Hi, all.

I'd like to hear some opinions about the Pentax PZ-1P.

After years of taking over 90 percent of my photos with my two Pentax K-1000s, I've decided to catch up with the rest of the world and buy a camera with all the electronic bells and whistles.

The PZ-1P is first on my list for a number of reasons.

--I already own a number of Pentax manual AND autofocus lenses (which work just fine on the K-1000s), plus assorted filters.

--The PZ-1P has several features that I'm looking for: auto bracketing, multiple meter modes, rapid film advance...

--It's within my budget, and I don't want to go higher.

--I like Pentaxes.

But how good a camera is the PZ-1P?

Should I consider cheaper Pentax alternatives?

Should I consider Nikon or Canon, despite my considerable investment in Pentax lenses?

Thanks in advance, John Mason

-- John Mason (profmason@yahoo.com), August 08, 2000

Answers

You answered your own question when you said "I like Pentaxes". Don't get the "cheaper Pentax alternatives". Get the best you can afford.

-- Joe Cole (jcole@apha.com), August 08, 2000.

Don't overlook the ZX-5n, a later model than the PZ-1P, and a great replacement for the ME SUPER series. Unfortunately, Pentax autofocus technology seems to be two generations behind Canon (IMHO, no flames please).

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), August 09, 2000.

Rumor according to the Pentax Discussion List is that a model to replace the LX will debut at the 2001 PMA show in February(?). The Limited line of lenses were a test of the market for upscale products (according to some of the posts) and were so well received that Pentax decided to go ahead with the new camera body. If true, I'll be saving my money! As another person posted, the ZX-5N is a nice camera - traditional dials instead of push buttons and switches. I've got an old SL (basically a Spotmatic without the meter) and it's as rugged as any amateur model made today. Maybe my response isn't of much help, but you could join the Pentax Discussion List (go to www.pentax.com and click on Discussion - it may be slightly different because I use a browser w/o graphics). Good luck!

-- Dave Internoscia (af202@acorn.net), August 10, 2000.

hello john, i have a pz-1 i got it just befor the pz-1p came out or just after or something like that. but i love it. just comepare the features you need to the other brands you are looking at and i bet that you will stay pentax. for the price you can't beat the bells and wistles it has. as one poster said the auto-focus is not as fast as some other brands but do you really need the faster focus? and for the money you can save you could buy more lenses or other equipment. i don't recall preciecly but i think i got my pz-1 and two lenses and a small camera bag for less than a cannon or nikon body. and pentax glass is just as good as anybody elses. i just bought a 100mm fa 2.8 macro that goes to 1:1 magnification. the lens is just awsome. good luck go pentax rodney

-- rodney carver (carcon@spinn.net), August 11, 2000.

John, I have used a PZ1 for many years and found it to be reliable, convenient to use and generally a good camera. I put on a show at my camera club (It's a large club with many excellent photographers. We compete successfully in PSA at the highest level). After the show, one of the top photographers in the club accussed me of having a Leica because my pictures were "so sharp!" So you can see there is no problem with lenses. However, recently I have come up against real limitations with the focusing and exposure systems while shooting weddings; focusing is not good in low light when people wear dark clothes, and the metering system has a hard time balancing flash TTL in strong backlighting situations. The focusing is noisy and slow compared with Canon and Nikon models, a definite disadvantage in a church. On the other hand, the camera has served me well, producing many photographs of prize-winning quality to the extent that I just bought a lovely 20mm lens. I also make good and frequent use of all my other lenses .. 28-80, 70-200 and 100mm macro (a real beauty) Depending on your finances & needs, you might do well to hold back and see if they do bring out an improved model in 2001. Whatever you decide, good luck.

-- Tony Wood (awood@telus.net), September 09, 2000.