More help needed
In addition to Matrix Metering it has Centre Weighted and Spot.
The layout and controls of the camera are simple and straightforward and resemble a traditional manual camera.
The Pentax MZ5n is very similar but adds depth of field preview and auto bracketing to the specification.
I hope this helps.
None of them can use older K or M lenses.
George
eBay could be a good source, but buy carefully. Dealers will be more expensive (probably) but are worth checking out.
Multi-point AF is overrated and many users elect to switch to single/spot focusing mode.
My old but thoroughly reliable SFX can't match modern predictive focus cameras, being as it has the older 'continuous' mode, but focuses pretty well in low light - might be worth getting yours checked out against a similar model!
The MZ-M is fully manual and pretty good but not as advanced as the 3 and 5.
AF lenses can be focused manually but manual lenses are designed better for this so if you prefer to shoot manually, then a manual lens on an AF body set to manual is ideal and you'll also get focus confirmation in the viewfinder + an audible beep if you want it.
When you said "pk fit lenses", did you mean K or KA (as you would normally have with a program camera such as the P30)?
With the camera dial set to A, the camera automatically sets a speed when I change the appeture ring.
For Manual exposure I can set a speed on the camera dial and an appeture on the ring. Metering is by a Bar Scale shown in the viewfinder.
In other words, with the exception of those bodies mentioned, any AF body will provide all the functionality of a manual focus body with manual focus lenses, and it will also provide focus confirmation.
If you like well-made, chunky, cameras, then an SFx is a good choice and will probably last for much longer than newer, lighter, bodies.
It's not beautiful, but it's the picture you look at, not the camera.
George
I like the SFXn better than the Z series, for example.
I used an MZ-50 for a couple of years in addition to a P30T. I had no problems with the autofocus, which I found to be both fast and accurate, but this is not a good move up from the P30 series if you have existing Pentax-A and Pentax-M lenses.
My recommendation, along with several earlier replies, would be the MZ-5n. This is really easy to use if your used to cameras with traditional dials - like the P30, and will happily take all of your old lenses in manual focus mode.
Cheltenham, UK
The MZ5(n) is a very good camera, but my reason for suggesting the SFX is that it is both very well made, and usually much cheaper than the MZ5. If cost is a consideration, it's a god choice.
G
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2277 posts
54 years
Basically I'm looking to replace my P30 with something a bit more useful (but not alot). I like the look of the MZ50, any good anyone? Else what would everyone recommend, I'm not looking to spend much at all.
Thanks