Pentax v/s Pentax
Mark Nye
I’m an American currently living in Pune, India doing research work on
area music with my wife. In mid-August a friend is coming from the
states for a visit and I’m thinking of having him bring us a new
camera, either a Pentax PZ-1P or Pentax ZX-5N, as we already have a
nice collection of Pentax lenses. Unfortunately I will have no
opportunity for hands on experience before we buy, which is why I’m
asking for advice.
Do any of you have experience with or perhaps own both cameras? It
looks like the ZX-5N has all of the features I would need, however the
PZ-1P’s higher shutter speed, faster film transport, and enhanced
programmability look attractive. Is the PZ-1P more ruggedly
constructed than the ZX-5N? (I’ve been shooting with a K1000 for year
and it makes a great travel camera ‘cause you can just about drop it
off a cliff without having problems!) The ZX-5n control layout looks
very good, especially to someone accustomed to a manual camera, however
I’ve read that the PZ-1P is an ergonomic dream come true. Any
opinions? Which camera has a better “feel”? (I realize this is a
highly subjective question!)
So…the basic question comes down to this: While I’m sure we would do
fine with the ZX-5n, is the PZ-1P worth the extra $150?
Oh, and I also have two technical questions that I’m having difficult
resolving. 1) What’s the difference between the ZX-5N and the ZX-5N
QD? 2)I know that there is a AA battery pack available for the ZX-5N.
Will the same pack work with the PZ-1P, and if not, is a AA pack
available for the PZ-1P?
Thanks all!
Mark Nye
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
marc cooper
"Dave Oswald" <d...@teleport.com> wrote in message
news:14btms0mkigmo75t8...@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 14 Jul 2000 03:48:50 GMT, Mark Nye <m-...@shout.net> wrote:
>
> >Hi Folks!
> >
>
> <Snip>
>
> >Do any of you have experience with or perhaps own both cameras? It
> >looks like the ZX-5N has all of the features I would need, however the
> >PZ-1P's higher shutter speed, faster film transport, and enhanced
> >programmability look attractive. Is the PZ-1P more ruggedly
> >constructed than the ZX-5N? (I've been shooting with a K1000 for year
> >and it makes a great travel camera 'cause you can just about drop it
> >off a cliff without having problems!) The ZX-5n control layout looks
> >very good, especially to someone accustomed to a manual camera, however
> >I've read that the PZ-1P is an ergonomic dream come true. Any
> >opinions? Which camera has a better "feel"? (I realize this is a
> >highly subjective question!)
> >
> >So.the basic question comes down to this: While I'm sure we would do
> >fine with the ZX-5n, is the PZ-1P worth the extra $150?
>
> My experience is as follows: Camera sales for a few years (though
> college), during which time the PZ-1p was released, and later on the
> ZX-5 (pre-N). Now I'm a camera buyer for a department store chain,
> and have been for several years. Additionaly, I own a ZX-5n, my
> brother has a PZ-1p, and my brother-in-law has both a PZ-1p and a
> ZX-5n. Photography also happens to be a strong hobby for me.
>
> I could have picked either camera literally as though price were no
> object, and I chose the ZX-5n. But that said, the PZ-1p is probably a
> superior body in a number of ways. However, I prefer the ergonomics,
> the user-interface, the simplicity, and the size of the ZX-5n. The
> PZ-1p offers faster shutter speed, faster motor drive, seven-segment
> metering (as opposed to six), power-zoom features, user-programmable
> profiles, etc. But the ZX-5n works just like a camera ought to work;
> its controls follow the traditional layout that anyone who has been
> around photography for awhile is accustomed to seeing. It is just
> hard to beat such a nice design. It has super accurate metering, good
> AF, predictive AF, and all sorts of features laid out in a way that is
> so convenient that I find myself using them frequently. On the other
> hand, my brother really likes his PZ-1p, and my brother-in-law shoots
> with both side by side (he's a special event photographer; weddings,
> graduations, etc.).
>
>
>
>
> >Oh, and I also have two technical questions that I'm having difficult
> >resolving. 1) What's the difference between the ZX-5N and the ZX-5N
> >QD? 2)I know that there is a AA battery pack available for the ZX-5N.
> >Will the same pack work with the PZ-1P, and if not, is a AA pack
> >available for the PZ-1P?
