Worrying trend
Alin Flaider wrote: (Unconfirmed) rumors are that Minolta is in big trouble with its recently announced digital SLRs Dimage 7 and 5. It seems they have problems with the CCD chips (4 and 5 MPixel) and release is delayed for October (it was expected for May). I have heard the "after summer" date from beginning on. The 3M Pentax EI-3000 is also not available in the next months. Besides, Minolta lost 40% of share price in the past 3 months. Apparently they grossly overestimated demand for Maxxum 7 to 60,000(!) units/month while they only manage to sell 8000, losing 3 millions USD each month. Digital SLRs were their life-buoy, now this is sinking as well. This figures are hard to believe, even though I also have heard that Minolta is in trouble (since 2 years already). They recently reorganized and relocated more business units outside Japan. In fact, digital cameras are planned as their main business area for the future. Delays in this product area are a problem indeed, but this is not unusual. I somehow doubt they had such high expectations in the Minolta 7 worldwide, but maybe this refers to the US market and Minolta US distributor? The US consumer market in general is not so hot any more, and the Elan 7 of course was the winner amongst the advanced mid class releases. Canon just celebrated another incredible record in lens sales, so interest in system cameras basically is still alive. Bad management or dying SLR breed? ... Now I'm positive we won't see any film body beyond MZ-S; we are lucky if we get the upgraded MZ-3. Kodak just announced the cut of 3500 jobs due to the decreasing consumer demand. However, I don't know whether this is mainly due to the situation in the US or has something to do with interest in photography in general. Pentax is in a special situation with their 5-10% market share. Till 1996, they made 4 completely different camera chassis. In the last 5 years it was basically only one, and this allowed them to survive without large volume. Minoltas range e.g. is a mess regarding production efficiency - hence they demand on volume. The MZ-S might somehow be a test balloon how far this can go. Here the conventional SLR shares parts with a digital sibling they wanted to introduce for several reasons. While I'm sure we will see new MZ-derivates in future too, I also have doubts that a real solitary SLR design is possible any longer. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: Camera Recommendations
Len Paris wrote: Could you elaborate on why the N80 and Canons are crippled? This is just my opinion, of course, but I consider the N80 to be crippled because nothing older than AF-D lenses can be used on it. I have some pretty nice AI-S glass that I'm awfully fond of. A selfish reason? While there is some truth in this, the AF-D story is wrong, but persists notoriously in the net meanwhile. The F80 works with all AF-Nikkors ever made, being D, G, non-D or the manual P-Nikkors. The second hand market of AF-Nikkors (since 1986) is pretty big, so in case a beginner wants to go here (unlikely, especially if you read the origin of this thread), he will find what he wants. For people who own a Nikon manual focus outfit, the F80 is not a good choice indeed. In fact, with the discontinuation of the FM-2, they have to spend at least US$/EUR 750.- for a F/N90 or FM-3A now to get a new, backwards compatible body. Nikon obviously wants you to buy some new lenses instead, they will work both on the new and the old bodies (except the budget G Nikkors, but these have no acceptable manual focus design anyway). It's all about money making now in the photo industry. But Pentax is no different. MZ-S, in case you want it, will not be your only investment. You will need the new flash for exposure compensation and high speed synch. The new flash has no swivel head and only moderate power, so add a AF-500FTZ too. The body is damned small, so add the additional grip. Nice, you have a vertical release grip now, but only the old flash has a swivel head for vertical shots, and these one has no flash exposure comp And yes, don't forget the new remote release for the new socket, the old one won't fit... Have I mentioned the new focus screen btw? Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re[2]: Camera Recomendations
Alin Flaider wrote: Nice overall analysis if you only read the Pentax or Nikon parts. Otherwise MZ-5N and N65 are only comparable in weight and the fact they're both SLRs! N65 is truly the logical entry camera but not intended and certainly not being a match for MZ-5N. I never said it is. It is a competitor to the MZ-7. Anyway, all I wanted to suggest was the two lowest cost bodies that offer the minimum features of a mid class camera, being DOF preview, an alternative metering mode, a metal lens mount and a modern AF with a spot selection. Of course, some people live well without DOF preview, and then the Minolta 505si/XTsi is a great camera. Others only change lenses 1x per year, and live well with the plastic mount of the Canon rebels while enjoying the latest 7-point AF. Others don't need AF at all and go for a MZ/ZX-M and second hand market lenses. But since I don't know this girl and her preferences, I simply suggested two affordable and versatile cameras that would fit 95% of the beginners with ambitions. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Indeed - AGFA sells film business to unknown buyer
