Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-11-01 Thread Alan Chan
So, anyone wanna drop by my place and show me what I'm missing?


You will be missing the on-going service bills... I can't show you though.


Everyone puts this body on a pedestal, and I'd like to see why.


Not everyone, unless I were not a human being.

regards,
Alan Chan

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Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p (Pentax's fabuluous new camera)

2002-11-01 Thread dick graham
The Pentax UK statement indicated that most of the cuts in the 35mm camera 
line were going to come in the compact camera area.  This only makes sense 
as they have several different compact 35's that overlap each other.

DG



At 11:22 PM 10/31/02 +0100, you wrote:
Henry wrote:

 I don't believe Pentax is going to completely re-new their SLR camera
 line-up in a sudden with three new camera.  They haven't done anything
 dramatic in the past 10 years when the SLR market then was growing.  There
 is no reason to expect they will do it now or in the future, especially 
they
 are saying that they think the market is shrinking.  Doing so will be a
 commercial suicide.  According to the original Japanese news report, 
Pentax
 was quoted as saying to cut their current line-up of 6 cameras down to 3
 cameras.  They have not said they are going to replace them with 3 new
 cameras.


I'm not convinced. All MZ-series cameras are essentially the same camera 
with different labels. Pentax is just trying to milk the last drop off 
this chassis. In my opinion, the current MZ-series isn't really that 
competitive. What Pentax did say in they press message was that they 
intended to reduce the number in the line-up in order to increase the 
sales of each model. I can't see how this could happen with the MZ-6 and 
the MZ-60 as the volume models in the line-up.
We have lots of conflicting messages. The fact is that Pentax near future 
line-up will consist of three film slr models (i have gooten this 
confirmed by safe sources). If the MZ-60 and the MZ-6 are two of those 
then the MZ-5n and MZ-3 must be discontinued without replacement or the 
MZ-S needs to be discontinued. However,Chris Brogden claim Pentax will 
replace the MZ-5n next year with a compeltely new and very different 
model. If this is true, either the MZ-S or the MZ-6 has to go if the MZ-60 
stays. At the same time, Pentax UK claim all future Pentax slr's will be 
built on the same chassis: if this is to be believed there are three 
posibilities; 1) the MZ- chassis, 2) MZ-S chassis, 3) A cmpletely new 
chassis. Only the latter is likely (and what Pentax UK says) in my opinion 
as the MZ- chassis is not suited for anything higher end or digital.
I don't agree that it is unlikely that Pentax will release a completely 
new series of cameras. Thats the way Pentax model policy has always 
worked. The Z-series was released 10 years ago; the MZ-series 7 years ago. 
It is time for a new generation of cameras. We know that Pentax is working 
on modification of the lens mount. We also know that all Pentax new lens 
mounts have been accompanied with new series of cameras.
In all this, I put my faith in Pentax UK statements. Not because they have 
to be true but because it is the best we have at present.

Pål





Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-11-01 Thread Steve Desjardins
Actually, there are folks who really like the MZ-S design and
ergonomics.  Unlike the LX, however, the MZ-S will have to compete with
digital, which will decrease the following to any film camera.  The only
one that might survive in this way might be the Lecia ragnefinders or
some fo the MF cameras.


Steven Desjardins
Department of Chemistry
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 458-8873
FAX: (540) 458-8878
[EMAIL PROTECTED]




Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-11-01 Thread ernreed2
Brad posted:
 I like what I have, it serves.  I am interested in this LX love affair.  I
 can see pictures on the web and such, but until I meet someone that has one
 that isn't beat to pieces, and can see a demonstration and maybe try it for
 myself, I will think MZ-S is just plain better.  I  would really like to
 meet the LX ;-) 

Maybe Cesar -- the Roving PDML Ambassador -- will show up in your neck of the 
woods one day!

He owns the only LXen, besides mine, I've seen outside a camera shop. And I've 
only twice had the opportunity to examine one *in* a camera
shop.




RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-31 Thread Alan Chan
I don't know if it was true, but it was said that the Z-1 had a vertical 
grip originally, but scraped the last minute all because of one person. The 
picture with Last one was the sample. If you can read Simplified Chinese, 
it's here: http://www.xitek.com/papers/xitek/xitekoldpaper/B11.htm

You might try to translate at: http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr

regards,
Alan Chan

I wasn't commenting on the MZ-S battery consumption, as I don't own one. I
was however, commenting on the rate at which the Z-1 chews up 2cr5
batteries. My old Z-1 would last for about 15 rolls of 36 before it was
unusable with AF glass. All I ever wanted for it was a vertical grip that
would take AA's. I tend to get off the beaten track a bit and have been
caught without enough spare batteries a few times. Luckily though, I have
been able to haul out the LX and just keep going. There's an engineering
fellow in the USA who has been threatening to release vertical grips for 
the
Z-1 for ages, but he doesn't seem to be getting any closer to a release
date. They look good in prototype though.

For now, I might sit things out and rely on my LX. When the dust settles a
bit and we all know what Pentax are doing then I may decide to purchase a
new camera. It will be either the z-1p or the new film flagship (I will be
purchasing a DSLR regardless, unless it is really crappy). The only way I
will purchase the film flagship over a z-1p is if it makes me feel
comfortable enough to let go of my LX (relax only joking folks).



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Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-31 Thread Brad Dobo

- Original Message -
From: John Coyle [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 6:54 PM
Subject: RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p


 Hi Shaun:
 Would you believe I am still on my first set of batteries for the MZ-S,
 after nearly a year?  I can't recall how many films I have put through,
 but it's a fair few.  I have played extensively with the flash and
 tested the autofocus assist, and it gets to go out with me every day,
 when I have it switched on 'just in case'.
 Along with a couple of others who have complained that it chews
 batteries, maybe you should have it checked for battery drain when
 switched off, or even check that you are not accidentally leaving it on
 all the time?

Same with me.  I haven't had it that long, but it was a display-type item
that had some cheap alks in it.  It has been used quite a lot, and those
same cheapo display batteries are still going strong.  Of course I have a
better set with me because I'm sure I'll run out of luck soon.

Brad Dobo




Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-31 Thread Brad Dobo
 For now, I might sit things out and rely on my LX. When the dust settles a
 bit and we all know what Pentax are doing then I may decide to purchase a
 new camera. It will be either the z-1p or the new film flagship (I will be
 purchasing a DSLR regardless, unless it is really crappy). The only way I
 will purchase the film flagship over a z-1p is if it makes me feel
 comfortable enough to let go of my LX (relax only joking folks).

And I was just about to ask you for a price on the LX ;-)  I think it is a
smart choice to wait since you have what you need now.  Will I get stoned to
death if I say the MZ-S is better than the LX?  I am wondering about this
new film flagship.  Doesn't quite fit.  A nice non-MZ body?  Perhaps.  If,
as everyone says, I'm completely wrong, the MZ-S is a hit as a flagship, so
why develop one completely different when the world is going digital?  I
would hope they scrap the film and put more into the digital.  Why?  Well,
they have a nice film camera already that has sent Pentax from rags to
richs.  They don't have a DSLR.  GeezSigma has one.  I looked at the
newest Optio a few days ago, went through the menus, tried this and that.  I
wasn't impressed.  Yes, it was better than mine, had more features, but it
still seems just sorta...bad.  I like my Optio 230, it's a cheap camera I
take for things I wouldn't want to pay for development and won't care if I
break it or whatever.  If they are still using the same sort of technology,
they may be in some trouble.  Even the best Optio isn't *that* good.  And if
all ya say is true about Pentax not being a techno company, well, digital by
nature is all techno,no?, yes?.  I have a feeling that either you won't see
one for a long time, or you will and will be disappointed.  But, let's hope
they do what I said aboveI would hope they scrap the film and put more
into the digital.  Why?  Well, they have a nice film camera already that has
sent Pentax from rags to richs.  They don't have a DSLR.  If they listen to
me (and they should heh :)) you may get a really nice digital SLR.  Time
will tell at any rate

Brad Dobo


 cheers

 Shaun Canning
 PhD Student
 Archaeology Department
 La Trobe University, Bundoora,
 Australia, 3086.

