Lens sold and posted.

Focal lengths for portraits depend to some degree on the amount of space available (it often helps to have good separation between the model and background). That said, if it was my choice I'd look at using my SMC-TAK 105/2.8 (I don't mind manual focus) or try a 2x Teleconverter on the 50/1.4 (Kenko/TelePlus made AF versions back in the day). The teleconverter may reduce sharpness, but for portraits this might not be a problem.

The ultimate (£££) option is the FA77 Limited - the British Journal of Photography stated this was one of the best full-frame portrait lenses ever made.

It really depends on whether you want a general purpose lens that also works for portraits or something more specific - and of course, budget.

John.

Lens is reserved.

Rather delayed bump for this - any interest?

John.

In the case of my MZ-M (quite a later body) I'm guessing the mirror is driven by a stepper motor (or similar) - it looked like the mirror was lowered in a series of equal steps. I think something became out of sync with the shutter/film advance confusing the processor as to what was where.

Older electro-mechanical cameras sometimes had a RESET button on the base - which I presume re-synced the mirror/shutter/film advance cycle.

Very pleased to hear it

I had a similar incident with an MZ-M - the batteries died mid-cycle, the mirror was stuck up and nothing would drop it down. I could pull it down (I know you shouldn't) but it would spring back up. I left the batteries out for a couple of days and tried again. The shutter would fire but the mirror stayed up - after a few shots the mirror started to drop lower each time until it reached the 'down' position and it seemed to be fine after that.

John.

I also think the Z-1 is a great camera. I bought mine new with the PZ28-80 (I couldn't stretch to the 28-105). Unfortunately it has developed a crack by the battery door. It wasn't mis-handled apart from perhaps a light tap as I put it on a shelf once (possibly catching the corner). I have broken 'donor' body with an un-cracked base-plate to swap over but haven't had the time to try it yet.

The PZ28-105 got very good reviews (better than the 28-80 which I feel is un-fairly marked down in lens reviews). Back in the day, these lenses were not sold as 'kit' lenses - you bought the body (full price) and then chose your lens if you needed/wanted one (again full price - apart from perhaps a slight discount when paying £6-700 back then - 1991).

The additional grip-strap (no battery or buttons) makes it easier to handle if you have larger hands.

I know if I sold it, I'd probably regret it - but I haven't used it for a long time.

John.

Hello, I'm returning after (quite a large) gap - good to see some familiar names still here!

I lost my interest in photography for a while (quite why I'm not sure) but now the sun is shining...ish - I feel like getting back into it. For those who don't remember me - I have a few Pentax film cameras (35mm & MF), for digital I use a K-5, GR & MX-1.

Looking forward to get my interest back and creative juices flowing...

John.

If in good condition, black MX's are sought after bodies. The lenses aren't particularly special, but the winder (assuming the battery compartment screw hasn't broken - a common issue) would be of interest to MX owners.

As always, an ebay 'completed sales' search might give a guide to prices. If you're after the best price for the body, an ebay auction is probably the way to go.

I'd love a black MX but I've got three chrome ones and can't justify a fourth!

John.

I prefer to shoot primes up to about 200mm (film) or 135 (APS-C) beyond that long primes aren't really flexible enough. That said, wide-primes (for film) can be hard to find & expensive - I went for the FA20-35/4 as I couldn't find many examples of the FA 20 or 24 (I've since bought a K24mm which might be my choice from now on).

My usual combinations are something like:
Film: 24 or 28 or 20-35, 43 or 50 & 135
APS-C: DA17-70, 50 & 135 (I don't have anything other than the 10-17FE & 17-70 for wides on APS-C).

John.