I like Kodak Ektar (ISO 100) and Portra 400 films for color prints.
I recommend Ilford and Kentmere black & white negative films.

Chris

OP didn't mention America, but in USA the United States Postal Service does not X-ray your mail.
Also I travel by air frequently in USA and have never been refused hand inspection of my photo film.

To avoid the wait for hand inspection I prefer to buy my film at my destination. This helps the local economy, too.
I then mail it to the lab before my return trip. My finished photos are often waiting when I arrive home!

Chris

I always fancied an LX2000, as I prefer chrome and black finish bodies rather than all-black.
I sold my Pentax LX. It was nice, but I prefer my KX which works just as well for my needs.

Chris

That's what I paid for my car.

Chris

Eric derisively refers to the MZ/ZX line as the "Plastic Pentaxes"...

Chris

Eric Hendrickson is located in Knoxville Tennessee USA.
I send him all my Pentax items for service by post from New York, 700 miles away.
Yes, he's that good.

Eric has many UK and foreign customers as well.
His rates are very reasonable so even with international postage he may be a good option for a cost effective repair.

Chris

Even a lightly used MZ/ZX body may fail. Age is a contributing factor, and these cameras are all teenagers now.
I'm sure there are a few out there that were repaired using the more reliable replacement motor,
but short of a complete dissection (as in a repair) unfortunately there's no way to tell.

Chris

The motor that drives everything on most MZ/ZX cameras has a nylon gear that cracks, leaving you dead in the water.

The improved replacement motor incorporates a brass gear. Once replaced these cameras are far more reliable,
however I'm not sure the part is still available. Further the cost of repair might be prohibitive for one of these rather mediocre bodies.

That said an MZ-3 is my only AF body. Eric Hendrickson upgraded mine to the improved motor and installed an MZ-M (manual) focusing screen.
In future my aging eyes may need autofocus/focus confirmation capability...

Chris

We are truly blessed to have these resources.
Please support them so we can remain happy Pentax users into the future!

Chris

If you have owned and used an MZ/ZX series Pentax any length of time that old nagging
"when will that plastic gear that runs everything break and completely incapacitate my camera"
feeling will never leave you.
Better to avoid the sad "plastic Pentaxes" as my repairman calls them.

To truly appreciate Pentax quality, precision and user experience suggest you try a manual focus
model from the K or M series.

Chris