I have now used my MZ-S for a few weeks and after some developed rolls of slides it is possible to contemplate how the new camera has felt in my hands. The obvious comparison is with the MZ-5n which I changed it for.
As always, there are bound to be some criticisms - the perfect camera has not been invented yet. These quibbles are quite minor - but of course it would be nice if these would be corrected in the next generation, especially if it is to evolve into a even more professional caliber machine. One thing I miss but which is not likely to be present in a more professional camera is the panoramic switch - not many people like it but I do.
The viewfinder - like on the MZ-5n - is smallish and not among the very brightest - but better than MZ-5n. So the next generation really should indeed have a high eyepoint viewfinder. The data is now displayed in the bottom of the frame where it is much easier to see - a definite improvement. The selected exposure mode and metering mode should also be indicated. Bigger viewfinder would also enable the inclusion of more powerful integral flash. For easier fill-in flash the sync speed of 1/180 sec is adequate but even faster would be appreciated.
The exposure system seems to work well and if anything it seems to be biased more for slide film than prints - it produces about 1/3 stop underexposure which gives slides with richer colours. An improvement over the MZ-5n!
The autofocus works very well and it is actually quite fast, faster than on MZ-5n - and also quite silent - but photographers yearn for faster and quieter autofocus - always.
The handling of the camera is good but the dials on the MZ-5n are higher and more grippable. I think that Pentax should make higher dials - maybe as aftermarket items? The MZ-S is not as intuitive to use as MZ-5n - but thatīs probably because the MZ-S has more functions. You have to read the manual.
The battery holder or grip BG-10 (for AA cells) is a very useful addition indeed - and it should be incorporated in the body of the camera. The few millimeters more height and some 100 g more weight is negligible and - in my opinion - it improves the handling a lot. I have quite small hands so I think that those who have bigger hands would benefit even more. If you like to shoot verticals, the grip which has its own shutter release button for verticals, is a revelation! And of course the ubiquitous AA cells are the easiest to find when you find yourself in more exotic places.
So these are my quibbles at the moment - Iīm sure other people can find some more - but the MZ-S is very good as it is. It feels like a quality camera it is and I really do like the feel of the camera - and should Pentax bring out a more professional and even more rugged body I think that it should be modelled along the lines of the MZ-S (and MZ-5n) and not the Z-1p.
Conclusion? In my experience the MZ-S is a very good camera: it is easy to use, the controls are well laid out, the quality is very high, it is very light and - the most important thing - the handling is excellent.