Pentax USA has it -- look for ZX-L, which was the model designation for the MZ-6 in the US.

http://www.pentaximaging.com/customer_care/manuals_literature

I bought a brand new ZX-L manual from them for $6, postage included.

Yes, custom function 10 on the MZ-6/ZX-L. On the *ist, it's CF 11.

I have the *ist 35mm and recently bought a ZX-L (MZ-6) to have a second body. I wanted bodies that can control the aperture because of two lenses: the FA J 18-35 and the DA 40mm.

The FA J is tremendous value and great fun in 35mm. Brand new, it's going in the US for around $100. This lens is not as good as the FA 20-35 but it ain't bad at all, very underrated IMO.

The DA 40mm is supposedly for digital SLRs only, but my own tests and that of several others show clearly that there are no ill effects, no vignetting, when using it on a film SLR. In fact, an *ist with this lens becomes the world's smallest 35mm AF SLR, and can fit in a (larger) pocket.

Now that I am used to setting the aperture on the body, I would never go back to using an aperture ring. I used a Spotmatic for 35 years, but don't miss it all. Modern technology is a Good Thing, LOL.

I believe he is talking about the *ist 35mm camera (I have one).

According to Pentax, the *ist 35mm does not have screens that can be changed by the user. But, I did pop mine out to clean it a bit, and did not do a very good job. LOL.

I have heard, but cannot confirm, that the interchangeable screens that fit the MZ-S are the same size as the screen in the *ist 35mm. I've been thinking about putting in the gridline screen, but haven't tried it yet.

If you are interested in the *ist 35mm, I will say that the autofocus is very fast and seems to be very accurate. I rarely use manual focus.

Very interesting, I did not know that about the MZ-S. I own a *ist (film) and a couple of FA Js, and almost always shoot in Av mode. I wondered about upgrading to a MZ-S but now, I don't think so.

In any event, I think the *ist is quite underrated. It has very fast AF, great metering, and I love the small size. Not built as sturdily as I'd like, but then it's not nearly as expensive, either.

One other possible solution is to get the BG-20 battery grip for this camera. When attaching the grip to the camera, the open battery door fits into a slot to keep it out of the way.

The grip uses 4 of the cheaper AA batteries, and in some ways improves camera handling. I've noticed new grips on ebay selling for about half retail.

I have a *ist 35mm with a similar 11 point AF system.

The Auto mode is distracting, as you try to keep track of where the camera is focusing -- the flashing red light showing changes in the focus point as you compose a shot.

The Center mode is limiting, I think, and doesn't take advantage of the camera's abilities.

I set mine to the "Sel" mode and select the center point. That way, by default, the camera focuses on the center point. If I want to change the focus point while composing, however, I can use the four-way controller to select another one without taking my eye from the viewfinder.

As a result, I have center focusing but can change the focus point easily and quickly.

Hello all -- occasional lurker from the US here.

I very recently bought a *ist (film, of course!) with the FA-J 28-80 lens. Lovely camera, and it's great fun learning to use it.

I've used Pentax for years and years -- I still have a Pentax Spotmatic I bought new in 1969, but this is my first modern camera with all the doo-dads.

My question is: is there a good written source (printed or online) explaining the custom functions in the *ist? I know the manual describes the *what* but I want to learn more about the *why*! Since I am used to far simpler cameras (adjust shutter and speed and focus, then snap) I am somewhat bewildered by the choices.

Some are self-explanatory, no problem, but then there's #6, for example, "superimpose focus points." What does that mean, and what are the pros and cons of the two options?

I am eager to learn, and would just like someone to point me in the right direction. Thanks!