It has been rumored a while ago. Now it's official: Agfa prepares to sell the film business including finishing and lab equipment to an unknown buyer. Analysts say, only Konica or Gretag Imaging could be the ones interested. It is not sure whether consumer imaging will finally be part of the deal too. Agfa has made a record earn last year and wants to continue restructuring for their core competencies in graphic, medical and industrial imaging systems. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: IS
Frits wrote: How does IS work? I have seen it done with video camera's where it is done electronically, but how do you do it with a photo camera? It is done by adjusting a lens element with fast microdrives (tilting I think), which compensates for the change of the optical axis. This technique is also used in binoculars (e.g. Canon). It is even possible to move the lens element with a clever mechanics alone, but the precision effort is so high that this is not realized in photo lenses. A pure mechanical image stabilized Zeiss binocular exists (very expensive). This reminds me that Pentax holds an old Patent about an autofocus shift lens. This lens uses an internal shift, means only one lens element is moved to create a shift effect for architecture work. Like many other Patents, this product never was marketed. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: New (reported) 18mm - smart move
Mike wrote: Ralf wrote: I'm starting to wonder whether it can be a Limited lens. Another thing that makes me smell Limited here is that the 18mm is a classic K mount focal lenght. Would this argue _against_ it being a Limited?? I mean, so far, all the Limiteds have been new and unique focal lengths, ... Though I would like to be an owner of a K 18mm, it was Paal who wrote this. I think it is as much possible that this lens is a limited lens as it is that it is a FA* lens. For me the limited lenses are more or less new editions of the most outstanding M-series lenses. E.g. this way: M 2.8/40mmFA 1.9/43mm limited M 2.0/85mmFA 1.8/77mm limited M 2.0/28mmFA 1.8/31mm limited There was a very compact M 4.0/20mm, so in case the 18mm is not f2.8 but slower, it could be a limited lens, but I rather see it as a FA* lens, especially since the 20mm is a standard FA-type. If you ask me, a limited superwideangle would rather be a moderate fast 21mm than a 18mm. Also, a mid tele was rumored as the next limited lens (whatever this is worth). Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Minolta restructures - a typical move?
Swiss Foto intern reports an interesting organizational restructuring at Minolta, which somehow could be typical for the camera business: To face the digital cameras becomming the most important camera market in 2001, Minolta relocates their development and production facilities. In future, digital camera development will be the only work done in Japan. To have enough capacities there, major SLR activities will be concentrated in Malaysia. Malaysia in contrast will give the compact camera activities to Schanghai in China. Shanghai will cover the worldwide compact camera segment including development in future. I think this is rather typical for the market going on now. 35mm compacts are under enormous price pressure with minimal margins. They can only be made at low cost places anymore. Japan in contrast is a very expensive place for camera activities meanwhile, only products with very large margins can be done there, and you can earn a lot of money with digital cameras at the moment, due to the current high price levels. SLRs are somewhere inbetween, but they are already at the state of yesterdays compact cameras. If Pentax produces the MZ-S in Japan, they will be pretty brave... Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
New (reported) 18mm - smart move
I think the new reported FA 18mm will be a great thing regarding the Pentax system. 1. It is not as radical as the 15mm wides of the other companies, but still a dramatic wide angle. It will of course be much smaller and affordable than the 15mm's. 2. Af is not that much useless with a 18mm than it is with a 15mm. The very wide coverage of the new SAFOX VII makes especially sense in this lens range too. 3. With the full format digital SLR, it will cover a wide angle range unmatched in the digital business. With the usual 1.3x elongation factor of common format digitals, the other companies will start at max. 20mm effective plus the heavy weight of a 15mm to carry. 4. This is one of the few focal lengths not covered in the Pentax FA range meanwhile. While this is no special advantage of course, it is nice that they still introduce new focal lengths instead of just modifying existing lenses. So there are chances that there will be a FA* 3.5/400mm some day, a lens I think is needed for a professional perception of Pentax. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Minolta restructures - a typical move?
