Two questions on using Pentax K (no electrical contacts) with modern Pentax AF cameras:

1: Can the camera work in auto exposure if the lens does not have electric contents (at least in shutter priority if not apature prioriy)?

2: Does the autofocus system give any "in focus" signal for the selected focus point when manually focussing the old MF lenses?

Thanks

Kevin

Just a quick note of thanks for the advice.

I have just got my first trial roll back. I am very pleased with my choice, which will get far more use than the EOS 3 would have done. It really is amazing how much difference autofocus and auto exposure makes over my old MX, which I am keeping as a backup.

My "A Stock" body came without an eyecup or plugs for the flash sockets. Can anyone advise where to get replacements?

I have just put a couple of high quality manual zoom lenses in the classifieds. Has anyone got a 50mm 1.7 or 1.4 (mf or af) for sale?

Thanks

Kevin

For those intersted

I ordered my MZs today, with 24-90 and a sigma ex 100-300 and some filters. SHould be with me on Friday

ALthough stocks of the MZs seem to have run out, SRS Discount Photo have a few "A" stock bodies (pentax approval returns) at reduced prices and 12 month warranty

I'm still dragging this one out

More or less decided to go Pentax with a Pentax 20-35 f4 and 50 f 1.7 with a Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8

But it strikes me that an *ist with the above lenses would save me money and also weight when climbing.

On paper it seems to have similar functionality to the MZs (but not as tough)

Am I missing something?

I would keep my MX as backup, (but it let me down with mirror locking up at -20 C in January)

STILL undecided

I realy like the idea of the Pentax but 2 main worries

relatively poor dust and moisture sealing on MZs and Pentax lenses compared to EOS3/L lenses?

Pentax UK does not seem to exist anymore, with dealers shipping in goods from Holland: does not give me much confidence in after sales backup if things go wrong.

I am considering spending a lot for what must be a long term investment so the above are very important, especially as I sometimes use my cameras in harsh evironments.

My Pentax MX is a very good camera which has served me well ( and will continue to) . I had to take it apart once to re route the corroded meter wiring after sea water got into it, I wouldn't fancy my chances doing that on an MZs.

However after having a GR1v compact for a while I have realised how many shots (particulary action) I am messing up or missing with manual exposure and manual focussing. The centre weighted metering on the MX is trusty but pretty limited compared to spot and matrix metering.

I will probably go the MZs route with a Pentax 20-35 zoom (not many good ultra wide lanses around s/h for Pentax mf) , 50mm 1.7 and maybe a Sigma EX tele zoom

I am keen to try the feel an MZs. AT the end of the day if it feels better than the EOS I am more likely to have it with me twhen that unique picture opportunity presents itself.

The problem is NO dealers in the NW seem to stock it anymore!
Does anyone know of a NW shop that has one?

MXs, 20-35 f4 and 50 f 1.7 is a lot of dosh to fork out mail order without seeing the goods first!

Take the point about independant lens makers, I was fooled by the fact that some of the big suppliers don't include PKAF fit indepentants in their ads. The Pentax tele zooms available at sensible prices do seem to be constructed to what folk call a "consumer" spec so if I go Pentax I may choose a Sigma EX 70-200 2.8

I have decided to upgrade from my trusty MX to an autofocus system.

I want a tough, relatively compact and light body with top quality lenses, probably a wide angle zoom, wide appature 50mm standard and a 70ish to 200ish zoom. I am a climber and often take photos in cold, wet and dusty places

This is going to cost me a fair amount and I only want to spend the money once

The Pentax MZs would seem to be well suited, with the added benefit of being able to use my MX as a backup body for the new lenses.

However some of the comments on www.potographyreview.com suggest that the MZs is not very well sealed and has a flimsy back over? The pentax 20mm, 20-35, 24-90 and 50mm lenses seem to be praised for optics and are compact and light, though mabe not as tough as the canon L lenses. But the range does not seem to include a good 70-200 zoom. Out of the independant manufactures only Sigma seem to support the PKAF mount, but their EX rage zooms are considerably heavier than the Canon 70-200 f4 L lens. Indeed the weight of the Sigma zoom would make the complete MZs kit HEAVIER than a Canon EOS 3 body with L quality lenses!

Also the Pentax kit seems a bit thin on the gound (any good dealers in the NW to look at the body and lenses?) Jessops webste doesn't seem to include the better lenses, but mifsuds mailorder website does.

Can anybody come up with good reasons to get the MZs system rather than an EOS3 system?

Thanks

Kevin