Re: Re[2]: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Alin wrote: >If not, what will they do for the >5n followers besides offering a very expensive upgrade path to the >MZ-S? Nothing of course! Pentax never provides direct upgrade paths but leave the customers unsupported. Pål
Vs: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
More than double here in Finland: MZ-S 1100 Euros, MZ-5n 444 Euros, battery pack BG-10 180 Euros, Fg 52 Euros. And the MZ-5n has the clearest, most understandable user interface. I´m beginning to like my MZ-S though. All the best! Raimo Personal photography homepage at http://www.uusikaupunki.fi/~raikorho -Alkuperäinen viesti- Lähettäjä: Herb Chong <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Vastaanottaja: INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Päivä: 13. marraskuuta 2002 17:52 Aihe: Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan >Message text written by INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> Nicer viewfinder and more conductive to manual focussing! >> Half-stops for shutter speed, too... > > >The MZ-S got that as well... > >Pål< > >twice the price of ZX-5n though. i was looking for a camera body in the >$500 street price range. there is too large a gap between MZ-S and ZX-5n. > >Herb >
Re: Re[2]: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wednesday, November 13, 2002, at 11:04 AM, gfen wrote: Now, if only the MZ-S would start to pop up on the secondary market, I'm starting to realize just how little I should be blowing on toys for me and how much I should be spending on getting my debt paid off and house cleaned up... I really hate when these moments of responsibility get in the way of my otherwise good times. ;) Go take a look over at KEH; 3 or 4 where available second-hand the last time I looked. Dan Scott
Re[2]: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Pål wrote: PJ> The question is whether or not the MZ-5n/3 has played out it's PJ> role. There's not much you can do with the MZ-5n/3 and still keep PJ> it simple. You can of course update the AF but you cannot have PJ> several AF points without redesigning or complicate the user PJ> interface. I feel that the MZ-S really is the updated MZ-5n/3. MZ-5n was intended to rescue old timers and it may have ended its mission indeed. The question is, is there a retro trend out there to justify Pentax to upgrade it? If not, what will they do for the 5n followers besides offering a very expensive upgrade path to the MZ-S? Servus, Alin
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Message text written by INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Nicer viewfinder and more conductive to manual focussing! > Half-stops for shutter speed, too... The MZ-S got that as well... Pål< twice the price of ZX-5n though. i was looking for a camera body in the $500 street price range. there is too large a gap between MZ-S and ZX-5n. Herb
Re[2]: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, Bruce Dayton wrote: > The slanted top plate has a dial that surrounds an LCD. By spinning > the dial, you change shutter speeds. Pretty much the same. One Does this mean this same dial works to control aperature when in Av mode? That actually was a part of the -5n I wasn't happy with, several of my lenses choose not to relay aperature back to the viewfinder, which can be confusing unless I take it down to look. > general fault with a true dial like the MZ-5n is that it has a limited > number of positions so you can't set as many shutter speeds - for > example, faster than 1/2000 (MZ-3 goes to 1/4000) or longer than 1 > second, or half stop speeds, etc. Using the dial plus middle LCD I was able to understand the lack of halfstops on the -5n, but I was kinda bitter about it.. I actually forgot it didn't go above 2s, either, unless in a program mode.. shows how often I've had to do that outside of bulb. > readout, you can have an almost infinite (seeming) number of > positions. With the readout changing as you spin, it has much the > same general style as a traditional shutter speed dial. New and old, works for me. > There is an added bonus, when the camera is not in shooting mode, the > dial doubles as the interface for other settings, like setting the > ISO. My fondest feeling about the ZX-5n is that with a quick glance to teh front, and one to the top, I'll know EVERYTHING about the camera.. most of the actual important information is viewable top down, with the exception of MF/AF and AF size... > It is quite an ingenious, clean, simple design. In fact, when you > learn to lightly pull with your thumb instead of pushing against the > dial, you can very easily change shutter speeds while looking through > the viewfinder and still keeping your shutter finger properly placed. > A traditional SS dial requires a thumb and finger to operate - > clumsier. I'm not sure, but I believe I've been able to spin my -5n with thumb, alone. Gonna have to go home and try that out. I knew the MZ-S had some retro styling to it, I'm glad to know that its more than just a bit.. Perhaps I won't be so upset afterall when the -5n/-3 line is terminated, after all. Now, if only the MZ-S would start to pop up on the secondary market, I'm starting to realize just how little I should be blowing on toys for me and how much I should be spending on getting my debt paid off and house cleaned up... I really hate when these moments of responsibility get in the way of my otherwise good times. ;) -- http://www.infotainment.org <-> more fun than a poke in your eye. http://www.eighteenpercent.com<-> photography and portfolio.
