Something that didn't get to the list....
-----
Well, the weather featured that particular variety of insidious misty
rain we like to call a "soft day, thank God" here in Ireland, so the
camera was idle today. And as there's some saying or other about idle
hands and devils' work, I have decided to try to spawn another
diabolical "speculative camera" thread (cue maniacal laughter, bats fly
into night, lightning strikes, etc. etc.). Anyway...
At the moment there's a large price gap in Pentax's lineup between the
MZ-5n/MZ-3, and the MZ-S. I expect it to be filled with another camera,
which I imaginatively call the MZ-2 or MZ-4, with MZ-4 being more likely.
Most of the electronics and software from the MZ-S, which are by now
tried and tested, could be re-used inside a cheaper body, so a
speculative feature set would be like:
- Shutter up to 1/6000, flash sync at 1/125, or 1/6000 with AF360-FGZ
- Digital two-dial control ("compensation/PF" and "shutter speed") like
MZ-S. No picture modes.
- 6-point AF (with selectable point) identical to MZ-S.
- Similar viewfinder coverage and magnification to MZ-5n.
- Spot, centre-weighted and pattern metering directly selectable on a
dial, like MZ-S (and 5n/3)
- Auto-bracketing (but maybe with half- or one stop selected on a PF,
not on a direct dial)
- P-TTL flash, but no wireless flash control, except in conjunction
with AF360-FGZ flash (as opposed to MZ-S's use of the pop-up flash as a
controller)
- DOF preview and shutter release/power on separate switches for no
particular reason except to preserve continuity with MZ-5n and maintain
a difference between this camera and the MZ-S
- IR shutter release (as in MZ-6)
- unlimited multiple exposure facility
- leader-out rewind via a PF, but no "go to frame N" when loading film.
- cheap injection-moulded metallic-effect plastic shell around an
aluminium frame
- little sticker on the bottom saying "Made in Vietnam" ;-) (meaning
no slur - just stating that the MZ-S is currently made in Japan by
relatively expensive labour)
To justify the continued higher price of the MZ-S, this new camera would
NOT have :
- Hand-finished magnesium-alloy body and slanted top-plate, carefully
filed, sanded and hand-painted by highly-paid Japanese workers ;-)
- Data imprinting on film.
- MLU self-timer mode
- "go to frame" on film change (which has allowed me to build up a
collection of partially-used film rolls ;-) )
- studio flash socket on side
- wireless flash control via popup flash.
- handy "focus now!" button on rear ;-)
- illuminated lens mount indicator, illuminated display
- "professional" black finish (now I'm kidding! -- I really wanted a
silver one myself)
- BG-10 grip and vertical shutter release.
I think Pentax could make this camera, make it in bigger numbers than
the MZ-S, sell it for about US$300 less than the MZ-S, and still earn a
nice return on each one, without cannibalising the MZ-S's market segment
very much.
comments?
--
Kristian
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