Hi, I've spent some time, probably about 4 months in total with 2 months being the longest single period, photographing in Africa (Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zanzibar and South Africa). I've seen tourists using cameras similar to the MZ5n and they seemed to be ok. The only problems they had that I was aware of was running out of batteries, and not being able to get replacements. I used MXs, LXs and a Super A. They all had problems of various types, but I was there for longer than the average tourist (if there is such a thing in Africa) and shooting far more film in rougher situations than most. One LX developed sticky mirror, one MX's shutter jammed and the Super A's motor developed a voracious appetite for batteries. I personally wouldn't go without all-mechanical back up, and then some back up for that too. None of the serious photographers I've met while over there, or who've photographed seriously in Africa - and I've met a lot - would consider going without mechanical back-up.
Whatever camera your friend takes, she needs to be sure to clean it thoroughly every day. Dust gets everywhere. My Contax 50/1.4 lens has taken a real beating because of dust in the innards from a trip to India. She should also take a set of jeweller's screwdrivers and be sure to tighten screws up after flights and bus rides. She needs to take twice as much film as she estimates, and some notebooks and several pens. --- Bob mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 6:37:19 AM, you wrote: > Hi list! > A friend of mine is going to Africa this fall and she is in great need > of a new camera. She asked me for advice and I suggested a MZ5n with > some nice lenses. > My question to the allknowing list is, will the MZ5n handle three months > in darkest Africa (desert/steppe, not jungle)? The MZ-S would of course > be better but she's on a budget of US$600-700 and she's not that a good > friend that I lend her mine MZ-S :-) > I might mention that this is here first SLR. I don't think the LX would > fit here all that well. > Thanks! > Petter > Sk�ne, Sweden - 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 .