 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Phone: 0414-967 644

 -Original Message-
 From: John Coyle [mailto:jcoyle;powerup.com.au]
 Sent: Thursday, 31 October 2002 10:55
 To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
 Subject: RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p

 Hi Shaun:
 Would you believe I am still on my first set of batteries for the MZ-S,
 after nearly a year?  I can't recall how many films I have put through,
 but it's a fair few.  I have played extensively with the flash and
 tested the autofocus assist, and it gets to go out with me every day,
 when I have it switched on 'just in case'.
 Along with a couple of others who have complained that it chews
 batteries, maybe you should have it checked for battery drain when
 switched off, or even check that you are not accidentally leaving it on
 all the time?

 If the forecast DSLR is indeed built on the same basic chassis as the
 MZ-S, I would expect all the accessories to fit, as there would be
 little point in changing the mechanics of the fit: IMHO, the change
 between the original MZ-fit accessories and the MZ-S set was to
 accommodate additional control information, and that is now
 accomplished.
 If, on the other hand, you want to wait for the film flagship, all bets
 are off!  Since Pentax are reported to have said it will be based on a
 completely new chassis, I don't think we have any way of knowing how it
 will be put together, and therefore whether anything (except hopefully,
 our glass) will fit it.

 John Coyle
 Brisbane, Australia


 On Thursday, October 31, 2002 9:22 AM, Shaun Canning
 [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] wrote:
  Thanks for the first replies everyone. The catch-22 for me is if it
 is
  going
  to be worth changing over to an MZ-S now (and need a new cable
 release
  and
  flash etc to get it all to work properly) or wait until the fabled
  DSLR or
  new film flagship arrives? If I buy an MZ-S there is no guarantee
 that
  the
  extras will be universal (i.e. the cable release and flash). We still
  haven't really heard anything about the film flagship. Everyone seems
  hell
  bent on the DSLR. What's happening Pal? Have you heard anymore about
  the
  film flagship? Of course, it could be worse. At least I can get the
  parts I
  want for my camera's, hey Brad?
 
  I am 'stuck' with an LX only at the moment, which I must say is not
  really
  that much of a tragedy (I love my LX). However, I do have a genuine
  need for
  flash bracketing, flash exposure compensation and AF. The z-1p is a
  great
  camera, except for those stupid damned 2CR5 batteries that seem to
  evaporate
  when they are taken out of the packet. From what has been on the list
  lately
  though, it seems that the MZ-S chews up the batteries as well.
 
  Hmmm the dilemmas of being a Pentaxian

Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-31 Thread Sylwester Pietrzyk
on 31.10.02 0:22, Shaun Canning at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 new film flagship arrives? If I buy an MZ-S there is no guarantee that the
 extras will be universal (i.e. the cable release and flash). We still
I think new style cable releases are used for 645n II and will cointinue
to be used on newer bodies. Flash (AF360FGZ) is compatible with all Pentax
bodies (even older non-TTL). Its P-TTL mode will be for sure used in
upcoming DSLR - digital cameras simply cannot meter flash off the CCD -
preflash is required!


-- 
Best Regards
Sylwek






RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p (Pentax's fabuluous new camera)

2002-10-31 Thread Rob Brigham


 -Original Message-
 From: Iren  Henry Chu [mailto:irenhenry;hotmail.com] 
 
 In fact, Pentax has just release a fabulous new film slr in 
 Japanese market:

It's a piece of junk with 2 segment metering(MZ-60).

