Pentax Introduces a Super-Compact 35mm Autofocus SLR Featuring the Popular Auto Picture Mode
Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. is proud to announce the introduction of the Pentax MZ-6 — a new 35mm autofocus SLR camera featuring super-compact dimensions, simple operation and the Pentax-original Auto Picture Mode with a large illumination mode dial. The MZ-6’s innovative multi-mode auto-exposure system makes it the perfect starter SLR not only for beginners but also for intermediate photographers. In addition, it offers a host of advanced features and user-selectable exposure modes for advanced photographic applications and creative expressions. When the user selects the MZ-6’s Auto Picture Mode, one of the five "Picture Modes" (Standard Program, Portrait Program, Landscape Program, Close-Up Program, and Action Program) is automatically selected according to the subject distance, lens focal length, lighting conditions and, in some cases, subject motion. So, even beginning SLR photographers can take high-quality pictures without worrying about troublesome exposure settings. In addition, the selected mode is vividly indicated on the large illumination mode dial positioned on the camera’s top panel, so that the user can confirm the mode in use with a quick glance. The MZ-6 also offers a host of advanced, useful features, including: six manually selectable Picture Modes (five Auto Picture programs plus Night Scene Program); conventional exposure modes (Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Metered Manual and Bulb modes); three-point wide-frame autofocus system with the selectable Spot AF mode; auto bracketing function; user-oriented Pentax Functions; 1/4000-second high-speed shutter with 1/125-second flash sync; auto pop-up flash with red-eye reduction; large, easy-to-read LCD panel with LED illuminator; a viewfinder with full-information display and diopter adjustment; electronic depth-of-field preview; a multi-exposure mode; AE lock; and a remote control mode (in combination with an optional remote control unit). In addition, the MZ-6 accepts a wide selection of SMC Pentax interchangeable lenses and accessories, including the new flash system, for creative SLR photography.
Major Features of the Pentax MZ-6 1. Ultra-compact dimensions and functional design Like all other MZ-series models, the new MZ-6 is one of the most compact and lightweight 35mm autofocus SLR cameras currently available on the market. Its round-edged design and ideal positioning of controls make it extremely maneuverable and comfortable to operate. 2. User-friendly Auto Picture Mode with illumination mode dial When the Auto Picture Mode is selected, the MZ-6 automatically selects the most appropriate auto-exposure mode from five different programs, based on data such as the subject distance, lens focal length, lighting conditions and subject motion. This ensures the best possible result for every subject and in every situation. There is no need to worry about exposure settings, so the photographer can concentrate completely on the subject and picture-framing. The large illumination mode dial clearly indicates which program has been selected — even in the dark. The selected mode is also indicated in the viewfinder display. 3. Multi-mode exposure system In addition to the hands-off Auto Picture Mode, the MZ-6 offers six manually selectable Picture Modes, two conventional auto-exposure modes (Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE), the Metered Manual mode, and the Bulb mode. The desired exposure mode can be easily set using the mode dial on the camera’s left shoulder (in combination with the lens aperture ring for some modes). 4. Reliable multi-pattern metering The MZ-6’s sophisticated six-segment multi-pattern metering system assures optimum results, even under complicated lighting conditions. When Pentax M-, K-, or S-series lenses are used, the camera automatically switches to the center-weighted metering system. 5. Versatile wide-frame autofocus with Spot AF and focus prediction Thanks to the acclaimed SAFOX IV phase-matching autofocus system, the MZ-6 assures sharp, crisp focus even under poor lighting conditions. Its three-point wide focus frame enables pinpoint focus even in confusing situations. It also offers the Spot AF mode, allowing the photographer to pinpoint the focus on a small element of the subject. Under low-lighting conditions, the built-in auto flash assists the AF system to ensure pinpoint focusing by making a brief flash discharge. The predictive autofocus function automatically activates when the camera detects subject motion and predicts the subject position at the moment of shutter release for precise focusing. This function makes it possible to shoot a few frames even after the subject moves out of the AF frame. 6. Multi-function auto pop-up flash Covering up to a wide 28mm angle of view, the built-in auto flash automatically pops up and discharges when the camera detects low-light and/or backlight situations. Thanks to the advanced TTL flash control system, complicated flash techniques, such as daylight sync, slow-shutter sync and bulb sync, are made simple and effortless, even when used in combination with accessory flash units. The red-eye reduction function effectively reduces the annoying red-eye effect, which appears in the subject’s eyes in flash photography (it may not eliminate red eyes completely in all instances). The flash unit also makes a brief discharge in the dark to assist the camera’s AF system. 7. Large, easy-to-read LCD panel with automatic illuminator The MZ-6’s multi-data LCD panel with large icons and numbers efficiently supplements the camera’s simplified operation system. When the camera is used under low-lighting conditions, an orange LED illuminator brightens the LCD panel to make data confirmation easier for the user. 8. Bright viewfinder with full-information display and diopter adjustment Thanks to the renowned Clear-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the MZ-6’s viewfinder offers a sharp, clear view of the subject under all circumstances. Its LCD panel offers a full range of information, including an automatically or manually selected Picture Mode and exposure compensation factors. For easy data confirmation, it even comes with automatic brightness control, which changes color from green to orange to warn the user of camera shake at slow shutter speeds. The diopter adjustment mechanism built into the viewfinder eyepiece allows adjustment of the viewfinder image between -2.0m-1 and +1.0 m-1 to match the user’s eyesight. 9. Effortless auto bracketing With a single shutter release, the MZ-6’s auto bracketing function enables the capturing of three different exposures of the same subject (in order of proper-, under- and overexposure) when the camera is set in the Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE or Aperture-Priority AE mode. The user can select the desired compensation value (±1/2EV, ±1/3EV, ±2/3EV or ±1EV) using the Pentax Function. The use of auto bracketing as well as the selected compensation value are indicated in the viewfinder. 10. Easy-setting exposure compensation and AE lock Using the exposure compensation button and the select switch, the photographer can easily set the desired compensation value within the range of ±3EV in 1/2EV increments (except when the camera is set in the Metered Manual mode). The AE lock function offers another quick way to adjust exposure on the subject. With a single press of the AE lock button, the camera memorizes the measured exposure value for approximately 20 seconds, during which the photographer is free to re-compose the image. 11. 1/4000-second high-speed shutter with 1/125-second flash synchronization The MZ-6’s high-performance shutter unit offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze the decisive moment of fast-action scenes. It also features a high flash synchronization speed of 1/125 second, which enables the photographer to open up the aperture to capture dramatic flash images. 12. Creative multi-exposure With a simple press of the drive mode button, the user can make two exposures on a single frame to create dramatic, eye-catching images. To expose the same frame more than three times, the photographer simply needs to repeat this operation after each exposure. 13. User-friendly Pentax Functions The MZ-6 offers 11 functional Pentax Functions, allowing customization of some of the camera’s basic operations to suit individual preferences. These functions include: the choice of auto bracketing compensation value (±1/2EV, ±1/3EV, ±2/3EV or ±1EV); the timing of remote-controlled shutter release (with a three-second delay or instant release); and the handling of the film leader during rewind (rolling it completely into the cartridge or leaving it out). 