Paal wrote: Hmm.. There were recent rumors from Japan that Minolta might sell off their whole camera division. The off-Japan places are independent companies in the Minolta group. To a certain degree this is already a sell off (out?). As read this, it might mean that Minolta will tone down slr development and concentrate on digital development; I don't think this, but similar to Pentax they have to catch up a bit on the market leaders, so their main efforts will go there for sure. For Pentax, the MZ-series is now pure profit. RD is long payed off. So the situation might be somewhat different. Of course, Pentax has moved the MZ-production off-Japan already a while ago. Medium format and telescopes were the main Japan activities. I'm sure that projects like the new digital SLR demand all existing capacities at a company like Pentax. I don't think so (regarding the MZ-S Japan production). In fact, I believe cameras like the MZ-S is exactly among those that can survive in this scenario. Basically this is what I wanted to say. Especially with the digital sister. Nonetheless they might produce some parts off-Japan together with the rest of the MZ-line. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: PZ-1pN
Aaron Reynolds (and Chris in a similar way) wrote: What features does the MZ-S lack, in your opinion, making it not worth the price and not a pro-level camera and not a worthy successor to the PZ-1? ... Help us out, and heck, help Pentax out: tell us all what the camera is missing that makes it no good to you. In fact, this has been discussed in extenso one month ago. I'm sure most of us have made a personal feature and price list weeks ago and have drawn the according conclusions. The experience of the last time is that it is useless to discuss this with the fans. If Claude posts his list, there would immediately be 10 fans interpreting everything in their own manner and comming to the verdict that the MZ-S is the greatest camera ever, despite of themselves having demanded different features just a few months ago. I remember pretty well how people where flamed when e.g. doubting the MZ-S has eye control. Now even the most awkward focus point selection is great. If Pentax needs help, I recommend to have a look at Klaus Schroiffs Photozone and according camera feature tables. No further discussion needed then. Note that I don't say that Pentax should copy the others, but they should do their own designs on commonly accepted feature sets for certain price ranges. Of course I also find the gap between MZ-5N and MZ-S too large and hope they will release something inbetween. When talking about this camera (and this was in my eyes the subject of the PZ-1pN thread), I hope the MZ-S fans will stay out and not jumping in with "MZ-S is the one and only". Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: PZ-1pN
Pl Jensen wrote: This is nonsense. ... When we actually cited the EOS3/F100 comparison from magazines you accused people of being selective and again projecting wishful thinking or whatever. I don't get this; first the rumor mill says it cost F100 money. Then the enginner says the same thing at Photokina; but you insist it cost exactly the amount you want to pay for a camera. Wrong. It was said half a year ago that the new camera has now an order number for the distributors and will cost 2-2.5x the MZ-5N price, and will definitively not be the flagship (you, Boz etc.). Then Photokina came and specs were presented for a camera that would fit anything in the range $500 to $900. Pentax refused to give a price idea. Hence it was logical to think of it as an advanced mid class camera. Finally, it turned out that the specs weren't updated, but the price was. I am still in no way convinced it is worth the money. The price derives from Pentax special situation and sales projections in this class in my eyes. The F100 comparison is wishful thinking for many, but I admit that this is an opinion and we have yet to see what the verdict of the market will be. At least there are some dealers opinions that are not far away from my perception. Cheers, Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: PZ-1pN
Mike Johnston wrote: Since consumers are shopping by feature lists and spec charts, manufacturers load up their cameras with more and more features and compete for more extreme specs; I think Pentax has led the charge AWAY from this sort of excess in the "retro" ZX-5 and following models. I think there are lots of advantages--in user-friendliness and interface logic--to limiting the number of bells and whistles on cameras. I can't see this. A Pentax MZ-7 is pure bells and whistles, but lacks e.g. alternative metering modes, spot AF mode, program shift, DOF-preview - all features the competition offers. Pentax has limited the essentials here in favor of the gimmicks. The Z-1P has not one single bell and whistle - maybe except the powerzoom contacts. The user interface is of course typical early 90's - and even not bad for this period, when compared e.g. to Minolta 7xi and others. You cannot mix this up with bells and whistles and features just for paperweight. For today, it mainly lacks up to date AF, and that was the origin of this thread. The MZ-S offers a package pretty much comparable to an Elan 7, a $/EUR 550-600 camera. The built of the MZ-S is said to be better, so it could cost a bit more. But like others, I see no reason why this camera should cost more than $750-800. Especially I see no reason why other cameras, like Elan 7 or Minolta 7, being small too, can offer 3.5+ fps, EV comp in 0.3+0.5 steps, flash exposure comp on the body, larger finder (o.k., not Canon...), cross AF, AF-indication on the screen and so on and so on, and Pentax can't. If some say: they never intended - I simply don't belive this, since we are far away from bells and whistles here but talk about class typical features with a clear benefit for the user. I totaly agree we don't need another F5, and it probably wouldn't sell with the name Pentax on it anyway. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: questions on PZ-1p
