A modern classic: the Pentax MZ-5n / ZX-5n

Perhaps it is not very surprising for someone who likes using classic cameras to think that the Pentax MZ-5n (called ZX-5n in other parts of the world) is the most attractive autofocus SLR presently available. Nowadays, most SLRs are operated by means of tiny buttons and wheels whose functions - like the obscure keystroke commands of the (in)famous vi Unix text editor - depend on which mode the camera happens to be in. The MZ-5n, on the other hand, offers a self-explanatory, unambiguous, and perhaps even oldfashioned user interface.

Although some other AF SLRs, such as the Minolta 600si and the Canon EOS-50, also claim to offer more conventional controls, none has the ultimately classic shutter speed dial, aperture ring, and exposure compensation dial of the Pentax ZX-5n. Anyone used to working with older manual focus SLRs should be able to operate the MZ-5n without even looking at the manual. Apart from the functions of the built-in flash (which are controlled by a small button), every major setting on the MZ-5n is controlled by a dial or a lever and can be read out or set even when the camera is switched off. (Buttons are, of course, used where appropriate, such as for activating the depth-of-field preview and manual rewinding.)

This does not mean that the camera suffers from a shortage of features. Most features that are expected on a modern SLR, from important ones such as the depth-of-field preview button to merely convenient ones such as autobracketing, are present. (I do have to admit that it does lack the more frivolous features, such as multiple theme-based program modes, but I don't really consider this to be a disadvantage.) Furthermore, the camera is capable of handling most situations. Its six-field evaluative metering (plus centre-weighted and spot metering) and three-sensor autofocus work nearly perfectly under most circumstances, and whenever they don't it's easy enough to use exposure compensation, exposure lock, and/or to focus manually.

All in all, I really like the MZ-5n. It may not be as advanced or highly specified as some of its rivals (mainly the Canon EOS-50 and the Minolta Dynax 600si), but to me it has the best handling of them all.

SMC Pentax-FA 28-70/4 AL and SMC Pentax-FA 50/1.7

The MZ-5n is often sold together with the SMC Pentax-FA 1:4 28-70 mm AL lens. If you want a standard zoom lens, be sure to get this one instead of the 28-80 mm or 35-80 mm lenses (for details, see table below). Tests in various photography magazines (see, e.g., the comparative test of standard zoom lenses in Practical Photography, april 1999) as well as reports from individual users (found on Usenet and the perhaps not entirely impartial Pentax-users mailing list) indicate that this lens performs very well, especially considering its moderate price. So far, my personal experiences have also been very positive. It is light and small, feels quite robust in spite of its plastic construction, and, last but not least, produces sharp and contrasty images.

A standard zoom lens has many advantages, versatility and ease of use perhaps being the most important. It has, however, one big disadvantage: its limited maximal aperture. To me, this means that the standard zoom is of limited use without a tripod in the dull, dark, and cloudy conditions that dominate Dutch weather throughout autumn and winter (and sometimes spring and summer as well). I don't always carry a tripod, so, under those conditions, the classic 50 mm standard lens may come in handy. With its f/1.7 maximal aperture, it allows me to take handheld shots on ISO 100 film on even the dullest of winter days. For a review, consult the Pentax section on photo.net.

(The limited maximal aperture is also one of the major drawbacks of the popular 70/80-200 and 80-320 zoom lenses: at their longest focal length, the aperture is limited to f/5.6. Even on a sunny day, proper exposure on ISO 100 film at f/5.6 would often require shutter speeds of around 1/500 sec. Under somewhat less bright conditions, shutter speeds could easily get too slow to take handheld shots. Let alone if one wanted to use the lens at an aperture other than fully open... And, unfortunately, using faster film is not always an appropriate solution.)


Pentax autofocus lenses

The table below lists the Pentax autofocus lenses currently available. Note that older Pentax manual focus lenses (e.g., the A series) and most other K-mount lenses will also fit Pentax AF bodies. In addition, several independent manufacturers (including Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina) produce autofocus lenses in the current Pentax K-AF2 mount.

