Erik wrote: "One of the things I've noticed with the modern AF cameras is the overall degeneration of the viewfinders compared to mechanical cameras. "
Reply: I haven't noticed this at all..Quite the oposite in fact. Erik: "Why is it so difficult to put a decent viewfinder on the newer models? I've compared of course the LX, but also MX, with the MZ-3 and MZ-S and the difference is apparent. I just don't get it. " Reply: I don't get it either because I find the viewfinder on the MZ-S the best ever for achieving focus (with a possible exception of the LX with the new focusing screens). The Z-1p is significantly better than the LX (with the old screens) for focusing. Note that this is something totally different from viewfinder appearance and brightness. Eg. with the 600/4 and the 1,4X-L converter the Z-1p was much easier to focus in spite of a darker viewfinder than the LX (with the old screens). Similarly the MZ-S is way better than the Z-1p for focusing. In a side by side situation I was able to focus the MZ-S with the 600/4 and 2X converter easily on moving subject while I found it hopeless on the Z-1p, not to mention any older Pentax. This fact alone made me sell off my Z-1p. Also the Z-1p viewfinder has a warm color cast absent on the MZ-S which is neutral. It may well be that older viewfinders appear good but when it comes to using them its apparent that newer focusing screens are much better regardless of finder brightness. I don't find the 100% viewfinder a big deal. Either way, you have to take care of whats included in the finder or not. Eg. with 100% viewfinder you loose the edges when framing slides. So you have to make room when composing. The 92% viewfinders are made to fit a slide frame and I have never experienced any problem due to this coverage. P�l I was thinking of saving money for a MZ-S, but I really think that a pro-level body should be equipped with a topclass viewfinder. - 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 .
