Z-1p - Thoughts?
Posted 11/06/2013 - 21:31 - Helpful Comment
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I've got a Z1 (not P) and although I hadn't used it for some 6 or 7 years I recently put a film through and it behaved impeccably. Pretty good I think.
Posted 11/06/2013 - 22:31 - Helpful Comment
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It has a very good reputation even if it comes from the period when Pentax made butt ugly cameras. It has all the bells and whistles too.
K.
K.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
Posted 11/06/2013 - 23:01 - Helpful Comment
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I've had my Z1p since they first came out along with the 28-105 power zoom and have always been very pleased with their performance and build quality.
I still use it every now an then and it works as well now as it did when first purchased.
I still use it every now an then and it works as well now as it did when first purchased.
Regards John/Jumbo
Posted 11/06/2013 - 23:38 - Helpful Comment
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I've had my Z-1 since new (the 'p' only adds a masked-off landscape format option IIRC). I've not used it recently, but it handles just like a K-5 does as far as the 'photo' side of the camera goes. Although it was never advertised as 'sealed' mine has been out in the rain and covered in dust without any problems. The only thing to watch it cracking around the battery door (mine cracked whilst being stored or at the next battery change - not quite sure).
I still think it was the best specified film body and the best handling. It only has a centre-point AF sensor, but it's fairly quick (faster with primes than zooms). I bought my K-5 because it felt and operated the same as the Z-1. The only real drawback is the reliance on 2CR5 batteries (which at the time were much more expensive than they are now).
The best bits are the HyperProgram & HyperManual exposure modes and its ability to mix auto-bracketing with exposure compensation (set the bracket points and then move all three up/down as desired). It will also mix HyperManual with exposure lock (hit the 'IF' button to set the program line then hit exp. lock and it holds the EV value, spin either dial to move the Tv/Av combination either way).
Top line figures are still impressive: 1/8000th shutter, 1/250th flash sync, 3fps. and very good finder/LCD info.
Although it has the PowerZoom contacts, SDM only lenses won't AF (never tried it though ).
EDIT - I prefer it with the 'gripstrap', not a vertical grip as such but adds a bit of bulk to the camera if you prefer things that way.
John.
I still think it was the best specified film body and the best handling. It only has a centre-point AF sensor, but it's fairly quick (faster with primes than zooms). I bought my K-5 because it felt and operated the same as the Z-1. The only real drawback is the reliance on 2CR5 batteries (which at the time were much more expensive than they are now).
The best bits are the HyperProgram & HyperManual exposure modes and its ability to mix auto-bracketing with exposure compensation (set the bracket points and then move all three up/down as desired). It will also mix HyperManual with exposure lock (hit the 'IF' button to set the program line then hit exp. lock and it holds the EV value, spin either dial to move the Tv/Av combination either way).
Top line figures are still impressive: 1/8000th shutter, 1/250th flash sync, 3fps. and very good finder/LCD info.
Although it has the PowerZoom contacts, SDM only lenses won't AF (never tried it though ).
EDIT - I prefer it with the 'gripstrap', not a vertical grip as such but adds a bit of bulk to the camera if you prefer things that way.
John.
Posted 12/06/2013 - 18:32
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Cheers guys.
I went to Real Camera Co today, no Z-1's in. However they did have an MZ-7 in good nick. So for £20 I now have an MZ-7 to replace the MZ-50 that has failed. Now to get a roll of film in and give it a run in France next week.
I went to Real Camera Co today, no Z-1's in. However they did have an MZ-7 in good nick. So for £20 I now have an MZ-7 to replace the MZ-50 that has failed. Now to get a roll of film in and give it a run in France next week.
Some Cameras
Posted 16/06/2013 - 21:51
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Personally, I think you should have been a little more patient and held out for a Z-1p! johnha has told you just about all you need to know about the camera but it was the last hardware I used before turning digital and I loved it, but then I've said that about every Pentax I've owned and used since 1974. I will eventually get back to using it but in recent times I've taken an S1a out of the collection to use followed by an SPll. I've just brought my beloved K2 back to life and will probably dig out the ME Super thereafter. The Z-1p was a large camera but it nestled in my hands most comfortably and I am sure you will love it also when you eventually acquire one. Keep looking.
Paul.
Photography is not a sport. It has no rules. Everything must be dared and tried! (Bill Brandt)
PPG
Photography is not a sport. It has no rules. Everything must be dared and tried! (Bill Brandt)
PPG
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1172 posts
17 years
UK
so, now I am left with a single K-mount film SLR, my MZ-5n which I have had since new.
So, to get a second K-mount body, a body that will take the FF compatable DA primes I have as well
Having looked at the various forums and Bojidars excellent site, I am considering the Z-1p.
Of course I need to look for a good cheap example that works but that is another matter.
It is a brute though, reminds me of the Nikon F90x that I also have. But of course it is a Pentax!
So, do any of you have the Z-1p and what do you think? Is it a realiable beast as well?
Look forward to hearing from you.