 I don't believe Pentax is going to completely re-new their SLR camera 
 line-up in a sudden with three new camera.  They haven't done anything

 dramatic in the past 10 years when the SLR market then was growing.
There 
 is no reason to expect they will do it now or in the future,
especially they 
 are saying that they think the market is shrinking.  Doing so will be
a 
 commercial suicide.  According to the original Japanese news report,
Pentax 
 was quoted as saying to cut their current line-up of 6 cameras down to
3 
 cameras.  They have not said they are going to replace them with 3 new

 cameras.

Interesting that the MZ-60 has a new control interface with wheels etc
rather than being based on the MZ-30/7/6/L body which was an evolution
of the MZ-50.  I wonder if all the effort that goes into designing a
completely new layout was worthwhile because it will form the basis of a
new lineup?

 In their press release for MZ-60, they said they are manufacturing
15,000 
 MZ-60 per month, 5,000 more than MZ-L!  This is roughly equals to 10%
of 
 film SLRs manufactured in the world.  So we are going to see this
fabuluous 
 camera continuously in the Pentax line-up for a while.

This camera will do a lot to put people off Pentax when it comes to
upgrade time...




Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p (Pentax's fabuluous new camera)

2002-10-31 Thread Bob Rapp
The MZ60 replaces the MZ50 and targets those upgrading from a point and
shoot to a SLR. In Australia, the MZ50 insured Pentax was the market leader
with the number of SLRs sold. Unfortunately, they are sold with cheap Sigma
zooms.

In the releases, there is a 24-105 point and shoot. That too should be a
winner in that market.

Bob
- Original Message -
From: Iren  Henry Chu [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 8:22 PM
Subject: Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p (Pentax's fabuluous new camera)


Dear all,

Pål Jensen wrote:

Also, large camera stores in japan has been told from Pentax reps that
Pentax will release a fabulous film slr.

In fact, Pentax has just release a fabulous new film slr in Japanese market:

http://www.pentax.co.jp/japan/news/2002/200242.html

it is a fabuluous PS film camera happens to have a SLR look.

I don't believe Pentax is going to completely re-new their SLR camera
line-up in a sudden with three new camera.  They haven't done anything
dramatic in the past 10 years when the SLR market then was growing.  There
is no reason to expect they will do it now or in the future, especially they
are saying that they think the market is shrinking.  Doing so will be a
commercial suicide.  According to the original Japanese news report, Pentax
was quoted as saying to cut their current line-up of 6 cameras down to 3
cameras.  They have not said they are going to replace them with 3 new
cameras.

In their press release for MZ-60, they said they are manufacturing 15,000
MZ-60 per month, 5,000 more than MZ-L!  This is roughly equals to 10% of
film SLRs manufactured in the world.  So we are going to see this fabuluous
camera continuously in the Pentax line-up for a while.

Regards,

Henry Chu
31/10/2002


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Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p (Pentax's fabuluous new camera)

2002-10-31 Thread Pål Jensen
Henry wrote:

 I don't believe Pentax is going to completely re-new their SLR camera 
 line-up in a sudden with three new camera.  They haven't done anything 
 dramatic in the past 10 years when the SLR market then was growing.  There 
 is no reason to expect they will do it now or in the future, especially they 
 are saying that they think the market is shrinking.  Doing so will be a 
 commercial suicide.  According to the original Japanese news report, Pentax 
 was quoted as saying to cut their current line-up of 6 cameras down to 3 
 cameras.  They have not said they are going to replace them with 3 new 
 cameras.


