Ken wrote:
> It seems (to me) that some camera mfrs do spec down some models, taking out
> some features from the original Japanese models. They seem to do so
> particularly on US export models. Examples are ZX-5n (vs. MZ-3?) and some
> Canon models with eye control features eliminated
[Snip]
>The fact that Canada is bringing in MZ-3 and apparently
> doing well is another mystery. If Canada can sell MZ-3 which is nothing
> more than a souped up ZX-5(n), just the sheer size of the US market can snap
> up more of those. Mystery.
Firstly, I don't think that the original MZ-5 can be considered a "japanese" model. It
was offered world-wide. However, one of the main complaints about this camera was the
lack of DOF-preview. This was added after a short time and the result was offered
world-wide, not only in the US, as the MZ-5n. In Japan they kept the original MZ-5
and added the MZ-3 which had all the features of the MZ-5n + some more.
According to Pentax people the MZ-3 was intended as Japan only (much like the Z-5).
However, Pentax Europe pleaded for getting it to Europe as well (the same happened
with Canada) and Pentax only reluctantly gave in (they were probably fearing
canibalizing sales from the MZ-5n). I can still remember talking to the Pentax reps
saying that the MZ-3 might come to Europe; Pentax Europe was working on it but so far
Pentax Japan wasn't willing. I believe that the MZ-3 was seens as a sort of "top model
compensation" because the Z-1p was basically dead saleswise in Europe at that time,
and the fact that the MZ-5n was big sucess.
Most of these Japan only products are never offered to foreign distributors. A case in
point are the L-mount Limited lens. Sometimes they are. Pentax Europe was asked if
they had any traditions for anniversary products. The answer was negative; now this
was about the LX2000 and at least Europe was asked if they wanted that model.
Apparently, the US never asked for the MZ-3; no wonder - the diference to the MZ-5n is
negligible.
So I think the MZ-5/MZ-3 pair tell more about the Japanese market than the MZ-5n tells
about the US and European markets. Also remember that the Z-5, a downgraded version of
the Z-1, was only offered in Japan. I believe the japanese use more money on cameras
giving room for more models filling more niches. Another issue is the fact that many
(most?) of the downgraded US only (almost exclusively Canons) are due to patent
issues; not the fact that the american consumers are unwilling to pay for the feature.
Eg. the A2 don't have an exposure bar in the viewfinder - all other markets had this
for this model.
Pål
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