>So what then is the body of a PZ1 made of?
>(It sure looks like plastic to me in its pictures, no?)
The outer shell is plastic, but the major structure inside is metal. For
MZ/ZX bodies, the whole thing is plastic.
>Also, the MZ/ZX bodies are not a light "plastic", but some kind of heavy
>polycarbonate fusion material. Having owned older metal cameras, (such as
>the tank-like 1970's Canon TX,) I believe an MZ/ZX would survive knocks, or
>even a fall, with much more safety! IMO where metal severly jolts the
>insides of a camera upon impact, the polycarbonate stuff would absorb
>better
>the vibrations of this very same impact!
> (I do not think one should assume that older and heavier metal bodies are
>always better. It really depends upon the individual camera, and how well
>it's put together...)
I cannot argue with that because I am no material engineer. However, no long
ago somebody on eBay was selling a ZX-5n without the mount. The reason was
it suffered from a free fall (but without hitting anything), and the lens
was too heavy for the ZX-5n to get hold of. I have never heard or seen this
happened before. I have saved the picture as proof. Also, if what you
suggested was correct, then why would all the professional cameras employed
metal for all major parts? Just an observation.
>And as for durability, well, a ZX5n sure as hell ain't gonna' wear out in
>my
>lifetime.
Not sure about that, I "guess" it would last at most 20 years, I guess. The
reason is the plastic gears would be worn eventually, and no parts would be
available.
>(My kids can buy their own damn cameras. Probably will too. Digital...)
>And a PZ1 has a lot more little buttons and intricate features to it; which
>means more stuff to have possible trouble with later on, yes?
Fair enough, but then cameras from '80s have even less electronic stuffs.
So, should one choose '80s models based on this assumption (or even '70s)?
>The "bigger and heavier" part of the PZ1 interests me though; it might be
>easier to hold onto and maneuver than a ZX?
Not quite. I have found my MZ-M with FG grip delivers excellent grip. Z-1p
is not bad either, but feels quite different.
regards,
Alan Chan
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