Pentax's compact dial-control MZ SLR — the MZ-5, aperture-priority and manual, KAF mount, 1995.
The Pentax MZ-5 is a 35mm autofocus film SLR from 1995, sold in North America as the ZX-5. It launched the compact MZ/ZX series that replaced the larger Z/PZ bodies, and it reintroduced traditional dial controls with a top-plate shutter-speed dial aimed at enthusiasts who preferred hands-on operation. It uses the Pentax KAF autofocus mount and was marketed under the Pentax name in the UK.
It is a 35mm single-lens-reflex camera using the Pentax KAF autofocus mount, with through-the-lens metering and in-body autofocus. The electronically-timed vertical focal-plane shutter reaches a top speed of 1/2000 with flash sync at 1/100. Exposure modes include program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual, selected using the top-plate shutter dial and the lens aperture ring. Metering offers multi-segment and centre-weighted patterns. It has a built-in flash and motorised film advance, and is fully electronic and battery-dependent.
The MZ-5 suits enthusiasts and students who want a small, light autofocus SLR with familiar dial handling and a full range of modes, good for travel, portraits and general use. It accepts autofocus KAF lenses and older manual K-mount optics. Its size and traditional controls made it popular with users moving from manual cameras who still wanted autofocus when needed.
For a used example, check the foam light seals and mirror-damper foam. Being an electronic autofocus body, confirm the LCD display is complete, autofocus works and the dials respond. The MZ series is known for a small plastic gear in the film-advance or mirror drive that can strip with age, so test the motorised advance and mirror carefully. Verify metering and all exposure modes, check the shutter for even exposure, and note it needs a good battery to operate.