>
> "QD" stands for Quartz Date. The QD version of the ZX-5n has a
> date-back that, when turned on, will record the date on the film as
> you take a picture. It can be turned off, and on my camera has only
> been turned on once when I had to take some insurance pictures.
>
> The AA battery pack is available only for the ZX models; ZX-5n, ZX-7,
> ZX-30, ZX-M, and former ZX models, ZX-5, ZX-10, and ZX-50. As far as
> I know there isn't one available for the PZ-1p.
LEDMRVM
>area music with my wife. In mid-August a friend is coming from the
>states for a visit and I’m thinking of having him bring us a new
>camera, either a Pentax PZ-1P or Pentax ZX-5N, as we already have a
>nice collection of Pentax lenses. Unfortunately I will have no
>opportunity for hands on experience before we buy, which is why I’m
>asking for advice.
>
>looks like the ZX-5N has all of the features I would need, however the
>PZ-1P’s higher shutter speed, faster film transport, and enhanced
>programmability look attractive.
*My wife and I have two of each. I like both. She is less technically-minded
than I, so she prefers the ZX5n. Do you need more than 1/2000 top shutter
speed? More than 1.8 fps advance? More than manual, aperture-preferred, shutter
preferred, and more than one stop over/under bracketing? If so, the PZ1p which
is heavier and IMO more rugged is the choice. I regard the ZX5n as adequately
rugged, however. Also, the ZX5n is lighter and has a better AF system.
>Is the PZ-1P more ruggedly
>constructed than the ZX-5N? (I’ve been shooting with a K1000 for year
>and it makes a great travel camera ‘cause you can just about drop it
>off a cliff without having problems!)
*Well, maybe. As a simpler heavier camera, it is more rugged than than the
ZX5n.*
>The ZX-5n control layout looks
>very good, especially to someone accustomed to a manual camera, however
>I’ve read that the PZ-1P is an ergonomic dream come true. Any
>opinions?
*The Pz1p handles well, but the dream come true comment is VERY subjective with
any 35mm body.*
>Which camera has a better “feel”? (I realize this is a
>highly subjective question!)
*Sure is<grin> To me the heavier PZ1p feels better, but to each his own. Since
I carry 2 bodies on a "shoot", the ZX's have a great appeal, but she carries
those.*
>So…the basic question comes down to this: While I’m sure we would do
>fine with the ZX-5n, is the PZ-1P worth the extra $150?
>
*You guessed it--yes and no.
>Oh, and I also have two technical questions that I’m having difficult
>resolving. 1) What’s the difference between the ZX-5N and the ZX-5N
>QD?
*I have no idea--my PZ1p's were bought without those damned datebacks. The
ZX5n's have them--unused in our case.*
2)I know that there is a AA battery pack available for the ZX-5N.
>Will the same pack work with the PZ-1P, and if not, is a AA pack
>available for the PZ-1P?
*Don't have, don't know. Sorry
>Thanks all!
>Mark Nye
>
AlexZN
>Oh, and I also have two technical questions that I’m having
difficult
>resolving. 1) What’s the difference between the ZX-5N and the
ZX-5N
>QD?
The only difference is the ability to imprint the date on the
photograph- thisn is usually considered a useless feature for
anything but family snapshots. I don't have it and I don't miss
it.
2)I know that there is a AA battery pack available for the
ZX-5N.
>Will the same pack work with the PZ-1P, and if not, is a AA pack
>available for the PZ-1P?
No, PX1p does not have a battery pack, so you are stuck with
lithium batteries. The battery pack Fg for the ZX5n can take 4 AA
size batteries. It also improves the grip feel and the balance of
the camera for me.
PZ1p is a higher level body geared to a more serious
photographer. The main flaw is its old autofocus system (center
sensor only) and manual depth of field preview that you can't use
in the program or shutter-priority mode (i.e. when the lens is
set to "A"). Both bodies can be considered great bargains for
what they offer at their price point.
Alex
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John Halliwell
writes
>Oh, and I also have two technical questions that I’m having difficult
>resolving. 1) What’s the difference between the ZX-5N and the ZX-5N
>Will the same pack work with the PZ-1P, and if not, is a AA pack
>available for the PZ-1P?