Groupmates, I have the following question on the PZ-1p 1) What is the area covered by the spot meter? 2.5% 2) Would it work with my K-mount lens which I use with my MX? Yes. 3) Does it have a battery pack/vertical grip option? There is either a third party grip with alternative battery choice and vertical shutter release (http://www.wdcamengineering.com/pentax.htm, now really available(!), picture at: http://i8.yimg.com/8/50d617d/g/b79f3ed7.jpg), or at Pentax an ergonomy grip FDp with additional tripod mount metal plate and hand strap. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: First Look at MZ-S
Dick Graham forwarded this from his brother: Hi Dick, Our Pentax rep brought an MZ-S in last week. The one thing that overshadows all else about the camera is it's price. With a street price of $850 to $900, it will not sell very well. We figure, based on feel and features, it should be priced at about $600. The interface is cumbersome. Focus point sellection is very cumbersome. ... But more important than any of the above, dispite it's magnesium construction, it feels cheap. I fear that Pentax has dropped the ball on this one. We'll see. If the price gets down around $500 to $600 it may succeed. Hard words. Besides the fact that Bill didn't understand the exposure mode interface of the camera (somehow a bad thing in case this happens to dealers), I think this is how the non Pentax fans will see the camera. Especially since these complains are independent from technical features (no cross sensors, only 2.5 fps, 1/180s synch, no program shift, only 0.5EV exposure comp., no flash compensation in program with RTF and so on and so on), it is a very bad sign that they can't appraise the camera in a clear way. Some European Pentax distributors have also noted that the camera uses a lot of plastic. In other words: If you can't immediately feel the $1200.-, and you can't see them in the specs too, who would spend them, in case he is not a die hard Pentax fan? Unfortunately I see little chances that Pentax can lower the price. That's a volume question. Technical updates on the other side are difficult or impossible due to the small body. So we have to live with the situation that Pentax has released a camera targeted direct at the Pentax fan, a camera that makes sense in the special situation of an advanced Pentax system user, while being not the big draft for the overall market. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Subject: MZ-S spirit (was: MZ-S with LX durability?)
John Mustarde wrote: Although my first impression was reserved, I think the MZ-S will be a big hit, especially with the love-factor crowd who see a camera as a class act in addition to a photo tool. Even though I think I have understood the concept behind the MZ-S, I would be surprised if it becomes a _big_ hit. It might sell well, especially in the first time though. The class thing is nonsense in my eyes, and the MZ-S is definitely not for the ones wanting a young and wild camera at an attractive price (e.g. Minolta 7). It's more for the retired. This will limit the cutomer base of course. I can envision the salespeople at Arlington Camera. They sell a lot of near-list-price mid-range Canon and Nikon, and also sell a lot of Pentax 35mm cameras. The let customers handle several cameras in a price range. They do a good job of matching people to a suitable camera (rather than pushing the high-profit cameras). The next Doctor or Lawyer or Engineer's wife/husband/significant-other who wants the very best may be bowled over when they handle the MZ-S compared to an F80 or F100 or EOS 3 etc.. Yes, but is this positive? The MZ-S might get the image of a slow camera with luxury attitude for the slow people with luxury attitude. One thing I like about Arlington Camera is that their resident Canon and Nikon experts know exactly what I mean when I tell them I won't switch to Canon because I don't want those crappy over-rated Canon lenses, nor switch to Nikon because you gotta spend two grand for a body just to get basic features available in a $500 Pentax... -- This was maybe true 5 years ago, but doesn't describe the current situation. Pentax is a pretty expensive brand at the moment if it comes to features for money. Of course you refer to MLU and Z-1P. But soon you will have to spend $1200 for this instead of $500 at Pentax too, so where is the improvement? As you can see, I am really not sure what to do. I seriously consider to buy a MZ-S, but every time when I imagine to own it and go out for shooting, I have the strong impression to be disappointed. There is this feeling of lacking things though having paid a very hight price. I know that it has the essential features, but I absolutely do not feel well with luxury goods. That's how I am. I feel happy with a product that does more than the usual due to intelligent technology, and I regularly feel cheated with high price products that are not 100% perfect. I have had this experience with cameras and lenses several times (all brands), and meanwhile I have learned the lesson. Sometimes I have sold expensive stuff in order to buy something cheaper with this "more than usual due to intelligent make" factor. Even in case I have lost absolute value this way, I feel more happy then. Maybe I am just mad. But I am absolutely not the guy to buy a camera for 15 years and not to care anymore about the latest developments. Basically I want an affordable camera and the chance to update it every 5 years to the latest technology. I like this thrill of new equipment. Hence the MZ-S won't make me happy I think. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S semiprofessionel
Hi Erwin, you wrote: When I say poor choice of words, I'm not talking about the camera, I'm talking about selling a product. ... However the last thing one should do, is to put a new 2500,--DM camera in the catalog, and to include in the TITLE of the very first public presentation : for semiprofessional photography. That is an incredible BLUNDER of Pentax Germany, regardless of what that 2500DM camera actually is about. I understand what you are saying, but believe me: Introducing a 2.5 fps camera and always writing about pro photography would be contra-productive here. People would think Pentax doesn't know what's going on in this market. A good mixture of statements (semipro here, pro there, ambitious amateurs also) according to the feature mix is the right strategy. Pentax shows to be serious this way. In contrast, some overdone statements in the US press release sound like involuntary satire here. Of course, the european marketing is not free from incredible blunder indeed: the omission of the 67-II in the Photokina 2000 general catalogue for sure was such a one. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Subject: MZ-S spirit (was: MZ-S with LX durability?)
Carlos Royo wrote: Please explain to us what you mean when you write "young and wild camera". ... it (MZ-S) seems to me the kind of camera we have been longing for: light, small, sturdy, with almost every useful feature needed for nearly everyone. That's a 100% subjective view and a truncated citation. My comment was: "the MZ-S is definitely not for the ones wanting a young and wild camera at an attractive price (e.g. Minolta 7)", and was based on Texdances comment that the MZ-S will become a big hit. if I were you, Ralf, I would buy a Canon, and there's no pun intended in this. It is a sincere advice. Here we are at the topic: Most brands offer different types of cameras for different attitudes. The 15 years lasting and the 5 years lasting one, the no-nonsense and the latest tech stuff one. At Pentax this is not possible. They always jump around in their model policy, and you will never know whether the camera type you like will be still available or even updated in some years. My Z-1 will be 9 years old in a few months time, and it is working happily like the very first day, the same thing about my almost 13 year old SFX. I bet those Canons wouldn't stand the travels, bumps, Sahara or Thar dessert, jungles, or other ordeals they have had to live through. I would say the same about my 8 years old Z-20. However, others talk about Z-series cameras as if they fell apart any second since in their eyes these are Canon copies. They are not. In fact, MZ-5 co. are EOS 500 copies (the first small size / dial control camera, introduction 1993). The company that stood the small size/low weight trend for the longest time was indeed Nikon. However, such camera historic analysis is not very welcome here. But the result of all this and Pentax new market niche is MZ-S. This won't be a problem - the $1200 guys deserve a camera as much as any other group. However, it seems that other price classes/camera types will disappear now from the Pentax lineup, and this includes cameras in the technically capable mid class, a class I always have found especially attractive. As far as F80 is concerned - I have enjoyed mine very well. I know all the early series flaws and the built drawbacks. So far, mine has not shown the typical diseases, but in case it will, I will write a nice complain letter to Nikon for sure. BTW, I am sure they will introduce a improved F85 in a not too far future, especially since the F90 is discontinued now. I won't complain, since I have bought the F80 exact to have certain features for the lowest possible price, so I accept the moderate built quality without having a problem with this. So far I had 9 months of good fun with this camera, and since MZ-S is announced for June here and I am currently not ready to justify for myself a camera expense in this price range, I think F80 will continue to pay back for me. That's maybe the biggest difference in our discussion. I don't need anything. However, I am ready to change whatever components if I have a clear benefit. My heart does not depend on the F80 (or a FA* 600mm). Others really need an advanced camera, since they have planned such a purchase since years and Pentax didn't offer anything. Of course they think different about the MZ-S. I somehow feel this discussion might be futile though, but I had the impression I should add some thoughts from Planet N nevertheless. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Subject: MZ-S spirit (was: MZ-S with LX durability)
