Pentax
*ist:
ENGLEWOOD,
Colorado (February 18, 2003)…PENTAX USA introduces the *ist 35mm Auto
Focus camera, one of the world’s smallest in the Auto Focus SLR category.
The PENTAX *ist SLR incorporates a host of advanced, user-friendly features
for easy operation and more creative results. Feature highlights
include a multi-mode exposure system with an innovative Auto Picture mode
and an accessible illumination mode dial, a 16-segment multi-pattern
metering system, an 11-point Auto Focus system, a 1/4000-second high-speed
shutter, 17 custom functions, a large LCD panel, a multi-data LCD viewfinder
indicator, and a retractable auto pop-up flash. The *ist 35mm also
accepts a full range of legendary, high-quality smc PENTAX interchangeable
lenses and accessories — including two newly-introduced zoom lenses.
All these features complemented by a BG-20 battery grip maximize the fun and
excitement of advanced SLR photography. PENTAX will
debut the small, full-featured *ist at the Photo Marketing Association’s
(PMA) Show* from March 2-5 in Las Vegas. PMA hosts the annual trade
show where manufacturers in the photography industry showcase their newest
products. *PMA Booth
C140 The new PENTAX
*ist offers superior 35mm SLR performance with compact dimensions and easy
operation and display systems to satisfy a wide range of photographers from
demanding professionals and advanced amateurs to SLR novices.
Ultra-compact
dimensions and functional design High-precision
16-segment multi-pattern metering system with user-selectable spot and
center-weighted modes. A new 16-segment multi-pattern
metering system helps solve the most complicated lighting conditions to
produce beautifully exposed photographs. In addition to an all-purpose
multi-pattern mode, the *ist offers spot and center-weighted modes for
specialized applications. Sophisticated
11-point Auto Focus system with cross-shaped AF point selector and LED
viewfinder indicator. An advanced SAFOX VIII phase-matching
Auto Focus system assures that *ist delivers crisp focus on subjects even
under poor lighting conditions. A new11-point AF sensor constantly
monitors 11 different points in the image field and covers a wide area —
both vertically and horizontally — to ensure optimum focus. In addition to
the “AUTO” mode — where the camera automatically selects the optimum
focusing point — and “SPOT” mode — where the focus area is narrowed
down to a small area at the center of the image field — the *ist offers an
innovative “SELECT” mode, where the user can select one of 11 AF sensor
points using the cross-shaped AF point selector on the back panel. This
select AF sensor point is confirmed by an LED pointer in the viewfinder.
The sophisticated AF system also features the predictive Auto Focus
function, which automatically activates when the system detects subject
motion and predicts the subject position at the moment of shutter release.
This function even allows the photographer to shoot a few frames after the
subject has moved out of the AF sensor field. Auto
Picture mode and illumination mode dial. When the Auto
Picture Mode is selected, the *ist automatically selects the most
appropriate auto-exposure mode from five different programs, based on the
subject’s distance, lens focal length, lighting conditions and subject
motion. This ensures better results for every subject in every
situation and allows the photographer to concentrate fully on shutter
opportunity and picture-framing. The large illumination mode dial
clearly indicates the selected exposure program, even in the dark. The
selected program also is indicated in the viewfinder indicator. Multi-mode
exposure system. In addition to the Auto Picture Mode, the
*ist offers six user-selectable Picture Modes, two conventional
auto-exposure modes (Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE), Metered
Manual mode and bulb mode. Multi-function
retractable auto flash with auto pop-up feature. Covering an
angle of view as wide as 28mm, the auto flash automatically pops up and
discharges when the camera detects low-light and/or backlight situations.
It also retracts to the storage position automatically when the power is
off. The red-eye reduction function effectively reduces the annoying
red-eye effect in subjects’ eyes.* Advanced TTL flash control system simplifies complicated flash techniques (such as daylight sync,
slow-shutter sync and bulb sync) even when used in combination with accessory flash units.
Especially when combined with the AF360FGZ, *ist offers a variety of
advanced wireless remote functions. In addition, it briefly discharges
in the dark to assist the camera’s AF system. 1/4000-second
high-speed shutter with 1/125-second flash synchronization.
The compact, reliable shutter unit offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000
second to freeze the decisive moment of fast-action scenes and features a
high flash synchronization speed of 1/125 second, so photographers may open
up the aperture to capture dramatic flash images. User-adjustable
custom functions. The *ist offers 17 custom functions
enabling the photographer to customize some basic camera functions to suit
individual preferences. These functions include the AF pointer display
in the viewfinder, the LED illuminator operation mode in the LCD panel, the
order of exposures in the auto bracketing mode, and the timing of remote
shutter release. Large,
easy-to-read LCD data panel with automatic illuminator.
