and menus! It's very lightweight, and seem to be very reliable. Since manual focus K-Mount lenses can be had cheaply at just about any pawn shop, this becomes even more of a bargain. I may sometimes miss auto-focus for speed, but I can honestly say that none of the frames in the 25 or so rolls I've shot with this camera has been mis-focused.
Weakness:
The camera's small size is generally nice, but sometimes I long for omething chunkier to hold on to, even though my hands are less than average sized. The viewfinder isn't quite as large and bright as on some high end models I've tried, but that's nitpicking. I've recomended this to a few friends who are looking to get into cheap art-photagraphy. Some functions are automatic, but none I would prefer to control manually. For example, who REALLY cares to wind their camera manually - it certainly wouldn't improve any picture. And I shoot mostly on Aperture-Priority - sure, setting exposure manually is more "artsy", but if I were to manually set it to the light meters recommendation each time, what's the difference? Anyway, enough ramblings about that - if you are in the market for something good and cheap, the ZX-M is just about the only camera of it's kind. Similar Products Used: I've tried quite a few of the competing models, but non that offer a similar set of features and design. Contax rec |
[Dec 05, 1999]
Charles Wallace
Expert
Model Reviewed:
ZX-M / MZ-M
Strength:
I chose this camera because it has a lot of features that are normally found on more expensive cameras, while at the same time it is quite inexpensive. This is possible because it does not have auto-focus, which is a feature that I would usually turn off anyway. How often have you had a good photo ruined because the autofocus focussed on the wrong thing? Focussing is simply not that hard, especially when it saves you about $200!!! The advanced features of this camera include depth-of-field preview, auto exposure (aperture or shutter priority or full program mode), ability to override the automatic film speed detection, three frames-per-second auto-advance, and easy film loading. The camera is amazingly light, due to its plastic construction, which makes it much more pleasant to carry.
Weakness:
The camera does not seem to automatically turn off when the on-off switch is accidentally left on. However, since powe use is very low, this would not be a problem unless it was left on for an extended period. I love this camera. The most important factor in quality photography is lens quality - so why spend you money on an expensive camera body when you can get the ZX-M for under $200 - or as low as $135 on the web? Customer Service n/a Similar Products Used: Pentax ME, Ricoh KR-7 |
[Nov 29, 1999]
Aaron Carlton
Casual
Model Reviewed:
ZX-M / MZ-M
Strength:
Cost, Easy operation. Very Lightweight.
Weakness:
None This is a great student body for anyone who wants to learn how to take their own pictures! Has auto-shutter speed & aperture, but great for the photographer who can handle manual adjustments. I found mine on the internet for $135 (body only), and since it's not auto-focus, it works great with all the old pentax-k mount lenses. Similar Products Used: My old Pentax Super Program |
[Aug 26, 1999]
Chris Woody
Casual
Model Reviewed:
ZX-M / MZ-M
Strength:
Very light weight camera with good flexablity.
Weakness:
Seems like light meter is a little off. I hav eran about 20 rolls of film through this camera and it takes great shots as long as you adjust the f stop to make up for the light meter. Similar Products Used: None |