The new SAFOX VII autofocus system of the MZ-S should be the main improvement over past-generation Pentax cameras. I believe the focus detecting system relies on an interesting Pentax patent registered October 2000 (see Spotmatic No.26, page 29), where a linear AF detector is turned into 6-segment cross-type device by means of mirrors and prisms. The four external segments are vertical and the inner two are horizontal, in a pattern that is an evolution of the previous H-shaped SAFOX IV of the MZ-5/MZ-3.

SAFOX VII is noisy like all previous Pentax AF systems, but looks very quick and effective, also in very dim light.

Another interesting feature of the MZ-S is its data imprinting capability. Exposure mode, type of meter reading, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, auto-bracketing. Very handy, I like it very much, but why not imprint the lens focal length in the seventh blank area available among film perforation? FA-lenses are capable of sending the camera such information, and the 645N already does that. Hopefully, we’ll have that feature in a future firmware update.

An exclusive bonus of the MZ-S is its mid-roll change (MRC) capability. You can rewind film in mid-roll (by setting PF 12 to 3 = leaves out film leader and enables MRC) and then re-load it at your leisure. When you want to use the partially exposed film, turn the select dial while pressing the exposure mode button on front until the display shows the frame number you want the film to be advanced, then close the back. The camera will advance the film to the frame number you specified without firing the shutter, thus preventing unwanted double exposure.

Another interesting option is mirror lock-up. By setting PF 14 to 2, you’ll replace the 12-sec. self-timer delay with mirror lock-up and 2-sec. self-timer delay. I’d rather prefer a visible control for this option (i.e. a dedicated position in self-timer switch) instead of a ‘hidden’ function, however it is better that nothing

Battery Grip BG-10

The optional battery grip BG-10 is interesting. It uses four common AA-size batteries instead of two CR2 lithium cells, thus extending battery life, reducing costs and allowing you to get spare batteries in the store round the corner everywhere in the world. "Yes, but the Battery Pack Fg of MZ-series also does that, at half the price of the BG-10" , you say. Is there anything more? There’s something more, of course. The BG-10 doubles the main controls under your forefinger and thumb (release button, depth-of-field preview and AE-lock) for vertical shooting. It also includes two IR receivers (on front and back) for remote operation.

The BG-10 also features a switch for setting either LR6 (alkaline) or Li (lithium) batteries. Such switch puzzled me, since both types give 1.5V voltage. What’s the meaning of that switch? Pentax said that the switch is only intended for giving the MZ-S information about the type of discharge curve of the batteries you are using, so that the camera won’t give you wrong warning about exhausted batteries. Thanks, Pentax, for being so careful! What if I want to use AA-size rechargeable NiMH batteries? Pentax said that rechargeable batteries are not recommended due to their lower voltage (1.2V instead of 1.5V). However, in case you have to set the BG-10 switch to Li type.

go to part III

Text and images are Copyright © 2001-2002 by Dario Bonazza