Pentax MZ-M/ZX-M

MZ-M image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)

Pentax took a big gamble in 1997, and introduced a manual focus camera, knows as Mz-M (ZX-M in the USA). In that year the K-1000 was discontinued and the MZ-M was supposed to fill that niche.

Basically it is the manual focus version of the Pentax MZ-5N/ZX-5N but without auto focus, built-in flash, or TTL flash metering. The metal bayonet was replaced by a plastic one which reduced the reliability.

These cameras have a motorized film transport up to 2fps.

Specifications

• Year of launch: 1997
• Manufacturer: Pentax
• Type: single lens reflex camera
• Lens mount: Pentax K_A2 (plastic)
• Film type: 35mm film with speeds of 25 to 5000 ISO, with auto DX and manually 6 to 6400 ISO
• Metering element: silicon photo cell.
• Metering range: 0 to 21 EV
• Focusing: manual.
• Programs: Av, M, P and TV modes
• Shutter: Focal plane shutter with speeds from 30 to 1/2000 sec. B
  • Remote cable release F
• 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 or Battery P ack FG
• Dimensions: approx 135 × 90.5 × 55mm
• Weight: 320g

Pentax MZ-M SMC FA 77mm f1.8 image by teknoec (Image rights)

Links

• Pentax MZ-M user manual at Butkus.org
• Pentax MZ-M at Bjordan Dimitrov's K mount page