I knew i could count on you to jump in <g>.
P�l Jensen wrote:
>
> Shel wrote:
>
> > Are we about to embark on another two year rumor parade? What's the
> > "Limited camera"?
>
> I believe the Limited camera is the MZ-1 (I could be wrong of course). Firstly ,
>there will be an MZ-1 (at least one is planned); It's pretty obvious.
> The MZ-S is, as I understand it, a spin-off of the digital "MZ-D". This may seem
>like a film version of a digital camera but its more complicated than that. What I
>believe happened (and is happening) is that Pentax decided to make a digital slr
>based on their modular upper end camera platform then in progress. Developing of the
>digital version was probably hurried due to the increase in digital camera sales.
>This has most likely messed up things somewhat and paved the way for the MZ-S.
>
> The Pentax upper level camera platform is likely designed around the same philosophy
>as the MZ-series; that is a highly modular and flexible camera platform where several
>models can share all vital internal parts but still come through as very different
>cameras. Eg. they share shutter which can be had in 1/6000s max or a high strung
>version with 1/8000s; Film transport is obviously modular since the "MZ-D" does
>without it; circuitry board is probably the same on all incarnations - different
>features set can be activated - different interfaces can be adopted; body is diecast
>and its easy to make a totally different body for different interpretations of the
>platform. The system is probably designed for flexible production and can probably
>sustain low production volumes and niche models.
>
> Because all K-mount Pentax users are potential customers for a K-mount digital slr,
>its likely that Pentax choose a camera with an interface that fuses the philosophy
>between all the older K-mount slr's in order to try to appeal to as many Pentax users
>as possible; the MZ-D(S) is fundamentally a cross between an MZ-3 and a Z-1p.
>Somebody at some point decided that the fusion between new and old Pentax values
>wasn't just something for a digital slr but also a fine idea for a film based camera
>- the MZ-S. It was most likely also a means to fill the hole after the Z-1p and the
>LX quickly. Its also very likely a meeting point (and a bridge product) between the
>extremes of Pentax future line-up as well. Hence the MZ-1 - the conservative and
>small pro grade camera. Its quite obvious that such an MZ-1 won't have 5fps
>motordrive etc. simply because the MZ-name signify small size. Also, its obvious that
>the MZ-1 won't be MZ-S like. So its most likely conservative. Whats more, those w!
ho!
> will stay with film the longest are probably the traditionalists; hence, the MZ-1.
> For those who want 5fps etc. the platform will be used for a larger camera that is
>possibly named something with the letter "S" (S-1?; hence MZ-S - the meeting point
>between MZ-series and S (series?)). This camera will be feature laden and most likely
>be the conceptual Z-1p sucessor (not direct sucessor; as it will cost way more) and
>adopt Z-1 style interface. The MZ-S will be a perfect back-up camera for this model.
>
> I believe what we're seing here is quite oposite philosophy than behind the LX. The
>LX was time consuming and expensive to make but gave the user all kinds of LX system
>accesories to custom their camera. What we may see now is more customisation directly
>from the factory which is probably cheaper. Its niche marketing at work. Anyway, both
>the Limited lenses and the MZ-S shown that Pentax thinks niche and that their product
>are more precisely targeted than ever.
>
> This is of course pure speculation and most likely total nonsense but is still based
>on (some) facts and also consistent with the reliable part of the rumor mill, but
>don't bet on it. Buy an MZ-S. Much probably depend on the way its received.
>
> [Its uncler whether Pentax will choose to use the upper level platform for an
>MZ-{number} camera. I believe its likley. They could though, let the MZ-1 be the
>upgraded MZ-3. That is, another plastic MZ style camera. Anyway, there will be an MZ
>camera above the MZ-3 within a year (maybe this year). It will be interesting to see
>wether this will be the MZ-4, 2 or 1.]
>
> P�l
>
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--
Sheldon Belinkoff
CREATURE'S COMFORT
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