I was visiting my local photo store - they consider me part of the
family as much time as I spend there - and lo and behold there was the
Pentax rep. My thanks go to him for spending the time with a Pentax
enthusiast and letting me fondle, er, handle the camera, oh yes and the lens
too.
I spent a good amount of time with the MX-S probably close to an
hour and a half. He gave me a good rundown on the features and then handed
it to me with a 24-90 attached. I must say that it is one sweet machine.
Hardly anyone else got to handle it that's how much it was in my hands. And
boy did I appreciate it.
SIZE -
In terms of size it is closer to the MZ/ZX series even the LX than
the PZ-1/p, all four cameras were on the counter at the same time. I did
not get the PZ-1/p when it came out because after 5-10 minutes my hands hurt
from such a large grip. I did not even consider its features since it was
not comfortable to me. Understandably I have small hands. The ZX/MZ series
(I have the 5 in each) is not quite substantial in terms of the a good
camera grip in the LX, Super Program, PZ-1 vein. The MZ-S is between the
two PZ-1 and ZX-5. The edge where the bend of your fingers would go is not
rounded, but I did not find it uncomfortable though it would almost seem as
such at first glance. It actually felt better than the MZ/ZX in terms of
carrying it with your arm down at your side. This is all in terms of the
cameras with no battery grip attached. He did not have the battery grip for
the MX-S. More on this later.
BATTERY GRIP -
He did not have one. Said there are only two in the USA. Showed
how it would go in place and the two rubber pieces that would have to be
removed from the bottom plate to install it. These rubber pieces would fit
into the battery grip so they would not get lost. He commented on how
rather than screwing in like the FG the BG-10 has two claw-like protrusions
that catch the grip. Makes for quick attachment. He said he tried out the
vertical grip and liked it. The preview information booklet he gave me says
that it has a detachable trigger for wireless remote.
I can see where the grip would be along the lines of the FG and make
for a better balancing camera, especially with a larger lens. I tried the
MX-S with my A* 300/4 and it felt better than the ZX-5 without the grip. I
would think that those with larger hands and those using larger lenses would
prefer the grip.
MLU -
He stated that it was available as a Pentax function and worked as
the PZ-1/p, of which he owned and used one.
HOLD SWITCH -
The hold switch is to hold the shutter speed so that you will not
accidently change it. Not aware of any other use.
AUTOFOCUS BEEP (PCV audible) -
I regularly turn mine off and prefer it to stay that way. You can
do this now by using a Pentax function. The button is not by the flash
button anymore.
DOF PREVIEW -
The ON/OFF switch which is right by the shutter release also works
as a DOF switch. You just move it towards the body and it stops down the
aperture. It is a spring loaded switch and returns to the ON position.
MODES -
Easy to use as stated in previous posts. When in Program mode if
you move either the shutter selector or aperture ring it will put you in the
respective priority mode and then moving the other will take you to Manual.
To go back to Program you need to put the aperture back to A and press the
green exposure mode button in the front. It is towards the top and easy to
reach, once I got used to having to set it. I am not aware of any other
purpose to this button unless it is used with the functions. I did not ask
about the functions.
FUNCTIONS -
I had no real interest in them right now, so I did not ask. I had
to make sure it felt comfortable before I truly look at the features.
MF/AF -
As in the ZX/MX series the AF/MF is easily located and useable.
NOISE -
The ZX-5 gives a muffled low frequency sound when you fire the
shutter. The MX-S has a more metallic higher frequency sound. Volume is
hard to judge, more noticeable in the MX-S probably, but to me a more
pleasing sound. Nothing like the LX kerplunk ;-)
AF HUNTING -
I would have to say that it focuses easier, and thus faster than the
ZX-5. I used my F (IF) 135/2.8 on my ZX-5 and the MX-S on the walls of the
store which are monochromatic with wooden valleys cut into it. The MX-S was
definitely faster, though I did find instances throught the shop where it
did hunt, the ZX-5 had problems too. With all 6 AF sensors (automatic)
enabled it would focus on the closest in range (contrast) to the camera.
FOCUS POINTS -
You can go automatic (all 6 enabled) or with a switch pick one to
use. It takes some getting used to reaching with the left hand under the
lens and activating the switch. But with the ability of choosing it with
the selector dial atop the camera it turned out to be easier than it looked.
And most people would set it once and forget it for a series of shots.
Someone with bigger hands may have more difficulty. I can see that by using
the middle sensor I could quickly (and I got better with time) choose the
sensor to the right or left and take the shot. This could be handy for
sports action of the slower variety. I tried it with my A* 300/4 and I
think it would be even easier with the battery grip than without.
DATA IMPRINTING -
The information booklet I have shows film roll number, ISO film
speed, imprinting brightness level, exposure mode, metering mode, shutter
speed, aperture value, exp compensation value, auto bracketing value, and AE
lock. You will have to use a loupe to get it, but it is there. He was not
too familiar with information on this, but said that he did not notice it
slowing anything down as it writes it before advancing the film.
VIEWFINDER -
Hard to tell inside the shop, but it looks a little brighter than
the ZX-5 or is it wishful thinking and excitement? The information on the
bottom seemed easier to see. Again I did not take it outside in the
sunlight. The exposure-compensation and manual exposure data on the right
is activated in manual. This is a nice touch.
AF BUTTON -
The AF button on the back of the camera lets you activate the AF
without fear of inadvertently tripping the shutter. I found it a little too
close to the center at first. Again you can get used to it. The only
problem is that it had to be depressed too far and caused me to move the
camera away from my face a bit.
MID-ROLL CHANGING -
He commented that he used it and basically you had to tell it where
to go to abut said that it marked the film. I never use this feature since
I would be carrying multiple bodies so I did not pay too much attention -
sorry.
LEFT DIAL -
I did not ask much or try this out. It has been touched on in the
past. I have never used bracketing and occassionally exp compensation. Exp
comp appears easy to set.
LENS MOUNT INDEX -
Hard to see how useful it is inside the store. I do miss the
buttons on the older lenses for mounting the lenses without looking.
All in all a fine time. We may have even converted a couple of
foreign (to Pentax) shooters. At one point the following was on the counter
(some mine, some his) MX, LX, Super Program, PZ-1, ZX-5, MX-S, F (IF)
135/2.8, new 24-90, A* 300/4, FA* 200/2.8, 43 Limited, and 77 Limited.
At one point he asked a salesperson - who else can take a 'new',
current lens and place it on a camera from 1975 and use it (as he put his 77
on his MX. You could sense the envy ;-) And the discussions about lens
quality was very entertaining
Before all the handling I commented how I prefer taking the LX over
the ZX-5 out in inclement weather. He commented that the MX-S has the
sealing/protection of the LX and PZ-1. You shouldn't be concerned about
taking the MX-S out and about. This I think is the big winning point for
me. I have been in all sorts of elements with the LX and would hesitate to
do it with the ZX-5. He definitely stressed that it is LX durable and
sealed.
All in all I have come away very impressed with the MX-S. With the
battery grip it should be a true winner with bigger glass. Without the grip
and with the Limited lenses it was extremely easy to handle and very
unobtrusive in size.
It was comfortable to hold, though some who are left eye dominant
may change to right eye for ease of reaching all the controls. The selector
dial was easy to reach with both index finger and thumb and after a while I
did not even bother to look at the LCD panel.
He has been told that availability is in May (could not pin them
down for beginning, middle, or end.) and his impression is the price should
be like the new LX. So we are talking about $1000.
Just my intial looks,
César
Panama City, Florida
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