The PZ-1p was Pentax's semi-pro offering in 1994. It is a very well-specified body as may be seen below. Its autofocus is quite dated by present standards, considering the omission of a horizontal autofocus sensor, which was corrected in the ZX-5n (released in 1997). Nevertheless, it will lock focus on almost any subject (sometimes you may need to tilt the camera a little to lock focus on horizontal lines). Other than that, the PZ-1p can hold its own against any pro camera.

SPECIFICATIONS: 

 Type: Through-the-lens (TTL) autofocus, auto-exposure 35mm SLR with built-in TTL auto flash (RTF)

 Format: 24x36mm (13x36 in panoramic format)

 Usable Film: 35mm perforated cartridge film. DX-coded film with ISO 25-5000; non-DX coded film with ISO 6-6400

 Exposure Modes: (1 ) Hyper Programmed AE; (2) Programmed AE; (3) Shutter-Priority AE; (4) Aperture-Priority AE; (5) Hyper Manual; (6) Manual [Bulb]; and (7) 250 (1/250 second manual flash sync)

 Shutter: Electrically controlled vertical-run focal-plane shutter. Electronic-magnetic release. Shutter speed range: (1) Auto: 1/8000-30 sec. (stepless); (2) Manual: 1/8000-30 sec.; (3) Bulb.  Shutter lock by turning main switch off.

 Lens mount: Pentax KAF₂ bayonet mount, i.e., K-mount with AF coupler, lens information contacts and power contacts.

 Compatible Lenses: Pentax KAF₂, KAF, KA, and K-mount lenses are usable. Autofocus is possible with KA mount lenses using F AF Adapter.

 Autofocus System: TTL phase-matching system (SAFOX II). AF operational brightness range: EV -1 to 18 (ISO 100 at f/1.4 ). Focus lock available using shutter release button in AF single mode. Focus modes: AF single, AF servo (predictive AF provided) and Manual.

 Power Zoom: 3-speed Intelligent Power Zoom lens with built-in motor. (1) Power zoom; (2) Image-Size Tracking; (3) Zoom-Clip; and (4) Auto Zoom Effect when combined with an FA zoom lens.

 Viewfinder: Pentaprism finder, Interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen. Field of view: 92%; Magnification: 0.8x (with 50mm lens at infinity). Diopter adjustment: - 2.5 to + 1.5 diopters. Panorama format frame, Spot metering area frame.

 Self-timer: The timer is electronically-controlled. Cancelable. Delay time is selectable, either 12 seconds or 2 seconds, or triple-frame mode. Timer is started by depressing the shutter release button. Operation confirmation by blinking red LED, PCV beep tone and LCD panel countdown.

 Mirror: Quick-return mirror with AF secondary mirror. Mirror pre-fire with two-second timer.

 Film Loading: Film advances automatically to the first frame after the back cover is closed. Film information window on the back cover is provided.

 Film Wind & Rewind: Auto wind and auto rewind stop by built-in motor. Consecutive or single frame advance, approximately 4 frames/second in continuous mode. Selectable manual or auto rewind at end of roll, film rewind/completion of rewinding indication on the LCD panel. Mid-roll rewind provided.

 Exposure Meter: Selectable TTL multi (8)-segment metering, center-weighted, or spotmetering, metering range from EV 0 to EV 20 at ISO 100 with 50mm f/1.4 lens.

 Exposure Compensation: +/- 4EV in 0.3EV step increments, bar-graph indication in the range from -2EV to + 2EV in 0.3 EV increments.

 Auto Bracketing: Three frame consecutive shots with exposure bracketing from +/- 0.3 EV to +/- 4 EV, may be used with exposure compensation.

 Memory Lock: Set by ML button, exposure value remains as long as ML button is depressed or as long as the shutter release button is halfway depressed. Memorized exposure value remains for ten seconds after ML button or shutter release button is released.

 Flash: Series-control Retractable TTL Auto Flash (RTF), guide number 14 (ISO 100/m). Illumination angle covers 28mm lens angle of view. Flash sync speed of 1/250 second or slower, day light sync flash, trailing-shutter curtain sync, red-eye-reduction function, exposure compensation with the flash, contrast-control-flash sync, ISO range=25-800

 Flash Sync: Hot shoe with X-contact which couples with Pentax dedicated auto flashes, possible to compensate the exposure with variable discharge of the flash light

 Power Source: One 6v lithium battery (2CR5)

 Battery Exhaustion Warning: Battery exhaustion symbol is lit (blinking when the shutter is locked; no indication on the right-hand edge of the view-finder).

 Pentax Functions: 15 user-defined functions

 Back cover: Interchangeable

 Dimensions & Weight: 152.0mm(W) x 95.5mm(H) x 74.0mm(D) (6" x 3.8" x 2.9"); 650g (22.9 oz), body only without battery

 Standard Accessories: Hot shoe cover FD, Release socket cap FD, Camera strap FD, Body cap FD, Finder cap

©2000 PhSantiago
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