----- Original Message ----- From: "Heiko Hamann" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2002 6:32 AM Subject: Re: Exclusive picture of "new" Pentax D-SLR
> OTO I am not sure if the MZ-S is really such a > flop as generally assumed. In my eyes the MZ-S is a niche product for a > small number of photo enthusiastst. And it is really unique in this > niche - there is no competitive product. I don't know the actual > figures, but I could imagine that this niche strategy is more successful > BTW - I'm owning a MZ-5n and a 28-105 as you do. And I'm considering to > buy a MZ-S (regardless of our DSLR/flagship speculations). Is it really > a big step forward from the MZ-5n regarding AF speed and accuracy? Do > you like the viewfinder? As I'm wearing glasses, the I don't like the > viewfinder of my MZ-5n (as most other actual viewfinders)... > > Regards, Heiko Hey Heiko, Well, I do like the autofocus much more than that MZ-5n. It's essential to get the grip for it. With that vertical shooting is really nice and with the additional 'veritcal' focus point helps a lot. Now, saying all that, you have to look at the equipment I use, and my stardard most used lens is the FA 50mm 1:1.4, so yes, the viewfinder is very bright! I don't have enough experience to tell you if the MZ-S finder is any better than the MZ-5n. Maybe someone with better knowledge can jump in here. I like doing macro work, and when doing so, I manually focus everything, so for me AF doesn't factor in. I've used the AF in all it's modes, and I quite like the results. Accurate, yes. Faster? I don't know. Now I'm going to lie to you. While using the AF features (like scrolling through the points) I more often than not just set it for centre focus, and re-compose. Overall, the MZ-S does kick butt, and with the grip it is a joy to hold. I have big hands. It also looks great and solves a lot of little issues I had with the MZ-5n. If you don't mind paying for it, I think you'll enjoy it. Now, viewfinder again. I also wear glasses, just normal, not bi-focals or such. It has the same diopter range as the MZ-5n, and it does not allow me to use the viewfinder without my glasses. So it's no better there, and while they provide the eyecup for these cameras, I tend to get streaks and what not on my glasses, which are at any time, annoying, and have to constantly clean my glasses. I don't know if I've help you a lot. I find it far better than the MZ-5n, but as to the questions you specifically asked, I'm not sure it's much of an improvement. Brad Dobo
