Hi Steve, on 26 Oct 02 you wrote in pentax.list:
>I do have a question, however. How difficult is it to use the MZ-S >shape but recast it in polycarbonate? I realize that it would require >new mfg lines that cast plastic instead of bend metal, screw fittings >would be needed, etc., etc., but the final product would be much cheaper >and I think a few hundred bucks cheaper would make a big difference.. Interesting question. I can't answer it but I was thinking in the same direction. For me the MZ-S was never a real MZ as it has a unique design. Pal has said, that the Pentax reps sometimes are quite misunderstandig. So what if the MZ-S was the developing basis for new products and now will be the basis for the new chassis? I could imagine a new chassis line as follows: - a cheaper MZ-S made of polycarbonat replacing MZ-5/MZ-6 - the present MZ-S as semi-pro camera - the previous MZ-D with minor changes and the APS-sized chip - a MZ-flagship as big as the MZ-D with an integrated, fast winder and more pro-features For me this sounds sensible (altough it is pure speculation), especially as this would amortize Pentax's investments in r&d. On the other hand there is missing a replacement for the cheap consumer bodies (MZ-60 etc.). So maybe these will still be produced in their present shape. And another argument against a new MZ-S-line: The LX was a similar product but it remained unique - there were no further developments into other bodies. Regards, Heiko
