Pentax's later mid-range MZ SLR — the MZ-6, program and manual, built-in flash, KAF mount, 2001.
The Pentax MZ-6 is a 35mm autofocus film SLR from 2001, sold in North America as the ZX-L. It was a later mid-range member of the compact MZ/ZX series, offering autofocus, program automation and support for the data-exchange features of newer lenses. It uses the Pentax KAF autofocus mount and was marketed under the Pentax name.
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. Exposure modes include program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual, along with auto-picture scene programs for common subjects. Metering offers multi-segment and centre-weighted patterns. It has a built-in pop-up flash and motorised film advance, and is fully electronic and battery-dependent.
The MZ-6 suits general users and improving amateurs who want a light autofocus SLR with a built-in flash and both automatic and manual modes for travel, family and portrait photography. It accepts autofocus KAF lenses and older manual K-mount optics. As a later model it leans more on program and scene automation than the dial-led MZ-5, while retaining aperture-priority and manual control.
As a used buy, check the foam light seals and mirror-damper foam. As an electronic autofocus body, confirm the LCD display is complete, autofocus operates and the pop-up flash fires. The MZ series can suffer a failed plastic gear in the film-transport or mirror mechanism, so test the motorised advance and mirror action. Verify metering and all exposure modes, check the shutter for even exposure, and note the camera needs a good battery to function.