The Pentax PZ-1p Features and Specifications

Default

CUSTOMIZING

The PZ-1p has fifteen functions that may be customized to the individual user's specification. The problem is that the Pentax User's Manual (English version) can be so intelligible that the user is prevented from making full use of the Pentax Functions. Setting the Mode Dial to "PF" accesses the Pentax Functions. While holding down the mode button, you can scroll through the fifteen Pentax Functions by turning the Tv dial. The available options may be selected by turning the Av dial. Listed below are twelve of the fifteen Pentax Functions and my personal recommendations as to which option to set. The other three Pentax Functions involve the use of power zoom lenses. Since I don't own any power zoom lens, I have no personal knowledge or experience in this regard.

Pentax Function No. 1. - Enables/Disables the PCV Signal.

When this function is enabled, a beep/s is heard when (i) the autofocus mechanism locks focus on the subject, (ii) during self-timer operation, (iii) when the "IF" button or "ML" button is depressed, and (iv) when the image size tracking mode is being used.

Options:

0 = PCV Signal Enabled

1 = PCV Signal Disabled

I prefer to enable the PCV Signal. Sometimes I'm so busy with composition (watching the edges of the viewfinder) that I don't have time to look at the "in-focus" indicator. I may release the shutter without noticing that the subject was not in focus. When the PCV Signal is enabled, I can "use my ears" to focus.

Pentax Function No. 2. - Limiting Exposure Modes.

The PZ-1p has several exposure modes, i.e., Hyper Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Hyper Manual, and 1/250 flash sync. When the main switch is set to "On" (as opposed to "User"), the mode dial at "Mode", and the mode button depressed, any of these exposure modes may be selected by turning the Tv dial. However, this function allows the user to limit the exposure modes that may be selected such that only Hyper Program and Hyper Manual may be selected.

Options:

0 = Only the Hyper Program and Hyper Manual modes may be selected

1 = All exposure modes may be selected.

I prefer option "0" that only the Hyper Program and Hyper Manual Modes may be selected by turning the Tv dial. The Hyper Program mode is shiftable, i.e., the exposure mode shifts to Aperture Priority when the Av dial is turned or to Shutter Priority when the Tv dial is turned. The camera reverts to Program AE when the "IF" button is depressed. Also, at Hyper Program Mode, Aperture Priority may be selected by moving the aperture ring off the "A" position. The 1/250 flash sync setting is unnecessary when using a dedicated flash since the camera automatically syncs to 1/250 when in Hyper Program Mode. Thus, all exposure modes are still selectable in Option "0". And it's easier to shift to Hyper Manual because when turning the Tv dial you don't have to scroll through the entire menu of exposure modes.

Pentax Function No. 3. - Selecting the exposure compensation increments.

Options:

0 = 0.3 EV increments

1 = 0.5 EV increments

Option "0" or 0.3 EV increments may be preferable when using slide film. At any rate, one should have better control over exposure.

Pentax Function No. 4. - Selecting the shutter speed increments.

Options:

0 = 1 EV increments

1 = 0.5 EV increments

I prefer shutter speed increments of 0.5 EV for greater exposure control.

Pentax Function No. 5. - Preventing Over/Under Exposure when using in Hyper Program Shift Mode.

The Hyper Program mode is shiftable, i.e., the exposure mode shifts to Aperture Priority when the Av dial is turned or to Shutter Priority when the Tv dial is turned. There are two options available when using program shift. One option is that the selectable Tv/Av combinations are limited to the "correct" exposure value as determined by the camera. Thus, you cannot select a Tv/Av combination if such will result in overexposure or underexposure. The Tv or Av dial turns but the Tv or Av does not change. The other option allows the selection of any Tv/Av combination even if such will result in overexposure or underexposure. In such case the Av blinks when the chosen Tv results in over/under exposure, or the Tv blinks when the chosen Av results in over/under exposure.

Options:

0 = Tv/Av combination in program shift is limited to the "correct" exposure value

1 = All Tv/Av combinations are available. A warning is issued when the chosen Tv or Av results in overexposure or underexposure

I prefer Option "0". The whole idea of Program AE is automation. It's is not advisable to over/under expose using Hyper Program because the metering bar graph is not visible. Also, it looks easy to unintentionally over/under expose in Option "1". If my intention is to overexpose or underexpose, exposure compensation is the proper route, or better yet, Hyper Manual mode.

Pentax Function No. 6. - How the "IF" button achieves the correct exposure in Hyper Manual mode.

When the "IF" button is depressed while in Hyper Manual Mode, the camera selects the "correct" exposure value.

Options:

0 = The correct exposure is obtained according to the program line

1 = The Av remains constant while Tv is adjusted to obtain the correct exposure

2 = The Tv remains constant while Av is adjusted to obtain the correct exposure.

3 = "IF" button is disabled

I prefer Option "1". Usually I am more concerned with control over depth-of-field so it is better that my preferred Av is not disturbed by the "IF" button.

Pentax Function No. 7. - Configuring the "IF" button when the RTF or a dedicated flash is used in Hyper Manual or 1/250 sync mode.

Options:

0 = The Tv/Av is adjusted according to the program line

1 = Depending on how the "IF" button was configured in Pentax Function No. 6, the camera will select the correct exposure for the background.

Option "1" is more useful. Frankly, I find the "program lines" a useless feature.

Pentax Function No. 8. - Setting the film speed.

Options:

0 = Film speed is set automatically according to the DX coding of the film canister.

1 = Film speed is not set automatically. When new film is loaded, the film speed of the previously used film will be set.

I have lost count of how much film I ruined because I forgot to correctly set the ISO on my K1000. Option "0" makes the PZ-1p a little bit more stupid-proof.

Pentax Function No. 9. - Configuring the "ML" button. The main function of the "ML" button is to lock the exposure value (the Tv/Av combination). The "ML" button may be configured such that it may, in addition, lock focus when the focus mode switch is set to "SINGLE".

Options:

0 = Only exposure value is locked.

1 = The camera autofocuses and locks focus before exposure value is locked.

I find "ML" most useful when using the spot meter in Aperture Priority. I meter from a part of the scene, lock the exposure value, and then recompose. Used this way, it is pointless to lock focus prior to locking the exposure value because I intend to subsequently recompose (and refocus) anyway. Option "0" is preferable.

Pentax Function No. 10. - Selecting whether the shutter will release before the built-in flash is fully charged.

Options:

0 = The shutter will not release until the built-in flash charges completely.

1 = The shutter can be released before the built-in flash charges completely.

I almost always use an external flash so this option is not important. The shutter will release regardless of whether the external flash has completed charging. Anyway I prefer Option "1". I'd rather underexpose than miss the opportunity completely.

Pentax Function No. 11. - Film leader options.

Options:

0 = The film is rewound completely into the film canister

1 = The film leader is left outside of the film canister

Mid-roll change is easier if the film leader is left outside the canister. If the entire roll had been exposed, I can always reel the leader in manually.

Pentax Function No. 12. - Rewind Options.

Options:

0 = Automatic rewind at the end of the roll.

1 = Manual rewind. The frame counter and film transport mark blink at the end of the roll. The film is manually rewound in the same manner as changing film mid-roll.

It happened in The Lost World. Julianne Moore was taking close-ups of a family of Triceratops when her Nikon automatically rewound. An edgy Triceratop went wild and chased her. It doesn't have to be a dinosaur. A jumpy father-of-the-bride during the wedding, or a theatre audience can be just as wild when disturbed. Option "1" can save you from embarrassment.

You are my th visitor.