The Pentax MZ-S Designers' Story The Product Concept "In the development of the Pentax MZ-S, our product concept was simple and clear from the very beginning: we wanted to create a top-class 35mm SLR camera that would combine solid, reliable performance with the ultimate operability. At the same time, we did not want to sacrifice the compact dimensions of the camera body, which photographers from around the world have come to expect from our MZ-series SLRs. In the past, we introduced both a high-tech digital control system (as in the Pentax Z-1p) and a user-friendly dial control system (as in the MZ-3 and the MZ-5N). Both systems, however, had their pros and cons. Designed for advanced photographers, the Z-1p's digital system offered such sophisticated features as a centralized display system and the "Hyper" exposure modes, but its state-of-the-art control system was a little too complicated for some of users to get accustomed to in a short period. On the other hand, the MZ-3 and MZ-5N's analog-type direct-access dial contr! ol system was easy to understand and operate even for beginners, but some of the features did not function as flawlessly as the digital system's. Frankly speaking as camera designers, we thought it would be much easier to standardize the entire control system one way or another. For the optimum benefit of our users, however, we decided to harmonize the best of both worlds to develop a totally new hybrid control system for the new MZ-S. "First, we made a thorough review of each and every function and selected the functions which we believed were absolutely necessary to achieve the level of performance we expected from this camera. To keep the compact dimensions, there was no room for frills or gimmicks. Then, we decided which function went best with which control. Naturally, some functions suited the digital system, while others were easier to operate with the analog system. Finally, based on the importance and frequency of use, we divided the selected functions into two groups: the first group of functions, which are required frequent on-the-spot setting changes, must go onto the camera body for quick access. The second group, which are fundamental in essence and don't require frequent changes after the initial settings are made, were assigned to the Pentax Functions (PF). The Pentax Function feature also contributes to the elimination of accidental setting changes during shooting. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