[US names used for clarity throughout]
Other posters seem to have summed it all up very well. My own opinion:
I haven't got the ZX-5n but have the ZX-M which is manual focus. The PZ-
1p is built better, but I doubt there's that much in it in a 'real
world' bashing.
As far as handling is concerned, the PZ-1p is faultless to hold, fits my
hands perfectly. The ZX-5n isn't as nice but there's nothing
fundamentally wrong. As for the user interfaces, I can operate both
without any problem (I don't think about either).
No there isn't an AA grip for the PZ-1p. The only power source is 2CR5
lithium batteries. If you can't source these easily locally, the ZX-5n
immediately looks like the better option. If you can source 2CR5s
locally, carry at least one spare all the time. For info, the ZX-5n
takes two CR123 lithium batteries when not using the AA grip.
Sorry but it looks like your decision (not an easy one I'm afraid).
--
John
Pentax LX, MX, Super-A (Super Program), Z-1 (PZ-1), MZ-M (ZX-M)
Mamiya C330f, 645 SV
Miranda MS-2 Super
Lubitel 166U
Joseph Tainter
you've heard good about the ZX-5n is true also.
In what conditions do you shoot? I shoot much of the time in bright sun,
and for those conditions the 5n is fatally flawed. You cannot read the
exposure in the viewfinder, and the information is not given on the
body's LCD (as it is with the other M/ZX cameras). Because of this I
bought the 1p rather than the 5n - and have been exceedingly pleased.
It's a camera one can grow into.
So consider your shooting conditions.
Joe
Mark Nye wrote:
>
> Hi Folks!
>
> I’m an American currently living in Pune, India doing research work on
> area music with my wife. In mid-August a friend is coming from the
> states for a visit and I’m thinking of having him bring us a new
> camera, either a Pentax PZ-1P or Pentax ZX-5N, as we already have a
> nice collection of Pentax lenses. Unfortunately I will have no
> opportunity for hands on experience before we buy, which is why I’m
> asking for advice.
>
> Do any of you have experience with or perhaps own both cameras? It
> looks like the ZX-5N has all of the features I would need, however the
> PZ-1P’s higher shutter speed, faster film transport, and enhanced
> programmability look attractive. Is the PZ-1P more ruggedly
> constructed than the ZX-5N? (I’ve been shooting with a K1000 for year
> and it makes a great travel camera ‘cause you can just about drop it
> off a cliff without having problems!) The ZX-5n control layout looks
> very good, especially to someone accustomed to a manual camera, however
> I’ve read that the PZ-1P is an ergonomic dream come true. Any
> opinions? Which camera has a better “feel”? (I realize this is a
> highly subjective question!)
>
> So…the basic question comes down to this: While I’m sure we would do
> fine with the ZX-5n, is the PZ-1P worth the extra $150?
>
> Oh, and I also have two technical questions that I’m having difficult
> resolving. 1) What’s the difference between the ZX-5N and the ZX-5N
> QD? 2)I know that there is a AA battery pack available for the ZX-5N.
> Will the same pack work with the PZ-1P, and if not, is a AA pack
> available for the PZ-1P?
>
ERNReed
>Everything you've heard good about the PZ-1p is true, and everything
>you've heard good about the ZX-5n is true also.
I agree. Excellent summaries given by the other posters -- which to get really
is a matter of personal taste unless you know you need a feature one has and
the other hasn't (such as maybe using AA batteries -- ZX-5n with battery pack
-- or wanting to make multiple exposures -- PZ-1p).
But Joe also wrote:
> I shoot much of the time in bright sun,
>and for those conditions the 5n is fatally flawed. You cannot read the
>exposure in the viewfinder, and the information is not given on the
>body's LCD (as it is with the other M/ZX cameras).
Say what? "You cannot read the exposure in the viewfinder"? I have never heard
this about the ZX-5n before, and I've never noticed it myself -- and I live,
and shoot, in a rather sunny part of the world. In fact, I just took myself and
my ZX-5n outside into the 100+ degreesF sunshine to check, and I can see the
viewfinder exposure display. Maybe Joe knows something about Mark that I don't
know, but the fatal flaw doesn't seem to apply to me and my camera.
