Pentax Perfection!
Written: Oct 22 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: lightweight, full manual/(almost)full auto function, tons of features!
Cons: None that I consider a problem (unless you like autofocus)
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| Mystique99's Full Review: Pentax ZX-M Body Only 35mm Film Camera |
I discovered the Pentax ZX-M while shopping for a back up camera body to have on hand in case my other body died (and to have different film speeds/types available quickly). Initially I was not looking for a camera with auto advance, as it is just another thing to break and cause headaches. I soon found that manual advance is pretty much out of the market now, unless you find a good used model. I passed over the ZX-M at the first shop I looked at, as it was well over $200 and I hadn't planned on spending quite that much. When I found it at Abolins for around $160, I went ahead and bought it.
I have had this camera for over a year now, and it quickly moved from a back up camera body to my primary camera. Previously I had been using a Pentax P30T, which is also an excellent model. The main feature in choosing the ZX-M (for me anyway)was the lens mount. I only have 3 lenses (50mm Pentax, 28-85 Kalimar, and 80-210 Tamron), but I certainly don't want to have separate lenses to carry around. I also liked the fact that the ZX-M is very lightweight. The camera body (loaded), Kalimar lens, and Pentax AF200T flash only weigh a total of 2 1/2 pounds.
Although I have not yet fully explored all the nifty features of the camera, I would consider it a highly functional camera for beginner to advanced level users. It allows for full manual to full auto (with the exception of autofocus) use, as well as auto advance,rewind and load. It also can be set for single frame or consecutive frame mode, which is nice for photographing athletic events or other fast paced action (I tested it at the horse track). The autotimer is another handy feature, although it would be even better to have a remote shutter control. You have plenty of time to get out from behind the camera and into the shot before it takes the picture.
The camera uses two CR2 3 volt lithium batteries, which can be purchased almost anywhere film and other camera essentials are sold. My batteries are just now dying after a year and 4 months of use, with over 250 exposures in the past 3 months alone! There is also a "low battery warning" signal that lets you know your batteries are close to exhaustion before they actually die so you can replace them asap, instead of having the shutter lock unexpectedly in the middle of a shoot.
The autoload (advance) feature is a plus, as you don't have to manually shoot off the first couple frames to avoid the exposed film at the beginning of a roll. It will also display an "E" for error if the film does not properly load, so problems with film slipping off or not loading are pretty much eliminated. It is designed to use DX coded film anywhere from 25-5000 ISO, although I have only used it with the standard 100-400 speeds so far. The correct speed is automatically selected, which is nice since my other Pentax would read 100/200 the same, 400/800 the same and 1600/3200 the same. If you happen to be using non-DX film, you will need to set the film speed yourself.
The viewfinder features an LCD exposure meter with the shutter speed and aperture setting, microprism, split-image, and matte field focusing fields, and flash ready light. The shutter speed has a range of 1/2000 to 2 seconds, as well as the bulb setting and 1/100(flash synch) setting. There is also an on/off switch to conserve battery life and prevent accidental exposures. You can get the camera with a "data back" to have the date imprinted on your photos, it is optional however and mine did not have that feature (not that I need or want it). The body has the Pentax Ka2 bayonet mount and uses pretty much any K mount lens. It also has a hot shoe for flash use.
Overall I have been extremely happy with this camera in the 16 months I have been using it. I have used it with and without flash in almost every condition and have never had a bad photo that I could blame on camera malfunction. It has plenty features and is lightweight enough for it to be perfect for travel or casual "around home" use. I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone looking for an inexpensive, fully functional piece of equipment!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Mystique99
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Member: Shannon Barnett
Location: Washington State
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 11 members
About Me:
I am a licensed veterinary technician, currently a sahm with my sweet little boy.
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