Pentax MZ-S User manual

F

      WELCOME

       Thank you very much for buyingthe PentaxMZ-S
       camera.Pleaseread this manualbeforeusing the
       camera in order to get the most out of all the features
       and functions.Keep this manualsafe,as it can be a
        valuabletool in helpingyou to understandall the
        camera'scapabilities.



    The MZ-S has the following features:
        . The heavy-dutybody enhancedwith the magnesiumalloy.
        . Six-focus-pointSAFOXVll allowsthe six focus pointsin the
      vievyfinderto auto focus even when the desired subject is not
       in the center;shootingwith a fixedfocusingpoint is also
      available.
        . Shutterspeed of maximumof 1/6000.
        . Exposuredata includingshutterspeed,aperture,etc.can be
      imprintedfor each frame on a film.
        . Slantedcameratop facilitatesvisibilityand controllability.

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Althoughwe have carefullydesignedthis camera for safe operation,
pleasebe sure to follow precautionsgiven on this page.
 AwnRilnGThisnot followed,mark indicatescould resultprecautionsin seriousthat,injuryif
                        to the operator.
                     This mark indicatesprecautionsthat, if AcnuTtotlnot followed,could resultin minoror
                 mediuminjuryto the operatoror damage
                        to the equipment.
                    This mark indicatesprohibitedmatters.    s                     This mark indicatesthat cautionshould be     A   taken.'
 Awnnnrnc
 Q-   fne electroniccircuitsinsidethe cameracontainhigh voltageworking     parts.Neverattemptto disassemblethe camerayourself.
 $-   t,levertouch internalparts of the camera if they becomeexposedfrom    droppingthe camera or for some other reason,as there is danger of an
     electricshock.
 $-  Wrappingthe strap around your neck is dangerous.Make sure that small    childrendo not get the strap caughtaroundtheir neck.
N-  Oo not look directlyat the sun throughthe camera,as viewingthe sun for   may damageyour eyes, and/or parts of the camera (e.g:shutterblades,
     etc.)
   Be sure to store batteriesout of the reachof children.Seek medical
    assistanceimmediatelyif accidentallyswallowed.
 Acnunot
   Do not use the flash near anyone'seyes,as it may hurt them. Be particu-s larly carefulwith the flash around infants-
    Nevertry to disassemble,short or rechargethe battery.Also, do not dis-o pose of the batteryin fire, as it may explode.
   Removethe batteriesfrom the camera immediatelyif they become hot orA beginto smoke.Be carefulnot burn yourselfduring removal.

Your Pentaxcamera is a high-precisionmechanism.Handleit with great care.
Precautions when taking pictures
. Do not use the camerawhere it may come in contactwith rain,water,or any
  other liquid,becausethe camera is not weather,water,or liquid resistant.
  Shouldthe cameraget wet from rain, splashingwater,or any other liquid
  wipe it off immediatelywith a dry soft cloth.
. Do not drop the cameraor allow it to hit solid objects.lf the camerasuffersa
  shock or impact,take it to a Pentaxservicecenterfor inspection.
. Be carefulnot to subjectthe camerato strongvibrations,shock or pressure.
  Use a cushionto protectthe camerawhen carryingit in a motorcycle,car,
  boat, etc.
. Condensationon the interioror exteriorof the camera may be extremely
  harmfulto the cameramechanismas it may cause rust. Furthermore,if the
  camerais taken from warm temperatureto a subfreezingone or vice versa,
  the formationof iceletsmay cause damage.In such a case, put the camera
   into a case or plasticbag so that any changesin temperaturedifferenceis
  minimized.Do not removeit from the bag until temperaturehas stabilized.
.  Regularsize color prints may cut off what appearson the extremeedges of
  the film frame.Composeyour picturewith a marginof safetyat the edges.
. When a macroor telephotolens is attachedto the camera,the top part of
  the viewfindermay look dark due to the lens blockingthe mirror.However,
   this does not affectthe picturetaken.
Precautions for storage
. Avoid leavingthe camerafor extendedperiodsin placeswhere the humidity
  and temperatureare very high, such as in a car.
. Do not store the camera in a closetwith moth balls or in an area where
  chemicalsare handled.Store it in a place with good dry air circulationto pre-
  vent the growthof fungus.
Precautions for proper care
. Nevertouch the shuttercurtainor mirrorwith your fingeror any other object.
. Use a blowerand lens brush to removedust accumulatedon the lens or
  viewfinder.
. Neveruse solventssuch as paint thinner,alcoholor benzeneto clean the
  camera.
.  Electricalproblemsmay often be caused by water,dirt or dust at pointsof
   electricalcontact.Also check for batteryleakage,tracesof dirt or grease,or
  corrosiondue to salinityor gas. lf you cannotcorrectthe problems,have your
  camera inspectedat a Pentaxservicecenter.Repairsof this natureare not
  coveredunderthe terms of the warrantyand chargesmay be assessed.