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, gfen wrote: > On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, [iso-8859-1] Pål Jensen wrote: > > Yes. Wow, I've fatfingered two responses in a row.. Perhaps I _shouldn't_ be working today.. I knew it was a mistake to be up at 4am entertaining guests... (yawn) -- http://www.infotainment.org <-> more fun than a poke in your eye. http://www.eighteenpercent.com<-> photography and portfolio.
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, [iso-8859-1] Pål Jensen wrote: > > Nicer viewfinder and more conductive to manual focussing! > > Half-stops for shutter speed, too... > The MZ-S got that as well... Perhaps I owe it to myself to checck an MZ-S next time I'm at B&H... -- http://www.infotainment.org <-> more fun than a poke in your eye. http://www.eighteenpercent.com<-> photography and portfolio.
Re[2]: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
gfen, The slanted top plate has a dial that surrounds an LCD. By spinning the dial, you change shutter speeds. Pretty much the same. One general fault with a true dial like the MZ-5n is that it has a limited number of positions so you can't set as many shutter speeds - for example, faster than 1/2000 (MZ-3 goes to 1/4000) or longer than 1 second, or half stop speeds, etc. Using the dial plus middle LCD readout, you can have an almost infinite (seeming) number of positions. With the readout changing as you spin, it has much the same general style as a traditional shutter speed dial. There is an added bonus, when the camera is not in shooting mode, the dial doubles as the interface for other settings, like setting the ISO. It is quite an ingenious, clean, simple design. In fact, when you learn to lightly pull with your thumb instead of pushing against the dial, you can very easily change shutter speeds while looking through the viewfinder and still keeping your shutter finger properly placed. A traditional SS dial requires a thumb and finger to operate - clumsier. Bruce Wednesday, November 13, 2002, 8:42:51 AM, you wrote: g> On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, [iso-8859-1] Pål Jensen wrote: >> The question is whether or not the MZ-5n/3 has played out it's role. >> There's not much you can do with the MZ-5n/3 and still keep it simple. >> You can of course update the AF but you cannot have several AF points >> without redesigning or complicate the user interface. I feel that the >> MZ-S really is the updated MZ-5n/3. g> I've never held or seen an MZ-S in the flesh, does it have the same g> general layout, that is a real dial on the top to do shutter speeds
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, [iso-8859-1] Pål Jensen wrote: > Yes. -- http://www.infotainment.org <-> more fun than a poke in your eye. http://www.eighteenpercent.com<-> photography and portfolio.
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, gfen wrote: > I've never held or seen an MZ-S in the flesh, does it have the same > general layout, that is a real dial on the top to do shutter speeds Control-C aborts, Control-X sends.. they're next to each other, and evidently, I misse dthe right one. Anyways, when I'm less bored and less worked, I'll just dig this up myself, so nevermind the inane question (and only half completed, at that, as I had many other questions about the layout which I'm sure are answered in a dozen plus places on the internet) (golly, it sure would be NICE if my local shops carried Pentax in the flesh, sigh, etc) (felt obligated to add that last part) -- http://www.infotainment.org <-> more fun than a poke in your eye. http://www.eighteenpercent.com<-> photography and portfolio.
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
- Original Message - From: "gfen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 5:44 PM Subject: Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan > On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, Herb Chong wrote: > (on the ZX-5n) > > two features i am missing that i would like to see, mirror lockup and P-TTL > > flash support. > > Nicer viewfinder and more conductive to manual focussing! > Half-stops for shutter speed, too... The MZ-S got that as well... Pål
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
- Original Message - From: "gfen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I've never held or seen an MZ-S in the flesh, does it have the same > general layout, that is a real dial on the top to do shutter speeds Yes.
