Pentax's flagship AF SLR (Z-1 in Europe) — the PZ-1, hyper controls, 1/8000, KAF mount, 1991.
The Pentax PZ-1 is a 35mm autofocus film SLR from 1991 and is the North American designation for the flagship body sold elsewhere as the Z-1. It was the top model of the Z/PZ series, an advanced-amateur to semi-professional autofocus camera introducing the hyper-program and hyper-manual twin-dial control system. It uses the Pentax KAF autofocus mount and was sold 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 1/8000 with flash sync at 1/250. Exposure modes include program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual, with the hyper system allowing quick program shift and an instant jump to manual via two control dials. Metering offers multi-segment and centre-weighted patterns. The body has motorised film advance and is fully electronic and battery-dependent.
The PZ-1 suits enthusiasts and working photographers wanting fast autofocus, a wide shutter range and rapid twin-dial exposure control for portraits, travel and assignment work. It handles power-zoom KAF lenses and the wider K-mount range in manual focus. As the identical twin of the Z-1 it shares that body's capability, size and reliance on electronics.
As a used buy, check the foam light seals and mirror-damper foam, then concentrate on the electronics. Confirm the LCD panels are complete and not bleeding, the autofocus drives smoothly and the twin dials respond. This generation is prone to a perished sticky coating and worn plastic film-back and grip parts, so inspect the exterior. Verify the meter and all exposure modes, test the motorised advance, and note the camera needs a healthy battery to meter or fire.