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   Other precautions
      . The temperaturerange at which this camerafunctionsproperlyis 50'C to -
    10"C(122"F to 14'F).
      . A camerawhich has been submergedin water usuallycannot be repaired. lf
     suchan accidentshould occur,it is advisableto contacta PentaxService
     Centerimmediately.
      . To maintainoptimumperformance,it is recommendedthat the camera be
     inspectedevery one or two years.lf the camera has not been used for an
     extendedperiod,or is being preparedfor an importantphotographicsession,
         it is recommendedthat you have the camerainspectedor test shoot with it.
      . Repairsdeemed necessarydue to usage of this productin an industrialor
     commercialapplicationmay not be coveredunder the terms of the Pentax
l 9    warranty.
l H   . The PENTAXwarrantyprovidesonly for the repairof defectsin materialsor
     workmanship.Damage of any kind cannot be repairedat no charge under
     the terms of the warranty. lf the difficultyis causedas a direct resultof the
     productbeing used in conditionsas outlinedin the "PrecautionsforYour
    Camera"sectionor any other operationcontraryto the instructionsoutlined
      in this manual,chargeswill be assessedand a repairquotationwill be pro-
     vided.




      . Usetwo 3V lithiumbatteries(CR-2type).   \
      . Misuseof the batterycan cause hazardssuch as leakage,overheating,
     explosion,etc. The batteryshould be insertedwith the "+" and "-" sides fac-
      ing correctly.
     r Batterypedormancemay be temporarilyhinderedin low temperatures,but
       will recoverin normaltemperatures.
      . Keepa spare batteryon hand for replacementconveniencewhen shooting
     outdoorsor whiletraveling.l&.   lf the built-inflash is used continuously,the batterymay becomewarm, but it
    doesnot mean that the batteryis faulty;it is one of the battery'scharacteris-
      tics.
      . Replacethe batteriesat the same time. Do not mix batterybrands,type or
     an old batterywith a new one. lt may cause explosionor overheating.

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      PREVIEWINGTHE DEPTHOF FIE1D...................82
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
    ustNG THE BUILT-INFLASH.................     .....84
      SETTINGTHE FLASHMODE          ................84
     ADVANCEDTECHNIQUESWITHTHE BUILT-IN
      FLASH                                        .....87
    USING EXTERNALFLASH                                    . . .9 1
     FLASHFEATURES.............    ....................91
      USINGTTL AUTOFLASH           .......;..............92
      USINGHIGH-SPEEDSYNCWITH
      THE AF360FGZ                              ......93
       wr RELESSFLASH(AF360FGZONLY)..................96
      USINGBOTHTHE BUILT-INFLASHAND
      EXTERNALFLASH                    .................97
      USING CONTRAST-CONTROL-SYNC
      FLASHMODE                              .........99
      usrNG sLow-SPEEDSYNC...............................101
     WHEN USINGFLASH                   ..........103
 APPENDIX
   PENTAXFUNCTIONS.........:                 ......106
       sETT|NG PENTAXFUNCT|ONS..........................108
       sETTrNG A PENTAXFUNCTION.................,.......1 10
   ACCESSPORTES(OPTIONAL)............       ......123
   TROUBLESHOOT1NG............             ...128
      SPECIFICATIONSTABLE                   .....132
     wARRANYTYPOLICY.........        ................136