Mafud wrote: If it's value for dollar spent you're fretting about, you could buy two brand-new-in-the-box PZ-1p bodies and have enough left over to go a long way on a PENTAX tele-extender or flash for the same $1300. I hate these subject shifts in threads. No, No. The point is not how many Z-1P's can I buy for how many F80s. The topic is: is the MZ-S a camera for everybody, and therefore a big hit, and this since Pentax always gives you best value for money. The answer is still: no. The MZ-S is not a camera for everybody. Not everybody wants smallest size and is willing to pay high prices. Durability is also not everybodies priority, since some want to update their gear regularly in order to enjoy latest technology. Hence they will accept lower built quality, but will demand moderate prices. Pentax often skips camera types and price classes. So you will never know whhether your preferred camera type will be available in future. Hence the value for money ratio is not always good. To stay with your example above: Z-1P was perfect in early 90's. It was already a bit aging in the mid 90's. And there never was one with SAFOX IV to be ready for 2000. So It doesn't help that they still sell it at $550. I think I remember recent talk on this list about how sorry the N80 is about handling Nikon made lenses-or am I wrong? I vaguely remember this thread and my lack of energy to contribute. But with the world of second hand AF-Nikkor lenses from 1986 to now on offer, nobody will miss anything. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S semiprofessionel
Erwin Vereecken wrote: Not that I have too high expectations, but "semiprofessionel" is a poor choice of words, because it can be interpreted as "not suitable for profesionel" all to easily. The text also says "professional travel and reportage photography". I think this suits very well. The MZ-S is no all purpose pro camera. It's a different camera for the ones who want an alternative to F5/EOS1 and likes, more like a Leica but with up to date autofocus and exposure features. In fact, there are professional areas where the MZ-S won't work. Pentax is well aware of this I think. I can accept the term semiprofessional without a problem. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S
I want to lead the attention of the audience to the clear cut statement of the press release, that the MZ-S offers "magnesium covers at the four most important places". This fits perfect to the comments and pictures published so far. The four places likely are: 1 retractable flash cover 2 bottom cover 3 top cover 4 front (or less likely back) This leaves the sides, grip and back (less likely front), plus the interior for polycarbonate (the mirror housing and film guides are metal reinforced again). Hence there is no heavy duty full metal body, but the class typical material mix very similar to Elan 7. The price of the camera should indeed be in the $800 range, anything else would be laughable. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: News from PMA - MZ-S and other stuff
BTW, did you notice this Sigma SA-9? 1/8000s shutter 1/180s(!) synch 3 fps cross AF, but not wide 10-segment metering bracketing, MLU price $750.- Taking the Minolta 7 and EOS 30/Elan 7 into account, we indeed have a new class arising here, the $650-800 class. Isn't this the class Paal delared to be dead? The big split in amateur ($500) and knowledgeables ($1000) on the SLR market? Doesn't seem so. Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: The MZ-S is coming
Gianfranco wrote: The article describes the features of the body and then says that it "should cost something like 1,9 millions of liras body only" which means around 900 USD. What do they say on film transport frames/sec and body weight? Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org.
Re: MZ-S
Arne Lie and Mike Johnston wrote: I'm especially encouraged by the little "AF" button on the back. one thing that absolutely drives me crazy about AF cameras is the fact that you can hit the shutter button and the camera doesn't fire, because it's not focused to its own satisfaction. I cant agree more...! It simply feels so stupid when you grab your Z1p and want to shoot some action indoor, a very special and funny situation occurs with the children, and your beloved Pentax wont fire... ??? single, servo... Ralf - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Visit the PUG at http://pug.komkon.org.
Re: Digtal is here. Film production to be stopped!
Paal wrote: The worlds third largest film manufacturer, Agfa, will stop the production of film. Agfa will gradually fade out film production. The reason is that the 35mm and APS film market is shrinking while the sales of digital cameras is exploding in most markets. Will others follow? I know this story. However, it is based on a single article by "Handelsblatt", and was immediately corrected by AGFA. They won't stop producing film now. But they think and prepare for the day when digital will become the mainstream market. Nice parallel to Leica: As soon as somebody in the management admits that digital is a market to take serious now, rumors start to spread that the conventional products will be discontinued. In fact, most companies prepare for a well balanced coexistance of both technologies. Ralf This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, visit http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the PUG at http://pug.komkon.org