TypeElem./Grps.Angle of viewClose foc. Filter sizeWeight
Fixed focal length (prime) lenses
SMC FA 20 mm f/2.810 / 994°0.25 m67 mm255 g
SMC FA 24 mm f/2 AL (IF)11 / 984°0.3 m67 mm405 g
SMC FA 28 mm f/2.8 AL5 / 575°0.3 m49 mm185 g
SMC FA Soft 28 mm f/2.85 / 575°0.25 m49 mm195 g
SMC FA 35 mm f/2 AL6 / 563°0.30 m49 mm195 g
SMC FA 50 mm f/1.47 / 647°0.45 m49 mm220 g
SMC FA 50 mm f/1.76 / 547°0.45 m49 mm170 g
SMC FA Macro 50 mm f/2.88 / 747°0.195 m52 mm385 g
SMC FA 85 mm f/1.4 (IF)8 / 728.5°0.85 m67 mm550 g
SMC FA Soft 85 mm f/2.85 / 428.5°0.5 m52 mm305 g
SMC FA Macro 100 mm f/2.89 / 824.5°0.306 m58 mm600 g
SMC FA Macro 100 mm f/3.55 / 424.5°??220 g
SMC FA 135 mm f/2.8 (IF)8 / 718°0.7 m52 mm375 g
SMC FA 200 mm f/2.8 ED (IF)9 / 812.5°1.2 m77 mm785 g
SMC FA 300 mm f/2.8 ED (IF)10 / 78.2°2 mn.a.2680 g
SMC FA 300 mm f/4.5 ED (IF)9 / 78.2°2 mn.a.935 g
SMC FA 400 mm f/5.6 ED (IF)9 / 86.2°2 m77 mm1140 g
SMC FA 600 mm f/4 ED (IF)9 / 74.1°5 mn.a.6450 g
Zoom lenses
SMC F Fish-Eye 17-28 mm f/3.5-4.59 / 7180°-90°0.45 mn.a.255 g
SMC FA 20-35 mm f/4 AL10 / 894°-63°0.3 m?245 g
SMC FA 28-70 mm f/2.8 AL14 / 1175°-34°0.43 m67 mm800 g
SMC FA 28-70 mm f/4 AL9 / 775°-34°0.4 m52 mm240 g
SMC FA 28-80 mm f/3.5-4.78 / 875°-30.5°0.4 m58 mm380 g
SMC FA 28-105 mm f/4-5.613 / 1175°-23.5°0.43 m58 mm445 g
SMC FA 28-200 mm f/3.8-5.6 AL (IF)16 / 1475°-12.5°0.52 m73 mm465 g
SMC F 35-80 mm f/4-5.67 / 663°-30.5°0.4 m49 mm185 g
SMC FA 70-200 mm f/4-5.610 / 834.5°-12.5°1.1 m49 mm465 g
SMC FA 80-200 mm f/2.8 ED (IF)16 / 1330.5°-12.5°1.4 m77 mm1510 g
SMC F 80-200 mm f/4.7-5.611 / 730.5°-12.5°1.1 m49 mm295 g
SMC FA 80-320 mm f/4.5-5.613 / 1030.5°-7.7°1.5 m58 mm550 g
SMC FA 100-300 mm f/4.5-5.612 / 824.5°-8.2°1.5 m58 mm605 g
SMC FA 250-600 mm f/5.6 ED (IF)18 / 169.9°-4.1°3.5 mn.a.5050 g

(Data copied from Pentax manual dated 1997, and updated with data on the 20-35/4 wideangle zoom lens, the 100/3.5 macro lens, and the 35/2 wideangle lens from announcements in photography magazines. Abbreviations: AL - lens containing aspherical elements, ED - extra-low dispersion, IF - internal focussing)

Latest news: Pentax has finally introduced a 35 mm f/2 moderate wideangle FA lens! According to a test in a Dutch photography magazine (Camera Magazine, issue #6, 1999), this may even be the best 35 mm lens Pentax ever made.


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Last updated on: October 31, 1999