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       Drive switch
      Setsthe drivemodeto the single-frame( @p.24'),consecutive-frame
      (@p.48),multi-exposure( @p.49),or self-timermode( @p.S1).
LCDpanel
 Displaysthe currentexposuremode,               Metering mode switch
 shutterspeed,aperture,flash firing               @p.25, 66, 68, 69, 71
 status,framecounter,and other infor-              Setsthe meteringmodeto
 mation.                                     multi-segment,spot,or
                                           center-weightedmetering.Selectdial
Setsvariousmodes and                                 LCD illuminator settings.
                                              button @p.23
                                                llluminatesthe LCDHot shoe                                             panel. Fora Pentax-dedicated
externalflash unit.
 @p.92, 94, 98
2P
terminal


                                  AE lcick button
                                       @p.66
                                              Locksthe currentexpo-
                                                sure settingfor 20 sec.
Exposure'compensa-
tion dial @p.65
Auto bracketing dial @p.53
A set numberof frames is taken con-             AF button @p.26
secutivelyautomaticallywhilethe                     Activatesautofocusing.
exposureis bracketedby +1 or +112
stop.                                             Diopteradjustment
               Flash pop-up button @p.30,84 lever @p.17
             Popsup the built-inflashto enable
                  flashphotography.

This operatingmanual consistsof the followingsections.
tThings to Check
Thissectionis before"Thingsto Do,"andit explainscautionsfor
usingthe cameraand accessories,as well as the namesof work-
ing parts.
lThings  to Do
Explainsthe proceduresto be followedbeforeyou use the camera
for the firsttime.
It alsoexplainshowto loadand rewindthe film.
lBasic  Operations
. Explainsthe easiestway to take pictureswith the cameraset to
  single-framemode,programmedAE mode,multi-segment
  meteringmode,automaticfocuspointselection,and AF mode'
. Usingthe Built-inFlash:Explainshowto use the built-inflash'
lAdvanced  Operations
The camera'sfeaturesare explainedin detail.
. Picture-takingTechniques:Consecutive-framemode,multi-
  exposuremode,self-timermode,auto bracketing
 . Settingthe Exposure:Autoexposuremodes(ProgrammedAE,
  Shutter-PriorityAE, Aperture-PriorityAE),meteredmanual
  exposure,bulbexposure,exposurecompensation
 . Settingthe MeteringMode:Multi-segmentmetering,center-
  weightedmetering,spotmetering
 . Focusing:Focusmodes,focuspointselection,manualfocusing
 lFlash  Photography
 . Tips:Tipson usingflashin backlitconditionsand at night,flash
  exposuresettings,and effectiveflash range.
 . Usinga Pentax-DedicatedExternalFlash:Explainsthe opera-
   tion for dedicatedexternalflash unitsand high-speedsync and
  wirelessmodefeatureswith the AF360FGZ.

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           *



BEFORETAKINGPICTURES...............,...12
Step1 Attachingthe Strap            ............12
Step2 Loadingthe Batteries.........................13
Step3 Attachinga Lens            ...............14
Step4 lmprintingthe dateor time .................16
Step5 Adjustingthe viewfinder'sdiopter.......17
Step6 Filmloading.............        ..........18

BEFORETAKINGPICTURES
   Thingsto do beforeusingthe camerafor the first time'
         Attachingthe strap@

   Pass the end of the straP 1
    through the straP lug from
    underneath,then Pass the strap
    through the clasPfrom under'
    neath.

    The strap'sclasp can be used to rewind
     the film in mid-rollor to alter the date or
     time. Positionthe clasp away from the
    camera body.

    Follow the same Procedureto2    attach the other end of the strap
     to the other straP lug.
        -a- _
       IEEII    Using the strap Pocket
     The strap also has a pocketwhich can
      store the viewfindercap, releasesocket
      cover,hot shoe cover or any other small
     accessoryas illustrated.