I'm not convinced. All MZ-series cameras are essentially the same camera with 
different labels. Pentax is just trying to milk the last drop off this chassis. In my 
opinion, the current MZ-series isn't really that competitive. What Pentax did say in 
they press message was that they intended to reduce the number in the line-up in order 
to increase the sales of each model. I can't see how this could happen with the MZ-6 
and the MZ-60 as the volume models in the line-up.  
We have lots of conflicting messages. The fact is that Pentax near future line-up will 
consist of three film slr models (i have gooten this confirmed by safe sources). If 
the MZ-60 and the MZ-6 are two of those then the MZ-5n and MZ-3 must be discontinued 
without replacement or the MZ-S needs to be discontinued. However,Chris Brogden claim 
Pentax will replace the MZ-5n next year with a compeltely new and very different 
model. If this is true, either the MZ-S or the MZ-6 has to go if the MZ-60 stays. At 
the same time, Pentax UK claim all future Pentax slr's will be built on the same 
chassis: if this is to be believed there are three posibilities; 1) the MZ- chassis, 
2) MZ-S chassis, 3) A cmpletely new chassis. Only the latter is likely (and what 
Pentax UK says) in my opinion as the MZ- chassis is not suited for anything higher end 
or digital. 
I don't agree that it is unlikely that Pentax will release a completely new series of 
cameras. Thats the way Pentax model policy has always worked. The Z-series was 
released 10 years ago; the MZ-series 7 years ago. It is time for a new generation of 
cameras. We know that Pentax is working on modification of the lens mount. We also 
know that all Pentax new lens mounts have been accompanied with new series of cameras.
In all this, I put my faith in Pentax UK statements. Not because they have to be true 
but because it is the best we have at present.

Pål





RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p (Pentax's fabuluous new camera)

2002-10-31 Thread Shaun Canning
What do you mean Pal? The earth isn't flat? A new Pentax model range? Wow?
:):):):):)

Shaun Canning
PhD Student
Archaeology Department
La Trobe University, Bundoora,
Australia, 3086.

e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: 0414-967 644

-Original Message-
From: Pål Jensen [mailto:paaljensen;sensewave.com]
Sent: Friday, 1 November 2002 09:22
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p (Pentax's fabuluous new camera)

Henry wrote:

 I don't believe Pentax is going to completely re-new their SLR camera
 line-up in a sudden with three new camera.  They haven't done anything
 dramatic in the past 10 years when the SLR market then was growing.  There
 is no reason to expect they will do it now or in the future, especially
they
 are saying that they think the market is shrinking.  Doing so will be a
 commercial suicide.  According to the original Japanese news report,
Pentax
 was quoted as saying to cut their current line-up of 6 cameras down to 3
 cameras.  They have not said they are going to replace them with 3 new
 cameras.


I'm not convinced. All MZ-series cameras are essentially the same camera
with different labels. Pentax is just trying to milk the last drop off this
chassis. In my opinion, the current MZ-series isn't really that competitive.
What Pentax did say in they press message was that they intended to reduce
the number in the line-up in order to increase the sales of each model. I
can't see how this could happen with the MZ-6 and the MZ-60 as the volume
models in the line-up.
We have lots of conflicting messages. The fact is that Pentax near future
line-up will consist of three film slr models (i have gooten this confirmed
by safe sources). If the MZ-60 and the MZ-6 are two of those then the MZ-5n
and MZ-3 must be discontinued without replacement or the MZ-S needs to be
discontinued. However,Chris Brogden claim Pentax will replace the MZ-5n next
year with a compeltely new and very different model. If this is true, either
the MZ-S or the MZ-6 has to go if the MZ-60 stays. At the same time, Pentax
UK claim all future Pentax slr's will be built on the same chassis: if this
is to be believed there are three posibilities; 1) the MZ- chassis, 2) MZ-S
chassis, 3) A cmpletely new chassis. Only the latter is likely (and what
Pentax UK says) in my opinion as the MZ- chassis is not suited for anything
higher end or digital.
I don't agree that it is unlikely that Pentax will release a completely new
series of cameras. Thats the way Pentax model policy has always worked. The
Z-series was released 10 years ago; the MZ-series 7 years ago. It is time
for a new generation of cameras. We know that Pentax is working on
modification of the lens mount. We also know that all Pentax new lens mounts
have been accompanied with new series of cameras.
In all this, I put my faith in Pentax UK statements. Not because they have
to be true but because it is the best we have at present.