Located on the back panel, the multi-data LCD panel offers a full range of
information with large icons and numbers to supplement the camera’s
user-friendly operation system. Users may activate its orange
LED illuminator by turning the main switch to the preview position.
With the custom functions, users may select automatic illumination under
low-light conditions or deactivate the illuminator at all times. Bright
viewfinder with full-information LCD viewfinder indicator and AF pointer.
Thanks to the renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the *ist offers
a sharp, clear viewfinder image even in unfavorable lighting conditions.
The LCD viewfinder indicator at the bottom provides a full range of
information, including the selected Picture Mode and exposure compensation
factors. For easy data confirmation, *ist comes equipped with
automatic brightness control to change the brightness level in proportion to
the subject’s lighting condition. Within its image field, the
viewfinder features LED AF pointers, one of which lights up to indicate the
user-selected AF sensor. The diopter adjustment mechanism built into
the viewfinder eyepiece allows the user to adjust the viewfinder image
between –2.0m-1 and +1.0m- 1 to obtain the clearest view of the subject. 2.5-frame-per-second
high-speed motor drive. The high-speed motor drive winds the
film at a speed of 2.5 frames per second. The user can select either
single-frame advance or consecutive advance with simple pushbutton
operation. It also simplifies film loading and rewinding operations. Effortless
auto bracketing. With a single shutter release, the
photographer can capture three different exposures of the same subject (in
order of proper exposure, underexposure and overexposure) in all exposure
modes (except Bulb mode). The desired compensation value (±0.3EV, ±0.5EV
or ±1.0EV) can be selected using one of the custom functions. The use
of auto bracketing as well as the selected compensation value are indicated
in both the LCD panel and the viewfinder display. Easy-setting
exposure compensation and AE lock. Using the exposure
compensation button and the select dial, the photographer can easily set the
desired compensation value within a range of ±3EV in 1/2EV increments
(except when the Metered Manual mode is selected). Positioned at the
upper right-hand corner of the back panel, the AE lock button makes the
camera memorize the measured exposure value for approximately 20 seconds,
during which period the photographer is free to re-compose the image. Creative
multi-exposure. Photographers can make two exposures on a
single frame with pushbutton ease to produce dramatic, eye-catching images.
To expose the same frame more than three times, the photographer simply
needs to repeat this operation after each exposure. Depth-of-field
preview. The depth-of-field preview function is
electronically operated for easy confirmation of the in-focus area in the
image field before the shot to help ensure photographers create their
desired visual effect. Handy
wireless remote control. In combination with the accompanying
remote controller, the *ist offers the convenience of remote shutter release
from a distance. The user can select either an instant release or a
three-second-delay release using one of the custom functions. The
operation is confirmed by the self-timer indicator on the camera’s front
panel. Durable
metallic lens mount. The *ist features a durable metallic
lens mount to hold the lens firmly in place and minimize wear caused by
countless lens changes. Data
recording capability. The *ist allows the user to
automatically record the date, or day and time, of picture-taking on the
photograph for quick, easy reference of captured images. High-performance
smc PENTAX 35mm lens system. PENTAX offers a selection of
PENTAX FA- and F-series Auto Focus lenses for use with the *ist to meet the
diverse requirements of its users, from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto,
and to special-effect lenses such as fish-eye, macro and soft-focus.
To minimize the overall size of the *ist with a lens attached, PENTAX
developed two compact, high-performance zoom lenses as ideal partners for
the *ist: the smc Pentax-FA J Zoom 28mm~80mm F3.5~F5.6 AL and the smc
Pentax-FA J Zoom 75mm~300mm F4.5~F5.8 AL. All smc PENTAX lenses are
treated with the acclaimed Super-Multi-Coating to reproduce sharp,
high-contrast images with minimal aberrations. A wide range of optional accessories. Most existing PENTAX 35mm-system accessories can be used with the *ist, including the AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit. In addition, the new BG-20 battery grip, which is exclusively designed for use with the *ist, is powered by four AA-size batteries, and it features an enlarged grip and a vertical-position shutter release button. *IST
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS Camera Film Lens
Mount Focusing
System Exposure
Control Viewfinder Film
Transport Power
Supply Physical
Specifications Date
Imprinting |
Page updated 19th Feb. 2003