----------------------------------------------------------------
E.R.
http://members.aol.com/ernreed
If you aren't spamming, avoid the junktrap
Gary Richards
years now. The body is very durable and I have not had any trouble with the camera.
It has proven to be a very durable body and I have used it in all kinds of weather.
Batteries hold up well unless you use the built-in flash a lot. The best thing the
PZ1P has over the ZX5N is the hyper-mode. This feature alone is worth the ticket
price! The PZ1P is a larger body but handles easily. The camera can be configured
to the way you shoot. For the money, I think the PZ1P is one overlooked camera. I
really like it.
GR
ToddEStan
right of the viewfinder? That's what my ZX-M has, and I have no
problems with it at all in bright daylight.
Todd
Joseph Tainter wrote:
>
> Everything you've heard good about the PZ-1p is true, and everything
> you've heard good about the ZX-5n is true also.
>
> In what conditions do you shoot? I shoot much of the time in bright sun,
> and for those conditions the 5n is fatally flawed. You cannot read the
> exposure in the viewfinder, and the information is not given on the
--
Spam filters in place. If you are accidently blocked, remove nospam.
Peter A
with faster shutter speed. I have the Mz-5n and have never regretted the
choise. I have probably had some 200-300 films through it without any
problems. It has been fropped a couple of times, with no affect. I have
never handled a 1p though, and I have heard it is as good as it gets when
it comes to handling.... I am waiting for the new professional Pentax that
is supposed to be released next yer though....and me MZ-5n and the Mz-50 as
a backup will make good use during that period, I am sure...
/Peter A
Mark Nye wrote:
> Hi Folks!
>
> I’m an American currently living in Pune, India doing research work on
> area music with my wife. In mid-August a friend is coming from the
> states for a visit and I’m thinking of having him bring us a new
>
<snip>
John Halliwell
<d...@teleport.com> writes
>The LCD on the outside displays: Frame number, ISO, Mode (P, Av, Tv,
>M), beep-status, flash mode...and again I think that's about it.
Don't forget that in aperture priority you can read the aperture off the
lens and the shutter speed off the shutter dial in shutter priority.
--
John
Preston, Lancs, UK.
ToddEStan
shutterspeed, apature, Flash status, exposure lock, exposure
compensation icon, and the light meter which shows how much you are over
or under exposed in 1/2 stop increments upto 3 stops under/over. The
display automatically gets brighter in bright light, and dims in dim
light. I have never had any problems reading info off of it, unlike the
unlit LCD in the Sears camera I had, but that is another story.
The outside LCD shows frame number, P, AV, TV, M, battery low, an icon
showing there is film in the camera, and the ISO icon that comes on if
the ISO setting is different than the DX code on the roll.
Todd
Todd
Dave Oswald wrote:
>
> On Sun, 16 Jul 2000 11:46:19 -0500, ToddEStan
> <todd...@nospam.visi.com> wrote:
>
> >Does the ZX-5n have the information printed on a green LED screen on the
> >right of the viewfinder? That's what my ZX-M has, and I have no
> >problems with it at all in bright daylight.
> >
>
> Yes, the ZX-5n shows exposure information using green LED's in the
> righthand side of the viewfinder. The following information is
> displayed (I'm sure I'll miss something):
>
> Shutter speed, F-stop, flash status, focus status, proper (or
> improper) exposure indicator, exposure compensation, matched needle
> meter, meter lock, lens/flash compatibility.... I believe that's about
> it.
>
> The LCD on the outside displays: Frame number, ISO, Mode (P, Av, Tv,
> M), beep-status, flash mode...and again I think that's about it.
>
> Dave
Paul McC
excellent, simple to use camera. With the Pentax FA 50mm f1.4 lens, it
produces some really nice photographs, with very little user input when
taking advantage of the mulit segment metering, and the programmed mode.
The AF does tend to hunt in lower than average light conditions, but is
excellent at locking on in 99% of subject cases.
However, I made a trip to the mountians the other weekend, and in a bright
environment sorrounded by snow, I could rarely see the tiny speed & aperture
information LCD inside the camera - it is amber in colour in this model.
The MZ-5n has a green LCD - I think, and may help alleviate this problem.
cheers,
Paul
"ToddEStan" <todd...@nospam.visi.com> wrote in message
news:39725101...@nospam.visi.com...