Pål





Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-31 Thread Pentxuser

In a message dated 10/31/02 3:44:51 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

 Will I get stoned to

death if I say the MZ-S is better than the LX? 

No you won't get stoned, just proven wrong. They are completely different 
cameras, but I ask: Will the MZS have the cult following of the LX 20 years 
from now. I don't think so. It's a very nice camera, a good tool. But it's 
not one you'll fall in love with and want to keep forever. It's also not, 
what I would call a system camera like the LX was. Of course, the LX is not a 
camera for everyone either...
Vic 




Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-31 Thread Brad Dobo

- Original Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 12:11 AM
Subject: Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p



 In a message dated 10/31/02 3:44:51 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  Will I get stoned to

 death if I say the MZ-S is better than the LX? 

 No you won't get stoned, just proven wrong. They are completely different
 cameras, but I ask: Will the MZS have the cult following of the LX 20
years
 from now. I don't think so. It's a very nice camera, a good tool. But it's
 not one you'll fall in love with and want to keep forever. It's also not,
 what I would call a system camera like the LX was. Of course, the LX is
not a
 camera for everyone either...
 Vic





Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-31 Thread Brad Dobo
Stupid OE.

Hey Vic,

Well, proven wrong is interesting.  Whether I am or not doesn't bother me.
I like what I have, it serves.  I am interested in this LX love affair.  I
can see pictures on the web and such, but until I meet someone that has one
that isn't beat to pieces, and can see a demonstration and maybe try it for
myself, I will think MZ-S is just plain better.  I  would really like to
meet the LX ;-)  Will the MZ-S have such a following?  You never know, but
in 20 years will 35mm film still be available?  If it's not, the MZ-S will
never have a chance to prove its self like the LX (apparently) has.

So, anyone wanna drop by my place and show me what I'm missing? Semi-serious
here.  Everyone puts this body on a pedestal, and I'd like to see why.
Maybe in time I shall meet up with the TO PDMLers and one of them will have
it.  I like what I see in pictures, but as you all know, that really isn't
enough.  In the meantime I will keep my eye open on the used equipment in
the city and, I think you'll all say doubtfully, find an LX and see what's
what.

Regards,

Brad Dobo

- Original Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 12:11 AM
Subject: Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p



 In a message dated 10/31/02 3:44:51 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  Will I get stoned to

 death if I say the MZ-S is better than the LX? 

 No you won't get stoned, just proven wrong. They are completely different
 cameras, but I ask: Will the MZS have the cult following of the LX 20
years
 from now. I don't think so. It's a very nice camera, a good tool. But it's
 not one you'll fall in love with and want to keep forever. It's also not,
 what I would call a system camera like the LX was. Of course, the LX is
not a
 camera for everyone either...
 Vic





Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-30 Thread Mark Roberts
Shaun Canning [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

Can anyone who has owned both these cameras tell me how much effective
difference there is in the AF speed between the SAFOX II system of the
z/pz-1p and the SFOX VII of the MZ-S? The z-1 I owned until recently was
pretty good with all of my AF lenses, other than a Tokina 80-200 ATX-Pro,
which was sometimes a bit slow. I am interested in upgrading my film SLR,
and can't choose between the MZ-S or a second hand Z-1p. Then again, I may
just wait for the DSLR if we ever get to see what the damn thing really
looks like and goes like.

I one both cameras now (one of each) and the autofocus of the MZ-S is noticably
better than that of the PZ-1p in most respects. Speed may be slightly better,
but low light sensitivity and tolerance of horizontal/vertical lines are much
better. I don't often use the multimple focus point options but they're nice to
have when you need them.


-- 
Mark Roberts
www.robertstech.com
Photography and writing




Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-30 Thread Brad Dobo
Well, I won't believe it until I can hold one.  In my area that means it'll
never come out ;)

Jokingly,

Brad

 Yes we have. Pentax UK say they will make three slr's and I happen to know
 in which segments they fit. One of them is high-end. I don't know how
 high-end.
 Also, large camera stores in japan has been told from Pentax reps that
 Pentax will release a fabulous film slr.