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, Herb Chong wrote: (on the ZX-5n) > two features i am missing that i would like to see, mirror lockup and P-TTL > flash support. Nicer viewfinder and more conductive to manual focussing! Half-stops for shutter speed, too... -- http://www.infotainment.org <-> more fun than a poke in your eye. http://www.eighteenpercent.com<-> photography and portfolio.
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, [iso-8859-1] Pål Jensen wrote: > The question is whether or not the MZ-5n/3 has played out it's role. > There's not much you can do with the MZ-5n/3 and still keep it simple. > You can of course update the AF but you cannot have several AF points > without redesigning or complicate the user interface. I feel that the > MZ-S really is the updated MZ-5n/3. I've never held or seen an MZ-S in the flesh, does it have the same general layout, that is a real dial on the top to do shutter speeds -- http://www.infotainment.org <-> more fun than a poke in your eye. http://www.eighteenpercent.com<-> photography and portfolio.
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Message text written by INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >The question is whether or not the MZ-5n/3 has played out it's role. There's not much you can do with the MZ-5n/3 and still keep it simple. You can of course update the AF but you cannot have several AF points without redesigning or complicate the user interface. I feel that the MZ-S really is the updated MZ-5n/3. Pål< two features i am missing that i would like to see, mirror lockup and P-TTL flash support. Herb
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Brad wrote: > That's all quite interesting. Will have to see what Pentax does with it. > The MZ-5n is/was a fine camera, got one myself. If they are keeping the MZ > line to some degree, perhaps some added features but keep that classy > looking MZ-5n style? Keep it affordable. The question is whether or not the MZ-5n/3 has played out it's role. There's not much you can do with the MZ-5n/3 and still keep it simple. You can of course update the AF but you cannot have several AF points without redesigning or complicate the user interface. I feel that the MZ-S really is the updated MZ-5n/3. Pål
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
That's all quite interesting. Will have to see what Pentax does with it. The MZ-5n is/was a fine camera, got one myself. If they are keeping the MZ line to some degree, perhaps some added features but keep that classy looking MZ-5n style? Keep it affordable. Really, I think Pentax's larger problem is advertising, at least in North American. I'm disgusted about the pitiful display in a dirty counter beside the junk used they have Pentax placed. Without any knowledge, like they didn't know Nikon and Canon were leaders, and no sales person prodding them, they'd never pick up a Pentax even to look, it is that bad. Now, my shop is one isolated place, but there is still a lack of knowledge of Pentax in NA. I've spoken with Pentax Canada about my store, they *may* send in a Rep to shake things up. If so, they'll have a better display, or they'll say (*## you Pentax, you don't generate sales for us anyhow, we'll stick to the top three. Bad? From my viewpoint yes, it's my place, they are good. But with no Pentax, there's no me. As for everyone else, well, it probably won't hurt the stores sales a bit, and perhaps it better to have no display than a very crappy one that doesn't do Pentax any justice. Whoa, a bit side-tracked, Brad Dobo - Original Message - From: "Artur Ledóchowski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 12:38 AM Subject: Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan > Dan Scott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Who decides these things, btw? Is this something the > >manufacturer sets up or what? > > These things are decided by the market or to be more precise - by two factors: first - something known as the public opinion, second - by the mass media (mostly the photo magazines). The market is all about the competition and it's obvious that the customer compare the cameras, that are of similar specifications. The magazines do the same. One can complain about how more or less objective various tests are but cannot deny the fact that they shape the customers' opinions. So no producer can ignore these factors unless wants to be out of the competition (which actually happened to Pentax to some degree:)). > Mind that I wrote the MZ-5n/3 is CONSIDERED to be a rival:)) > But don't you think the advanced amateurs need some fresh air from Pentax?:) MZ-S is not the least expensive beast and I know there is a need for a camera that would be as simple yet advanced and affordable - just as the MZ-5n/3 was for recent years. > All above is of course IMHO:)) > Regards > Artur >
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Dan Scott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Who decides these things, btw? Is this something the >manufacturer sets up or what? These things are decided by the market or to be more precise - by two factors: first - something known as the public opinion, second - by the mass media (mostly the photo magazines). The market is all about the competition and it's obvious that the customer compare the cameras, that are of similar specifications. The magazines do the same. One can complain about how more or less objective various tests are but cannot deny the fact that they shape the customers' opinions. So no producer can ignore these factors unless wants to be out of the competition (which actually happened to Pentax to some degree:)). Mind that I wrote the MZ-5n/3 is CONSIDERED to be a rival:)) But don't you think the advanced amateurs need some fresh air from Pentax?:) MZ-S is not the least expensive beast and I know there is a need for a camera that would be as simple yet advanced and affordable - just as the MZ-5n/3 was for recent years. All above is of course IMHO:)) Regards Artur
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Quoth Dan Scott: > Now I'll have to go look at other camera co.s to see what my ZX-5n is a > rival to. Who decides these things, btw? Is this something the > manufacturer sets up or what? It's In A Class By Itself, of course.
