P3D Re: Twin rig comparison table

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Peter Davis wrote:
> I'm interested in comparing the features of all the camera models that
> people are using for twin rigs.  The list I have so far is:
> 
> Make    Model               Flash   AE  AF  Sync
> ----    -----               -----   --  --  --
> Pentax  MZ-50               ?       ?   ?   ?
> Pentax  K-1000              ?       ?   ?   ?
> Pentax  ZX-M                ?       ?   ?   ?

I'm not sure what all of your column headings mean (I guess Flash is
built-in flash, but I have no idea what Sync means), and I haven't
used all of them, but I can give you some information on various
Pentax models.

The ZX-50 (US model number) has a built-in TTL flash (guide number of
11 ISO100;meters), auto-exposure (aperture & shutter priority and
manual modes), auto-focus and can use Pentax dedicated flashes via a
hot shoe.  It has a 2fps film advance.

The Pentax ZX-M (US model number) does not have a built-in flash. It
has auto-exposure (aperture & shutter priority, program and manual
modes), and manual focus.  It has a hot shoe, but I'm not sure what
features of the Pentax dedicated flashes that it supports.  It has a
2fps film advance.

The above is based on the information from the B&H web page.

The Pentax K-1000 is completely mechanical and manual.  It does not
have a built-in flash, auto-exposure, or auto-focus.  It has a hot
shoe and a PC socket, but does not use any of the special features of
the Pentax dedicated flashes.  It is only available used.  I've had
one of these for about ten years.  It's a very reliable camera.

The Pentax ME Super does not have a built-in flash.  It has
auto-exposure (aperture priority and manual modes) and manual focus.
It has a hot shoe and a PC socket, and will automatically switch to
the flash sync speed when in auto-exposure mode and the Pentax
dedicated flash signals that it is charged.  It is smaller and lighter
than the K-1000.  It is only available used.  I've had one of these
for a few years.  It's the first camera I've ever owned with any
electronics.

The Pentax ME is similar to the ME Super, except that it only has
aperture priority auto-exposure (no manual mode).  Because of this I
haven't gotten one of these.  It is only available used.

The Pentax P-30T (US model number) was Pentax's first attempt at
replacing the K-1000.  It used DX encoding to set the film speed for
the meter with no manual overide and no indication of what film speed
the camera selected.  From all reports the ZX-M is a much better
replacement for the K-1000 (if you think the K-1000 needed replacing).

After getting my K-1000 back from a long term loan to a friend I'm
planning on twinning it with my ME Super for some vertical stereo
pairs.  I'll have to figure out the best way to hold it and rig a way
to sync the mechanical shutter releases.  Does anyone know of a better
twin cable release than the one from Olympus?  While away on a trip
mine died for no apparent reason.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
reynolds@xxxxxxxxx              | "Oooh!"
http://www.panix.com/~reynolds  |    -- Dexter and Dee Dee
NAR# 54438                      |       "Dexter's Laboratory"