The User's Review: Pentax 35 mm Film SLR Cameras MZ-10 (ZX-10), MZ-30 (ZX-30), MZ-50 (ZX-50) and MZ-60 (ZX-60)

During the ten years between 1992 to 2002, Pentax released 4 double-dig (10, 30, 50, 60) models of slr cameras. All of them are similar to each other: mirror-type viewfinder, plastic lens mount and body, silver/black body color (I saw an all black body of ZX-10), 1/2000 s top shutter speed, 1/100 s sync speed, and optional date/time imprinting back. And all models were made in Philippines.

There were two things confusing me: today's users prefer the older model 10 than the other three. Why? And Model 60, introduced in 2002, is the newest one. but why people don't like it? Well, I answer myself by making the following table. There are differences in key functions among these models besides the model numbers.


Table. Comparison of Pentax double-digit slr models (1992 - 2002)

	MZ-10, ZX-10	MZ-30, ZX-30	MZ-50, ZX-50	MZ-60, ZX-60
Year released	1996	2000	1992	2002
Mount type	KAF2	KAF	KAF	KAF
Diopter corr.	No	Yes	No	No
Mutiple expo.	No	Yes	No	No
Panorama	Yes	No	No	No
Power zoom	Yes	No	No	No
MSRP USD	472	350	350	199

Below are the images of 10 30 and 50 (from left to right). I do not have a 60, it's more like the 50 with four buttons instead of a control dial on the top.

Today, you can buy any of these body under USD 20. Check its shutter and mirror because malfunction of them are common in used bodies of these Pentaxs. I also have a separate article on ZX-10 in my blog, you may be interested.

In December of 2011, I got a ZX-60, which separates the shutter button and the option dial (it can't turn, just can be pushed right or left) and has a black bottom plate.