Like its sister models in the popular ZX-series, the ZX-M offers super-compact dimensions and straightforward, easy to read dial controls; but it is totally manual. It incorporates an array of creative and user-friendly features, including a multi-mode exposure system; an advanced light metering system; and a 1/2000-second high-speed shutter. As a result, this is the model for the next generation of photographers as well as those who want to learn the basic skills through creativity and fun. The ZX-M helps teach photography in a simple and easy way.
Though the Pentax ZX-M SLR camera shares its compact dimensions and easy-to-use features with the Pentax ZX series, this model lets you switch from a completely automatic mode to a completely manual mode. In addition to the user-friendly features, this camera incorporates a wide variety of functions, including a multimode exposure system, an advanced light-metering system, and a 1/2000-second high-speed shutter. The Pentax ZX-M uses the Pentax A-series manual focus lenses, the FA- and F-series autofocus lenses, as well as a wide range of optional accessories to satisfy the photographer's creative needs.
With its four exposure modes: Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Metered Manual, and Programmed AE, you can give this camera as much or as little control over your pictures as you want. You can use the Programmed AE for those shots that you want exposed with no guesswork on your part, while Aperture-Priority AE and the Shutter-Priority AE give you partial control over the shot. Or, for complete control, switch to the manual mode and capture the shot exactly the way you want it.
The Pentax ZX-M lets you check the depth-of-field for a given aperture with just the push of a button. This feature ensures that your picture will have the visual effect that you want, before you take the shot. You can even use this feature when the camera is set in automatic mode. The external LCD viewfinder display features the Pentax Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, which gives you a sharp, clear image and lets you confirm all of your settings with just a glance.
1 it's just plain great!
i have had this camera for about a year and i am yet to take a bad picture with it. it does lack a flash though and the lense that mine came with did not have auto-focus, so it is a camera for those who are into serious photography. it does have many automatic settings though, so it is easy to use overall. i hope that other people enjoy this camera as much as i have.
2 Pentax ZX-M does have a self-timer
This camera does have a self-timer.
3 Best SLR for the money!
The ZX-M is a solid camera with almost every feature you will need. I've owned it for almost 2 years and the only complaint I have is that it needs a flash or it is almost useless indoors, so be prepared to buy one and carry it around. It also lacks date imprinting if you're into that. It is a great camera though and is otherwise pert-near perfect!
4 I love my Pentax
I love my Pentax ZX-M. I bought it a little over 2 years ago because I was a beginner and thought I should start with a manual focusing camera and also because it fell into my price range. I've loved every bit of my camera. It's easy to use, takes great photographs, is light enough to carry around your neck, loads film very easy, and has understandable features. One problem I've had is finding a lense that will fit my camera. From what I understand is that I need a lense with a K mount and those have been a little difficult for me to come by. And another problem that I found is the bulb attachment was a tad bit on the expensive side [all because it was electronic]. Other than that, I love my Pentax. It's definately a great camera for beginners!
5 Nice
I have had this camera since October is it consistantly gets better with time. I am used to using a Pentax MS-super which was a very basic straight forward camera. The MZ-M is exactly like the ME-super except a more up to date version with some hand electronic features and more options. I enjoy this because a transition for me between my old camera and this camera was very simple. The largest bonus with this camera is that all old and new lense footings will fit beautifully.
The one downside is that it does not have a built in flash like all other Pentax M series cameras. I did a lot of research into buying this camera and less than the price of the next model up (which does offer a few other non flash related bonus' but nothing major) you could buy a nice interchangable Pentax Flash to go with your camera.
Over all this camera is fantastic and I have zero complaints.
6 Not like they use to be.
I bought th zx-m to replace an old K-1000 that getting old and a little unriable. The nice thing about the zx-m is it is only manual focas camrea the Pentax makes. It still uses all the old pentax lense and will work with all the old pentax lenses as well as the automatic focus lense. The only bad thing is you will not be able to use the aperture priority setting if you have a lense with does not have a setting for it. You can check to see if you have an A lense if you have the green A on the f stop ring. This forced me to buy a new lense because I wanted this feature. If you don't mind manual metering then you don't have to buy the Pentax A lenses. The nice thing that makes this camrea a little better than the K-1000 is it can be fully manual or you can use the shutter priority and the aperture priority together. It does use a lot of plastic in the construction of the body which gives it a cheaper feel. I love my pentax super program because it has be with me through rough conditions and still keeps on working relaibly. If you drop any camrea it will break even stainless steel camreas dent and can stop working after a slight drop. Usally from waist level to floor will do it. But with plastic it will crack and expose the in side of the camera to dirt and contaminants. The last thing I say is the lense mount is plastis. Some people don't like that and some don't mind. It does not effect the performance of the camera but is easier to break. As to the long term wear it can stand if your carefuly it will last a long time and if you are rough when mounting you lenses it will not last long. If you are looking for the best Pentax camera on the market to day it is the ZX-5n.
7 Just Getting Started But....
I just got this camera today. I decided to write an initial view here and then later I will write a more extensive view as I get more used to the camera.
My first thoughts when I picked this camera up were it was light enough that it actually felt cheap. That made me feel a little uneasy since I was used to an old Pentax ME Super.
One good thing about this camera is that almost all the old lenses from me ME Super fit it. It is deisnged to be interchangable. That is something I like about it.
More to come later.
8 Very functional, easy to use camera!
This is a great camera with easy to use options - I like the manual controls, which make experimentation easy and fun, and also make it a great starter camera for novices and photography students. The size is also good - Its a great SLR for travel. I've taken great indoor and outdoor shots with it.