14. Depth-of-field preview With a single button action, the depth-of-field preview function allows confirmation of the in-focus area of the image before actually taking a picture, making it possible to create the desired visual effect. Since it is electronically controlled, it is operable even when the lens aperture ring is set at "A" (Auto) position. 15. Convenient remote control In combination with the optional remote control unit, the MZ-6 offers convenient remote control operation for shutter release from a distance. Either three-second-delay release or instant release can be selected by using the Pentax Function. The operation is confirmed by the self-timer indicator on the camera’s front panel and a PCV sound. 16. High-performance SMC Pentax 35mm lens system Pentax offers a selection of Pentax FA- and F-series autofocus lenses for the MZ-6, satisfying diverse needs from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto, as well as special-effect lenses such as fish-eye, macro and soft-focus. All SMC Pentax lenses are treated with the acclaimed Super-Multi-Coating for sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberrations. In addition, the MZ-6 is compatible with existing Pentax manual-focus lenses. With the help of the AF Adapter 1.7X, some manual-focus lenses can also be used as autofocus lenses. 17. A wide variety of optional accessories Most existing Pentax 35mm-system accessories can be used with the MZ-6 Pentax’s new flash system (such as the new AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit), which offers such advanced features as high-speed flash synchronization, remote control operation and trailing shutter-curtain synchronization with the simplest operation, can also be used. MZ-6 Specifications Type: TTL autofocus, auto-exposure multi-mode 35mm SLR with built-in retractable TTL auto pop-up flash (RTF). Film: 35mm perforated cartridge film. Image Size: 24mm x 36mm. Lens Mount: Pentax KAF bayonet mount, compatible with KAF2, KA and K mounts. Usable Lenses: Pentax KAF2-, KAF-, KA- and K-mount lenses. (Autofocus possible with KA- and K-mount lenses using AF adapter). Focusing System: Type: TTL phase-matching
3-point autofocus system (SAFOX IV) with selectable spot AF. Exposure Control: Metering system: TTL
open-aperture 6-segment metering TTL programmed auto pop-up flash. Automatic exposure compensation in auto exposure mode by multi-segment metering. Exposure compensation: ±3EV (1/2EV steps). AE lock: 20-second AE lock with AE lock button. Shutter: Type: Electronically
controlled vertical-run focal-plane shutter. Diaphragm Control: Aperture-coupled mechanism (with Pentax FA, F and A lenses). Viewfinder: Type: Fixed molded
penta-mirror type. Viewfinder LCD Indication: (with automatic brightness level adjustment in green or orange color): (1) In-focus; (2) RTF discharge (flash-use indication, recharge completion, non-applicable lens warning); (3) External flash status; (4) Shutter speed, aperture value, exposure compensation, and out-of-exposure coupling-range warning; (5) Standard Program, Portrait Program, Landscape Program, Close-Up Program, Action Program and Night-Scene Program; (6) Exposure compensation factor; (7) Bar graph; (8) Over- or underexposure indication in Metered Manual; (9) AE lock signal. Mode Dial Indication: (1) Auto Picture Mode; (2) Standard Program; (3) Portrait Program; (4) Landscape Program; (5) Close-Up Program; (6) Action Program; (7) Night-Scene Program; (8) Shutter-Priority AE; (9) Aperture-Priority AE; (10) Metered Manual: (11) ISO film speed; (12) PCV sound (13) Pentax function. External LCD Indication (with
automatic illumination) Film Handling: Film Speed Setting: Built-In Flash: Flash Synchronization: Self-Timer: Electronically controlled type with 12-second delay. Cancellation possible. Remote Control: Drive Mode: Pentax Function: 11 custom-programmable functions. Data Imprinting: Available with optional Pentax Data Back Fj. Power Source: Two 3V lithium batteries (CR2 type). Dimensions: 135.5 (W) X 92.0 (H) X 63.0 (D) mm (5.3" X 3.6" X 2.5"). Weight: 385g (13.6 oz.) without batteries. MZ-6 Date only Date Imprinting: Five modes switchable: "Year-Month-Day," "Day-Month-Year," "Month-Day-Year," "Day-Hour-Minute" and blank. Dimensions: 135.5 (W) X 92.0 (H) X 63.0 (D) mm (5.3" X 3.6" X 2.5"). Weight: 400g (14.1 oz.) without batteries.
|
||||||
Page updated 16th Nov. 2001