a.k.a. How to get a too-often-discussed thread restarted. Pentax has never *consistently* made PJ-type 35mm bodies. In the 60s almost everything was well-built, so a PJ pro could use almost anything, and Pentax was in the fray. Even then their major market was the enthusiast.
In the 70s came the MX. Low-priced for the quality. Well-built, but not like a Nikon or Canon F1/F-1/whatever. In the 80s came the LX. Very well-built, but orphaned. No child. Definitely PJ-grade, but under-appreciated and under-marketed. In the 90s came the PZ-1/1p. As with the previous two, introducing some exceptional features and also well-built. Not quite PJ-grade, though some might argue this. I mean it as compared to the F3HP or F4. Also a piece of under-appreciated construction. I'm staying away from the word "professional" because it means so many different things. PJ work is only a part of pro. Even the common, low-priced A-3000 saw a lot of "pro" work in technical, embedded applications. Like film recorders. If one depends on a PJ-grade body for a living, Pentax is not the line to choose. If one wants a quality body with the outstanding character of the Limited lens line, there's nothing else to compare. What does "professional" to Pentax? Apparently three things: Limited lenses, 645 series & 67 series. This is what made Bruce's post yesterday so relevant. He was talking about equally photography that's not PJ work. Apparently three things: Limited lenses, 645 series & 67 series. The rest of Pentax, it seems, is for the enthusiast. My 2c, Collin ********************************************* From: Christopher Comer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Question on Pentax Lineup Hey everyone, I don't follow the future of Pentax too closely so maybe you could fill me in on some rumors. Will the *ist line be phasing out the Z/M line of cameras? Does Pentax plan on ever making a pro body again? I'm thinking about moving to a ZX-5n from a ZX-M in a few months and I'm just curious if the *ist will lower the price of the ZX-5n since they are so similar in features and price. Thanks for the gossip, time to sit back and see what happens... -Chris ********************************************* -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .
