Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the introduction of the Pentax MZ-S 35mm autofocus SLR camera. Heralded as the new flagship model of its popular MZ-series lineup, the MZ-S features a wide range of the innovative features required for advanced photography, including a user-friendly "Hyper Operation" system, a new six-point AF system, a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second, an on-the-film data recording function, and a functional body design. Especially when combined with the high-quality SMC Pentax * (Star) lenses, the MZ-S produces top results, with beautiful, true-to-life images of almost any kind of subject.

As the result of Asahi Optical’s years of experience and expertise in 35mm SLR camera development, the new MZ-S combines the advantages of past top-of-the-line models: the outstanding versatility and maneuverability of the Z-1p’s high-tech electronic operation system; the compact dimensions and user-friendly, direct-access dial control of the MZ-3; and the well-conceived body design and durable body construction of the legendary LX. Incorporating all the necessary features to take high-quality images with ease while eliminating excessive, little-used features, the MZ-S is expected to set the new standard for high-end 35mm autofocus SLR cameras and satisfy the photographic needs of uncompromising photographers — professionals and experienced amateurs alike.

Along with the launch of the MZ-S, Asahi Optical will also introduce a selection of new lenses and accessories to optimize the MZ-S’s performance. As is the case with all other MZ-series models, however, the MZ-S is compatible with almost all existing interchangeable lenses and accessories.

The MZ-S’s hybrid control system combines the best of analog-type direct-access control and flawless fingertip electronic control. For example, located on the right side of the camera’s top panel, the large electronic select dial allows the user not only to shift shutter speeds, but also to make changes in autofocus points, ISO film speed settings and PF (Pentax Function) settings with easy fingertip control. Located on the left side of the top panel, the analog-type exposure compensation dial allows the user to change both exposure compensation and auto bracketing values while confirming all the settings at a quick glance. All other switches and control buttons, such as the drive mode switch and the metering mode switch, are ideally positioned for easy, quick access to ensure maximum versatility and maneuverability for the photographer during busy photographic sessions.

2. Extra-durable, lightweight diecast body & functional body design

The four most important components of the MZ-S’s exterior housing are made of a magnesium diecast material, which is lighter in weight than most other metals and more durable than plastics or resins. The MZ-S’s body also features a dramatically slanted top panel, which not only makes camera operation more accessible, but also allows a quick, effortless confirmation of the LCD panel and other settings.

3. Multi-mode exposure system with responsive "Hyper Operation"

The MZ-S offers four primary exposure modes: Programmed AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and Metered Manual. With its unique "Hyper Operation" system, however, the photographer can change modes back and forth instantly. For example, the photographer can change from the Programmed AE mode to the Shutter-Priority AE mode simple by turning the select dial either way, then return to the original Programmed AE mode with a single push on the exposure mode button. Switching between the Aperture-Priority AE and the Metered Manual modes is just as easy. In any exposure mode, the MZ-S’s sophisticated TTL metering system, which offers a choice of three metering modes (center-weighted, multi-pattern and spot), assures optimum exposure on the subject even under difficult lighting conditions.

4. Advanced six-point AF system with focus-point selection

The MZ-S’s new SAFOX VII autofocus system features an extra-wide AF frame with six autofocus points: five points aligned horizontally, and an additional point above the middle point. This AF frame is wider from side to side than most other cameras in its class. In the auto AF mode, the camera automatically selects the optimum point to capture the subject in sharp focus, even when it is far away from the center of the image field. In the Spot AF mode, the user can select one of the six points manually to best suit the subject or application. It even offers the predictive AF function when the focus mode is set in Servo.

5. 1/6000-second shutter & high-speed flash synchronization

The MZ-S offers a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second to meet specialized applications. In flash photography, it allows the user to manually select any shutter speed — even 1/6000 second — in addition to the standard flash synchronization speed of 1/180 second.