Re: Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
You are right. Many users wait for sth succesor of MZ3. Are you Polish? Alek from Cracow Użytkownik Artur Ledóchowski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> napisał: >- Original Message - >From: "Pĺl Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan > > >>> "Flagship" digital slr; is this a case of unfortunate phrasing? Or is the >film sibling of this camera the long rumored flagship? If the MZ-60 and MZ-6 >is going to continue in the line-up, then the new cameras are probably >top-of-the-line. > >IMHO what is really needed soon in the film SLR segment is the successor of >the MZ-5n/3. Many people are confused because the MZ-5n is more expensive >than the MZ-6, yet doesn't support P-TTL, has the same AF, has no PF's and >generally is not considered to be superior to the MZ-6. Besides the model >itself is quite old - especially its AF is pretty outdated for the camera >that is considered to be a rival to F80 or EOS30. >I'd love to see something like, say, MZ-2, that would have the SAFOX VII and >P-TTL:) >Regards >Artur >
RE: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Did we? I know there are often rumours, but was one actually confirmed by Pentax themselves? I realise the MZ-D/MD-S/MR-52 was confirmed and vanished, but that was 2 years ago, wasn't it? Was there another one? > -Original Message- > From: Daniel J. Matyola [mailto:djm@;stanleypmlaw.com] > Sent: 11 November 2002 16:15 > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan > > > Before we get our hopes up again, let's remember that we had > a "confirmed" plan to release a DSLR last year, which never > escaped from the vapor. > > zoomshot wrote: > > > Straight from this weeks Amateur Photographer 'THISWEEK' section; > > > > PENTAX UK HAS CONFIRMED plans for the launch of a new > flagship digital > > SLR next spring. > >
Re: AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Before we get our hopes up again, let's remember that we had a "confirmed" plan to release a DSLR last year, which never escaped from the vapor. zoomshot wrote: > Straight from this weeks Amateur Photographer 'THISWEEK' section; > > PENTAX UK HAS CONFIRMED plans for the launch of a new flagship digital > SLR next spring.
AP (16/11) - Pentax UK Confirms digital SLR launch plan
Straight from this weeks Amateur Photographer 'THISWEEK' section; PENTAX UK HAS CONFIRMED plans for the launch of a new flagship digital SLR next spring. It has also pledged to continue making film-based SLR camera bodies and medium-format bodies. Responding to rumours on the internet about an upcoming launch, Pentax UK's marketing manager John Dickens told AP: 'We cannot deny that we are launching a digital SLR in spring 2003. All information concerning this model will be released in its final form nearer the time. There is enough time to make modifications between now and the launch in spring. Commenting on suggestions that the company is to cut its range of cameras, Dickens said Pentax's move to reduce the number of 35mm compacts already reflects the growing consumer demand for digital models. 'This also allows us to free up R&D for digital that people really want, ' he said. He confirmed that the company's MZ-series of film-based SLRs will continue. 'SLR camera bodies will carry on being developed and a brand-new SLR chassis will form the basis of the digital SLR and other SLRs. We will also continue with medium format cameras.' Last year Pentax shelved plans to launch a six-million-pixel flagship digital SLR, saying that it wanted to move away from the 'cost no object' must-have, best possible quality' area of the digital arena. The camera had been code-named MR-52 and was first unveiled at the Photokina trade show two years ago. It was due to be based on Pentax's 35mm SLRs and was to be compatible with Pentax K-mount lenses and use a digital chip which was jointly developed with Philips. Nothing that we didn't know but it is now in print, so roll on Spring 2003..
