Pentax MZ-5n (USA model ZX-5n)


Format: 35mm Auto-focus SLR


Features

Shutter:  30s-1/2000s stepless in auto exposure modes, 2s-1/2000s + Bulb
in manual.  Flash sync 1/100s.

Metering:  6 segment evaluative, centre weighted and spot - all modes
user selectable.  With lenses prior to the A series evaluative metering
is not available.  +/- 3 stop exposure compensation in 1/2 stop
increments.

Modes:  Program, aperture priority, shutter priority, metered manual and
bulb.

Flash:  Retractable flash with guide number 11m@ISO100 built in --
coverage down to 28mm lenses.  Hotshoe for use of external Pentax TTL
flash units.  Redeye prevention mode.  Auto-flash mode (Flash fires only
when "needed").  No PC socket provided.

Auto-Focus:  3 point AF, switchable to single point.  Automatically
switches to predictive mode on sensing subject movement.

Motorwind:  Single frame and 2 frame per second user selectable.  12
second self timer.  Auto-rewind at end of roll.  Mid-roll rewind
supported.

Viewfinder:  0.8x magnification, covering 92% of the actual field of
view.  In viewfinder indications of in-focus, flash status, shutter
speed, aperture, memory lock, exposure compensation bar graph (also used
for over/under indication in metered manual mode).  Diopter adjustment
-2.5 - +1.5.

LCD screen:  Film status, frame number, Exposure mode, DX or manual film
speed setting, various warnings.

Other features:  Depth of field preview.  Exposure memory lock.
Auto-bracketing +/- 1 stop or +/- 1/2 stop.  Mid-roll switchable
panoramic mode, with viewfinder masking.  Trap focus with manual focus
lenses.

Accessories included:  Wide strap, Hotshoe contact cover, eyecup,
viewfinder cover, cable release socket cover.

Optional Accessories:  Electronic cable release, AA battery pack, Right
angle finder, Date imprinting back, a wide variety of off-camera flash
cables.


Handling

I bought this camera after struggling with a Nikon F-601 I borrowed from
a friend to try out SLRs.  I also looked at a couple of Canons and a
Minolta.  I was captivated by the small size of the MZ-5n and the
wonderful ease of changing settings; no more holding down buttons and
turning knobs, just set the shutter and/or aperture you want and you're
ready to shoot.

The controls are laid out in a fashion common to older cameras which
makes the camera easy to use by anyone familiar with traditional SLRs.

I find the placement of the controls quite intuitive, I rarely have
to take my eye from the viewfinder.  The exposure lock button is
placed where your right thumb sits on the back of the camera.
It is so well placed I sometimes hit it by accident, but an
asterisk in the viewfinder indicates that it is on.

I like the way the auto-bracketting is done:  If you hold down the
shutter release the camera will take three shots quickly in succession.
You can also press the shutter release once for each of the three
shots, convenient if people are walking in front of you.

I find the camera very comfortable in my hands, although it becomes
a bit awkward with a large lens mounted.  I own the battery pack FG 
and use it most of the time now and would recommend it to anyone
with larger hands or larger lenses.


Compatibility

This camera supports power zoom lenses but does not support any of the
advanced features like image size tracking, focal length memory,
zoom-burst etc.  If does allow the full use of any K-mount lens and you
can also mount the older m42 screwmount lenses using an adapter.

The camera supports all dedicated Pentax flashes.


Performance

I have been overjoyed with the exposure control in this camera.  The
only situations it has had problem with are very strong contrast
backlit shots.  I have not experimented much with the auto flash mode 
so I can't comment on that.

I have only two auto-focus lenses so I don't really feel qualified to
comment but I will state that the auto-focus performance is satisfactory
to me.


Irritants

I love using this camera and I think it's the right choice for me.  That
stated, I must say that it is not perfect.  Here are a few things that
bother me about this camera.

A major omission in my mind is the lack of multi-exposure capability.

I have also been hampered at times by the relatively slow flash sync
(1/100s).

The supplied eyecup is very loose and I lost it within the first two
months of owning the camera.  In bright light it can be difficult to see
the viewfinder readout, especially without the eyecup.  Shading the
viewfinder with your hand or a baseball cap helps somewhat.

There is no way to leave the leader out when rewinding.  I have found if
you watch the counter you can pop open the camera just as the counter
reaches zero, but be carefull not to ruin your first frame(s).

The red-eye reduction is accomplished by firing the flash twice, this
may be effective but creates two difficulties, one, the subject thinks
the picture has been taken and starts to move, two, the inherent delay
makes it difficult to capture peoples expressions.

The camera uses batteries while set on bulb, a fresh set is said to last
8 hours.  This makes the camera less suitable for astrophotography or
other long exposurte applications.

It is difficult to do differential fill flash, you must set the camera
in manual mode and dial the flash compensation you desire.


Price

I paid $825.00 Canadian October 31, 1997 in Ottawa, CA for the MZ-5n
with the SMC-FA 28-70 f4 AL.


Conclusion

A great all around camera for the serious amateur.