Pentax LX vs MZ-S?

[ChrisR]

I've been (and still am) looking for a Pentax LX, to take over from my Pentax ME. It's proving hard to find an affordable good quality example though. Meanwhile on pentaxforum I noticed the high ratings for the MZ-S. It's an autofocus camera (not essential), but what is interesting is an option for printing exposure details on the film strip edge! At the moment I'm carrying a voice recorder around to keep track of exposure details in my ongoing quest to learn to expose better! I think there's one available at Cameraworld...

Anyway, what do people here think of these two cameras?

 

[Cuchulainn]

The MZ-S looks really interesting, they are pretty expensive though. Have you thought of a Z1/Z1p? I'm using one as my autofocus film body and it's pretty nice to use. The dual dials also mean that you can use lenses without an aperture ring in aperture priority mode (by setting the aperture via the dial). You can pick one up for 50 quid or so..

 

[ChrisR]

LX and MZ-S prices seem pretty comparable. Both go up into stupid-land, but there's a MZ-S for about £215 at the moment; the £235 LX I saw was sold before I could get them to think about swapping the 50mm lens for a 28mm lens!

I don't think I could cope with setting the aperture on the lens AND the camera! That's exactly the sort of thing I forget to do and then ruin lots of shots... :bang::thumbsdown:

 

[snowy]

I don't think I've ever seen an MZ-S for sale anywhere! Unusual looking camera, but seems very highly spec'd. I have an LX which is much smaller than the MZ-S, and it's a silky-smooth ride! I was thinking of selling it, but I can't put it on here as the mods have removed my classifieds access

 

[Jao]

Never used and MZ- S, but can say that the LX is a very fine camera. Mine has long since gone but it was the best Pentax I ever owned. They seem to be keepers for most folks hence the high £ value they seem to retain.

 

[AJQS]

I would love an MZ-S, but the PZ-1P is definitely the more sensible option. Both rare mind. LX much more common, though they are almost always for sale when they're in need of overhaul. Mine needed much more than an overhaul, but it managed to soldier on for some time (and would have lasted longer had I not stuck my finger through the shutter curtain).

I think it's reputation was a bit over rated, I'd certainly wager an MX is actually the more reliable camera, the LX does however feel a lot nicer to use IMO of course.