 Pål
 Pål





RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-30 Thread Shaun Canning
Hi John,

I wasn't commenting on the MZ-S battery consumption, as I don't own one. I
was however, commenting on the rate at which the Z-1 chews up 2cr5
batteries. My old Z-1 would last for about 15 rolls of 36 before it was
unusable with AF glass. All I ever wanted for it was a vertical grip that
would take AA's. I tend to get off the beaten track a bit and have been
caught without enough spare batteries a few times. Luckily though, I have
been able to haul out the LX and just keep going. There's an engineering
fellow in the USA who has been threatening to release vertical grips for the
Z-1 for ages, but he doesn't seem to be getting any closer to a release
date. They look good in prototype though.

For now, I might sit things out and rely on my LX. When the dust settles a
bit and we all know what Pentax are doing then I may decide to purchase a
new camera. It will be either the z-1p or the new film flagship (I will be
purchasing a DSLR regardless, unless it is really crappy). The only way I
will purchase the film flagship over a z-1p is if it makes me feel
comfortable enough to let go of my LX (relax only joking folks).

cheers

Shaun Canning
PhD Student
Archaeology Department
La Trobe University, Bundoora,
Australia, 3086.

e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: 0414-967 644

-Original Message-
From: John Coyle [mailto:jcoyle;powerup.com.au]
Sent: Thursday, 31 October 2002 10:55
To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
Subject: RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p

Hi Shaun:
Would you believe I am still on my first set of batteries for the MZ-S,
after nearly a year?  I can't recall how many films I have put through,
but it's a fair few.  I have played extensively with the flash and
tested the autofocus assist, and it gets to go out with me every day,
when I have it switched on 'just in case'.
Along with a couple of others who have complained that it chews
batteries, maybe you should have it checked for battery drain when
switched off, or even check that you are not accidentally leaving it on
all the time?

If the forecast DSLR is indeed built on the same basic chassis as the
MZ-S, I would expect all the accessories to fit, as there would be
little point in changing the mechanics of the fit: IMHO, the change
between the original MZ-fit accessories and the MZ-S set was to
accommodate additional control information, and that is now
accomplished.
If, on the other hand, you want to wait for the film flagship, all bets
are off!  Since Pentax are reported to have said it will be based on a
completely new chassis, I don't think we have any way of knowing how it
will be put together, and therefore whether anything (except hopefully,
our glass) will fit it.

John Coyle
Brisbane, Australia


On Thursday, October 31, 2002 9:22 AM, Shaun Canning
[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] wrote:
 Thanks for the first replies everyone. The catch-22 for me is if it
is
 going
 to be worth changing over to an MZ-S now (and need a new cable
release
 and
 flash etc to get it all to work properly) or wait until the fabled
 DSLR or
 new film flagship arrives? If I buy an MZ-S there is no guarantee
that
 the
 extras will be universal (i.e. the cable release and flash). We still
 haven't really heard anything about the film flagship. Everyone seems
 hell
 bent on the DSLR. What's happening Pal? Have you heard anymore about
 the
 film flagship? Of course, it could be worse. At least I can get the
 parts I
 want for my camera's, hey Brad?

 I am 'stuck' with an LX only at the moment, which I must say is not
 really
 that much of a tragedy (I love my LX). However, I do have a genuine
 need for
 flash bracketing, flash exposure compensation and AF. The z-1p is a
 great
 camera, except for those stupid damned 2CR5 batteries that seem to
 evaporate
 when they are taken out of the packet. From what has been on the list
 lately
 though, it seems that the MZ-S chews up the batteries as well.

 Hmmm the dilemmas of being a Pentaxian.

 Will they...wont they...wish they did

 Shaun Canning
 PhD Student
 Archaeology Department
 La Trobe University, Bundoora,
 Australia, 3086.

