Magnesium Diecast Body
"Once the basic body design was completed, we had to decide on the material used for
the body casing. It had to be strong, durable and lightweight and also convey the
high-class image of the MZ-S. Aluminum and zinc didn't meet these requirements. The
material also had to be flexible enough in molding to reproduce the MZ-S's complicated
shape with great precision. For this reason, titanium was eliminated. Eventually, we
were left with only one choice: magnesium diecast, used for the first time in a Pentax
camera and available in only a handful of high-end SLRs on the market today. We used
this magnesium diecast material for four major components of the body casing.
Compared with commonly used plastic, this material provides outstanding strength.
Take the arms of the built-in RTF flash unit, for example. They are designed to be
very thin, yet they are exceptionally resistant to twist and distortion.
"We also paid attention to the body coating to make it extra-durable and give the MZ-S
an distinctive appearance. In our exclusive three-layer, three-bake coating process,
we first apply a black base layer, and then a second flat layer. After each layer is
applied, the body parts are carefully baked to provide maximum protection. The third
and final layer is applied by hand to create a sandy surface texture and outstanding
holding comfort. The parts are baked for the third time to perfection. Since the
final layer is hand-applied, a careful inspection shows that each MZ-S has a slightly
difference texture, providing sense of personality for the user.
Interior Design
"Of course, the MZ-S's eye-catching design, including the slanted top panel, greatly
affected its interior design. We found that we could use only a handful of parts from
other MZ-series models. As a result, we had to design almost all blocks, both
electronic and mechanical, and wiring patterns from scratch to fit into the unusually
shaped spaces. Many buttons and levers had to be installed on slanted planes,
requiring careful calculations and minute design adjustments. So we had to think very
flexibly and creatively to make the best use of available space. Our industry-leading
mechanical and electronic technologies were very much needed to pack everything into a
compact body, which is nearly as small as the MZ-3's.
New Features
"In addition to its solid performance and unique appearance, the MZ-S offers some
outstanding new features. The first is a new six-point AF system, which has five
focusing points aligned horizontally and one additional point just above the middle
point. With these five horizontal points, this AF system offers the widest AF
coverage of all 35mm AF SLRs currently on the market. It also comes equipped with a
back-up mechanism. When the optimum focusing point has difficulty focusing on the
subject because of extremely low contrast or complete monotone, the neighboring point
is automatically activated to enhance focusing accuracy. You can also switch to the
spot AF mode to select one of the six points for pinpoint focusing on a small area.
"The second notable feature is on-the-film data recording, which is incorporated in a
Pentax 35mm SLR camera for the first time. This new feature allows you to imprint
useful data (exposure mode, metering mode, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure
compensation value, and auto bracketing) onto the film's blank spaces between the
perforations. It also imprints the film number onto the film leader section.
"Another useful feature is an exposure frame designation function, which automatically
advances the film to the designated exposure frame when the film is reloaded into the
MZ-S. This allows you to rewind the film midway through, switch to a different type
of film, then reload the original film and resume shooting from the first blank frame
- without worrying about accidentally double-exposing already exposed frames at all.
"Finally, there is a single-action AF lock button - another first for a Pentax 35mm
SLR. With a conventional AF lock mechanism, you have to first press the shutter
release button halfway down to activate the AF system, then press the AF lock button
to lock the focus. However, this convenient button, which is located on the back
panel, allows you to activate the camera's AF system and lock the focus with just a
single push. Since there is no need to touch the shutter release button, you don't
have to worry about accidental shutter releases. This is also very helpful when
wearing gloves in cold weather.
Accessories
"In order to maximize the MZ-S's outstanding capabilities and cope with a wide range
of photographic applications, we designed a new set of accessories that includes a
battery grip, flash unit and cable switches.
"The BG-10 Battery Grip not only dramatically extends the operation time of the MZ-S,
but comes also equipped with a shutter release button for vertical-position shooting,
an electronic preview lever, an AE lock button and an infrared remote controller. Its
ergonomic design further enhances the MZ-S's holding comfort and stability, while its
single-action lever mechanism allows for quick, effortless installation and removal.
We strongly recommend that our users pair this grip with the MZ-S camera body.
"The AF360FGZ dedicated auto flash is another great partner for the MZ-S. With a
large guide number of 36 at 85mm (at ISO100/m) and a maximum discharge angle of 24mm
(20mm with a wide-angle panel attached), this powerful flash unit supplements the
built-in RTF flash in many flash situations. Its wireless data-transmission
capability with the RTF unit automatically adjusts the discharge level with great
precision, even under confusing lighting conditions.
"We also offers cable switches (in two different lengths), a release timer switch for
pre-programmed interval shooting, quick shoe adapters, and soft camera cases - all
made of the finest material and for maximum performance. Of course, the MZ-S is
compatible with all SMC Pentax FA- and F-series interchangeable lenses and most of
existing accessories, just like all other MZ-series models.
The Future Form of 35mm SLR Cameras
"If you think a camera's control system is too complicated or troublesome for the
first time you use it, you may start to dislike the camera and seldom use it
afterward. Eventually you may stop enjoying photography altogether - even if the
camera offers the finest performance and quality. That's why we were particularly
concerned about the MZ-S's control system. Because of its unconventional styling,
people may at first glance be a little hesitant to try it out. But once you lay your
hands on this camera, you will be surprised by its outstanding feel and flawless
operation. We wanted the MZ-S to be the camera that people take with them everywhere
they go. If you still prefer a camera with either a digital or analog control system,
that's fine - because we believe our users deserve choice. Pentax offers all three
types in its 35mm SLR lineup to meet every user's preference. But, by incorporating
the new hybrid control system and a host of sophisticated features into one!
of the most compact bodies available today - without any frills or gimmicks - we are
confident that we have successfully developed a truly epoch-making camera, which
points to the future of 35mm SLR photography. We hope all photographers - both
advanced and beginners - will take the opportunity to experience the MZ-S firsthand,
and see and feel the real difference!"
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