details on Pentax Autofocus SLRs

[bonk]

I am currently trying to figure out what 35mm analoge autofocus SLR cameras Pentax has realsed over time and when. Wich camera was the (improved) direct sucessor of wich other camera? Did they have parallel product lines? Was there a model for the professional market? Wich one can be considered as their overall latest and greates flagship?

 

[Oren Grad]

No, there was no AF model for the professional market.

All the details you want, and then some:

http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/bodies/index.html

 

[pentaxuser]

What or who determines whether an AF camera is for the professional market? What does the Pentax AF range lack that precludes it from being classified as for the professional market?

pentaxuser

 

[Oren Grad]

The manufacturer, by doing two things:

1) Designing and building the camera to stand up to exceptionally heavy use
2) Marketing the camera directly to professionals, including both a targeted promotional effort and dedicated after-sales support channels

None of the Pentax AF models qualifies on either count.

 

[elekm]

The model that came the closest was the MZ-S, which had a unique top deck that was angled toward the photographer. It has a magnesium body. It still commands a decent price.

 

[elekm]

Shutterbug referred to it as a professional camera in its review.

 

[removed-user-1]

The MZ-S looks interesting. Pity it was released in 2001; an innovative idea at precisely the wrong time? I'd like to combine this with some of the "Limited" lenses.

Wikipedia has a pretty good list at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentax_cameras.

 

[bonk]

One thing reagrding the K-Mount, it seems that all Pentax SLRs even the digitial ones have K-Mount is this right? Would this mean I mount any pentax/K-Mount lense on any pentax body? So I could mount be my old Pentax LX lenses to the latest digital Pentax SLR?

 

[elekm]

There might be some limits with certain lenses, but so far, I've found that all of my K-mount lenses (not many, maybe five or six) are usable with my K10-D. There is an option in the K10-D menu that allows you to use the aperture ring. And then you set exposure by turning the dial to "M" and pressing a button on the top deck. It's an excellent setup.

The only downside is that the focusing screen for autofocus SLRs (any brand) isn't ideal for manually focusing a lens. You have to focus much more slowly and precisely than you would with the LX.

And if you have an M42=>K-mount adapter, you can use M42 lenses, as well. They have to be used in stop-down mode, so things really slow down.

 

[brianmquinn]

I own a PZ-1P and and MZ-S. The PZ-1P was the top Pentax SLR before the MZ-S came out. Both are fine cameras. There are some things I like better about the PZ-1P (like dual control dials) and some things are better on the MZ-S (like Selectable AF points).

When these cameras came out they both sold for about $600. Now the PZ-1P can be bought on eBay for $100 but the MZ-S still sells for $600. If I were you I would try out a PZ-1P first and if it suites you then you have saved enough for a nice lens or two. You can always upgrade later and keep the PZ-1P as a backup body or to keep loaded with a different type of film.

 

[werra]

And then you set exposure by turning the dial to "M" and pressing a button on the top deck. It's an excellent setup.

And if you have an M42=>K-mount adapter, you can use M42 lenses, as well. They have to be used in stop-down mode, so things really slow down.

Using M42 lenses is actually faster with enough light, you do not have to meter with the button, exposure is calculated on-the-fly.