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.
Applicable illumination range: EV-1 ~ EV18 (at ISO100 with F1.4 lens).
Mode: (1) AF (focus lock and predictive AF available); (2) Manual focus.

Exposure Control:

Metering system: TTL open-aperture 6-segment metering
(coupled with lens and AF information).
Metering range: EV0 ~ EV21 (at ISO100 with F1.4 lens).
Mode: (1) Auto Picture Mode; (2) Picture Mode; (3) Aperture-Priority AE; (4) Shutter-Priority AE; (5) Metered Manual; (6) Bulb.

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.
Speed: (1) Auto: 1/4000 sec. ~ 30 sec. (stepless); (2) Manual: 1/4000 sec. ~ 30 sec. and bulb; (3) Flash sync: 1/125 sec. ~ 30 sec. and bulb.
Shutter lock: Main switch off.

Diaphragm Control: Aperture-coupled mechanism (with Pentax FA, F and A lenses).

Viewfinder:

Type: Fixed molded penta-mirror type.
Focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen.
Field of view: 92% vertically/horizontally.
Magnification: 0.7X (with 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity).
Diopter adjustment: -2.0 ~ +1.0m-1 (adjustable).

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)
(1) Film loading, film advance (single-frame/consecutive, film rewind, film loading error); (2) Exposure frame number; (3) Shutter speed and/or aperture value; (4) Manual-set film speed; (5) Audible PCV signal; (6) Auto pop-up flash function; (7) Flash use recommendation and recharge incomplete/complete; (8) Red-eye reduction flash; (9) Wireless flash mode; (10) High-speed sync mode; (11) Self-timer; (12) Remote control; (13) Multiple exposure; (14) Non-applicable lens warning; (15) Battery exhaustion warning; (16) Exposure compensation; (17) Auto bracketing.

Film Handling:
Loading: Quick auto loading (automatic film advance to first frame).
Advance/rewind: Automatic (mid-roll rewind possible).
Advance mode: (1) Single; (2) Consecutive (approx. 2 frames/sec.).

Film Speed Setting:
1 - Automatic with DX-coded film (ISO25 ~ ISO5000).
2 - Manual (ISO6 ~ ISO6400).

Built-In Flash:
Type: Series-control retractable TTL auto pop-up flash (RTF).
Guide number: 11 (ISO100/m).
Angle-of-view coverage: 28mm wide-angle lens.
Daylight sync & slow-shutter sync: Discharge level automatically adjusted.

Flash Synchronization:
With RTF and via hot shoe.
Sync speed: 1/125 sec. set automatically with RTF or Pentax dedicated flash unit at recharge completion.

Self-Timer: Electronically controlled type with 12-second delay. Cancellation possible.

Remote Control:
Infrared wireless remote control. Instant release or 3-second-delay release switchable.
AF activated or inactivated.

Drive Mode:
(1) Single advance; (2) Consecutive Advance; (3) Self-timer; (4) Remote control (instant release); (5) Auto bracketing; (6) Multiple exposure

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.

进了一台没追求的MZ-30，进而发现MZ-6是好东西，把30的缺点几乎都弥补了。
如果是模式选择多余并占用了界面空间而使专业使用不遍，那是针对将此机作为主力使用的人来说的。
作为备机，尤其用于与家人共享的机（LD们一般不喜欢复杂的东西），是第一选择！

俺个人意见：ＭＺ－６没啥意思，还是不如５Ｎ，３舒服．．．．呵呵

配360灯高速同步 , 后帘同步在PANTAX网站上并没说啊.

谁知道那里能找到MZ-6的中文说明书?谢谢!

那来卡M6也比不上F80啊？！

还是MZ-S好，日本人挺奇怪，越出越不灵了，MZ-S之后出来的应该是更高档一些的机机，怎么又回去了呢？

价位在MZ的5与7之间.但LCD凌乱.

看资料上写的，MZ6的点测光是个Minolta a-5一样的，按AE-L钮时切到点测并锁定。

另外从取景屏的那个点测圈看，MZ6的点测是和MZ3一样的2.3%。

看了帖上的中文译本，还有关于“点对焦”的争论，我也来看了一下。这句话：
Type: TTL phase-matching 3-point autofocus system (SAFOX IV) with selectable spot AF
问题就出在后面那几个词，selectable spot AF，selectable是形容词，“可选择”的意思，要连起来看。

还有，说到有没有点测，从说明书上字面的意义，我倒一下想起了佳能有个傻瓜机：PRIMA SUPER 90W，功能颇为相似呢！它的对焦及测光方式是这样的：一般用三点宽区对焦自动暴光；当使用SPOT模式时，切换成中心对焦，即只按※※一点的地方对焦，此时测光也切换成点测，也就是与※※对焦同一区域。严格来讲不能算“点”，不是那种1%的点测，而是不知百分之几的~~不如叫※※测光吧！
所以，这个MZ6，它应该不是佳能那种可任选对焦点的，象300之类，而是在“※※”与“三区”之间切换的对焦方式。

有谁知道现在日本当地的MZ-L的具体价格吗？有可能去一次日本，先打个预算，对了，MZ-S在日本什么价，最好给我一个日元价，一个人民币价，省得我自已算了，还有有没有具体地方（限东京），先谢啦！

很诱人呀，电池合FG能不能用？

你说：
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MZ-7也有AF-Servo，我试过。

Focusing mode [ 1 ] AF single mode [ release after the combination 焦 ] * at the time of the dynamic body program of picture mode, AF servo mode [ it becomes the release priority ]
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我昨天试时，试不出连续AF，有窍门吗？
半按快门锁定焦点后，不再AF了：P

不知如何切换三点对焦和单点对焦？

功能和操作基本上和Minolta a-5一一对应，卡口兼容性上占优，AF性能稍差。