6. Large LCD data panel

Positioned inside the select dial, the large LCD panel offers a host of valuable operational data to the photographer at a glance. It even comes equipped with an EL (Electro-Luminescence) illuminator to make data reading easier in the dark.

7. Full-information viewfinder display

All vital photographic data, such as shutter speed, aperture value and exposure mode, is indicated at the bottom of the viewfinder. More minute information, such as the exposure pointer for the Metered Manual mode and an exposure compensation value, is displayed along the right side.

8. Easy-access AF lock button

Conveniently located on the camera’s back panel, the AF lock button allows the user to lock the AF system with the right thumb, instead of pressing the shutter release button halfway down. This makes framing much easier than before.

9. Effortless image preview

Using the electronic preview lever located around the shutter release button, the user can check the depth of field using just the index finger, without having to take his/her eye off from the viewfinder.

10. On-the-film data recording

This convenient feature allows the user to record valuable photographic data directly onto film for future reference. The film roll number, ISO film speed and data-imprinting brightness are recorded on the film’s leader portion, while the exposure mode, metering mode, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure compensation value, use of the auto bracketing function, and use of the multiple exposure function are indicated in the space between the picture frame and the perforation. Unlike systems that record data in the space between the picture frames, the MZ-S’s system eliminates the danger of missing or unreadable data when the film is cut into individual frames.

11. High-speed film winder

The MZ-S’s built-in film winder advances the film at the speed of 2.5 frames per second, allowing the photographer to swiftly react to ever-changing conditions or fast-moving subjects.

12. User-oriented Pentax Functions

13. Interchangeable focusing screen

The MZ-S allows the user to change focusing screens with ease to meet specific application.

14. Illuminated lens mount index

When the user presses the lens unlock button to mount a lens on the MZ-S, the small lamp positioned right next to the lens mount index automatically illuminates to indicate the exact position, making it easier for the user to change lenses at night or in the dark.

15. Wireless remote flash control

In combination with the new AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit, the MZ-S offers wireless remote-control flash operation without sacrificing the convenience of TTL (through-the-lens) metering. This simplifies complicated multi-flash setups, especially when combined with the MZ-S’s built-in retractable auto flash. It is even possible to remotely trigger more than one flash unit with a single shutter release.

1. BG-10 battery grip

Powered by four AA-sized alkaline or lithium batteries and featuring a matching design with the MZ-S camera body, this grip dramatically increases the number of film rolls that can be taken without having to change batteries. It also comes equipped with an extra shutter release button for vertical-position shooting, an AE lock button, a preview lever, a remote shutter release function, and vertical-position strap lugs. Thanks to its original mount mechanism, this grip can be attached to and removed from the MZ-S in a matter of seconds.

2. AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit

When combined with the MZ-S, this new flash unit enables the photographer to effortlessly perform advanced flash techniques, including wireless remote-control flash, contrast-control flash and high-speed flash synchronization.

3. CS-105 & CS-130 cable switches

These electronic cable switches offer a large shutter release button and single-action installation to and removal from the MZ-S. The CS-105 is a short type (0.5m/1.7 ft.), while the CS-130 is a long type (3m/10 ft.).

4. TS-110 release timer switch

In addition to its main function as a cable switch, this multi-function switch is one meter (3.3 feet) in length and has a built-in timer to perform interval shooting, extended-time bulb exposure and designated-time shooting. All settings can be easily confirmed through a LCD panel, which comes equipped with a backlight illumination for operations in the dark.

5. CL-10 off-camera shoe clip

This versatile clip is used to clamp a large flash unit onto a different object, such as a pole or a table. It has an accessory hot shoe at the top to mount the flash unit.

6. Interchangeable focusing screens

The new focusing screens can be easily attached to and removed from the MZ-S to meet the photographer’s specific requirements. These Natual-Bright-Matte screens offer bright, true-to-life viewfinder images to make focusing and image composition easier and more precise.