Pentax MZ-5/ZX-5

The Pentax MZ-5 (ZX-5 in US), dating from 1996, was an autofocus 35mm film SLR. It utilised K_AF2-mount autofocus or earlier K-mount manual lenses. This camera had a classic dial to choose speeds and was popular among enthusiasts.

It has a electronic vertical metal-bladed shutter with speeds of 30 to 1/2000 sec with B. An exposure system with Av, M, P and TV modes. Aperture rings of M series or any preA type lenses don't have an A setting on them, so there is no program or shutter priority modes. Different metering modes are supported based on type of lens mounted on the camera. With A, F, and FA lenses supporting 6-segment evaluative, center-weighted and spot modes. While K and M lenses supports center-weighted and spot. Exposure compensation is possible at ±3 EV in ½ EV steps. The camera uses metal on the lens mount and tripod areas, but is still very compact and lightweight for an SLR design, and weighs approx 400 grams.

It was followed by the MZ/ZX-5n in 1997

Pentax MZ-5 with Battery grip FG image by Yumi Abe (Image rights)

Specifications

ZX-5 image by pentaximus (Image rights)

• Year of launch: 1996
• Manufacturer: Pentax
• Type: single lens reflex camera
• Lens mount: Pentax K_AF2 (metal)
• Film type: 35mm film with speeds of 25 to 5000 ISO, with auto DX
• Metering element: silicon photo cell.
• Metering range: 0 to 21 EV
• Focusing: autofocus. Single and 3-point with -1 to 18 EV range.
• Programs: Av, M, P and TV modes
• Flash: Built-in, Guide number 11, red eye reduction
• Shutter: Focal plane shutter with speeds from 30 to 1/2000 sec. B
• Film advance: fully auto advance at 2 fps with auto rewind
• Viewfinder: 0.8 magnification x 92% coverage, shutter and aperture LED display.
• Power: 2x 3v CR2 battery lithium battery
• Dimensions: approx 135 × 90 × 61mm
• Weight: 380g

Links

• MZ-5/ZX-5 on Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount site.
• Service manuals at Learn Camera Repair site