 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Phone: 0414-967 644

 -Original Message-
 From: Paul Jones [mailto:pdml;nrg666.com]
 Sent: Wednesday, 30 October 2002 04:47
 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Subject: Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

 Hi,

 I've had both and the MZ-S hunts alot less, in both well lit and low
 light
 situations.

 I only ever used the central sensor on the MZ-S.

 Regards,
 Paul Jones
 - Original Message -
 From: Shaun Canning [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 4:41 PM
 Subject: RE: MZ-S vs Z-1p


  Thanks Bruce
 
  Shaun Canning
  PhD Student
  Archaeology Department
  La Trobe University, Bundoora,
  Australia, 3086.
 
  e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  Phone: 0414-967 644
 
  -Original Message-
  From: Bruce Dayton [mailto:bkdayton;rcsis.com]
  Sent: Wednesday, 30 October 2002 03:56
  To: Shaun Canning
  Subject: Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p
 
  Shaun,
 
  I used to own 2 PZ

Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-29 Thread Bruce Dayton
Shaun,

I used to own 2 PZ-1p's and sold them for 2 MZ-S's.  There are three
aspects to the AF to consider:

1) AF Speed.  Part of this is the
power of the motor and part the algorithms used to achieve final
focus.  The MZ-S seems to me to achieve final focus slightly quicker
and with less hunting that the PZ-1p - although the PZ-1p motor is
quite powerful and is no slouch at all.

2) Low light sensitivity - Here I have found the MZ-S to be noticeably
better than the PZ-1p.

3) Multiple sensors - Obviously, since the PZ-1p only has one central
sensor, the MZ-S does a better job here.

Remember that these are quite different cameras in handling and
interface.  If you really liked the interface of the PZ-1 you might
prefer a PZ-1p.  The MZ-S is a bit more traditional in interface.

Given the opportunity to choose between the two again, I would choose
the MZ-S again.  The P-TTL, high speed and wireless flash system is
clearly superior to the PZ-1p and I find that feature more important
than AF.  I shot a wedding over the weekend.  Along with heavy use of
the P67II, I used the wireless flash capability of the MZ-S for quite
a few shots - all manual focus with the FA*85/1.4 and FA 35/2.

In defense of the PZ-1p, it has faster FPS, and one handed operation
with the spin dials.  Truly a great robocamera design.

If I can be of any other help, please don't hesitate to ask.


Bruce



Tuesday, October 29, 2002, 8:31:39 PM, you wrote:

SC Can anyone who has owned both these cameras tell me how much effective
SC difference there is in the AF speed between the SAFOX II system of the
SC z/pz-1p and the SFOX VII of the MZ-S? The z-1 I owned until recently was
SC pretty good with all of my AF lenses, other than a Tokina 80-200 ATX-Pro,
SC which was sometimes a bit slow. I am interested in upgrading my film SLR,
SC and can't choose between the MZ-S or a second hand Z-1p. Then again, I may
SC just wait for the DSLR if we ever get to see what the damn thing really
SC looks like and goes like.

SC Shaun Canning
SC PhD Student
SC Archaeology Department
SC La Trobe University, Bundoora,
SC Australia, 3086.

SC e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
SC Phone: 0414-967 644




Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-29 Thread Brad Dobo
Aw Alan, just a little pride is all ;-)

Brad

- Original Message - 
From: Alan Chan [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 2:47 AM
Subject: Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p


 Woohoo!  Let's hear it for Pentax!!!  We beat Minolta, we beat Canon,
 repeat, repeat  :)
 
 Boy, and I thought we Pentaxans r different from die hard Nikon fans.  :(
 
 regards,
 Alan Chan
 
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Re: MZ-S vs Z-1p

2002-10-29 Thread Alan Chan
Don't worry, I was just kidding.  :)

regards,
Alan Chan


Aw Alan, just a little pride is all ;-)



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