BEFORETAKINGPICTURES
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        Loadingthe Batteries                               u@                                                                  C.g
                                                                                         -{   As shown in the illustration,
   open the battery chamber cover                                                                                                                                                                                                                               =oat,
   by turning it with a coin.                                                 d
                                                                                                                                      0o



  tl
Z  As shown in the illustration,load
   the two lithium CR2 batteriesor
   equivalentinto the chamberwith
   the batteries'positive(+) con-
    tacts pointing down.


 tFl Push in the battery chamber                          (aJ
   cover firmly and use a coin to
   turn the cover clockwise to
   close.
    -a_
       I      Aboutthe Batteries
       . Be sure to use two lithiumCR2 batter-
       tes.
       .   lf you want to use size-AAbatteries,
     use the optionalBatteryGrip BG-10.
       . When takingthe camerato unfamiliar
     areas or when using in cold environ-
      ments,take a spare set of batteries.
       . See "Replacingthe Batteries"to
      replacethe batteriesand read the cau-
      tionsregardingthe batteries.(@p.41)

Attachinga Lens@

 {  Removethe body mount cap and rear lens cap.





    The body mount cap protectsthe insideof the camerafrom dust and
     scratchesupon factoryshipment.For long-termcamerastorage,the
     optionalaccessory"Body Mount Cap K" is also available.

    Align the red dots on the lens and camerawhile attachingx the lens to the camera,then turn the lens clockwiseuntil
       it clicks in place.





         .  After attachingthe lens,try and turn the lens counterclockwiseto make
       sure it is lockedin place.

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            ' when attachingthe lens in the dark, turn on the camera'smain switch
     and press the lens unlockbuttonto turn on the lens mount index lamp
     on the camera.





   As shown in the illustration,removethe front lens cap.3





            Handling the Lens
          ' To detachthe lens, hold down the lens unlockbuttonand turn the lens
      counterclockwise.





    we assume no responsibilitynor liabilityfor damagesresultingfrom the
     use of lenses made by other manufacturers.
     use a soft, dry cloth to keep the electricalcontactson the body mount
     and lens mount clean.Dirt or corrosionon the contactscan cause
     problemswith the electricalsystem.

lmprintingthe date or time@
    lmprintthe date or time withinthe picture.

    on the camera's back cover' f    press the DATEbutton to set the
    desired imPrintingformat.
    Eachtime YouPressthe DATEbut-
    ton,the disPlaYwill changein the
    followingsequence:

       *      The sampledisplaybelow indicates
     May 1 ,2001, 2:10 PM.
     YY indicatesthe year'slast two digits,
    MM is the month, DD is the daY,hh is
       the hour,and mm is the minute.
               -+[01 5  1]    IYY MM DDI
   IDD hh mml."[ 1 14:10]
          - -]...Blank      [--
        I M M D D Y Y I ' . 5. [1 0 1 ]
   IDDMMYYI'-11 5011


     The date or time is imprintedon the lower
       rightcornerof the picture.lf this part of
      the pictureis light-colored(white,yellow,
       etc.),the imprinteddate or time may be
        difficultto distinguish.

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 W
        . To set the correctdate and time, see
       "Settingthe Date and Time" on page
      44.
        .           lf the           imprinting                    looks                          too                                   light                                   or                                                                if the                                                                                                                                                        =oo      Data           back's                 display                       looks                                   light                                   or                             shows
      nothing,replacethe Data back'sbat-                               o
       tery.(@p.42)                                                                                                   oo
        . The date of the first frame will be
      imprintedin the multi-exposuremode.

         Adiustingthe viewfinder'sdiopter@
   Adjustthe viewfinder'sdiopterto suit your eye'svision.

   Look through the viewfinder and
    pointthe camerato a well-lit
   scene.Then move the diopter
   adjustmentlever left or right
    until the autofocusframe in the



   The    findertudiopterlookscan sharp.be adjustedfrom -2.5 to
    +1.5m-t(per meter).

Fitmtoading@
    Automaticfilm speed setting
    This camerais designedto use DX-codedfilms with ISO
    ratingsfrom 25 to 5000.

       ^Illr!!r
   We suggestthat you first operatethe camerawith no film loadedto
    becomefamiliarwith its operations.
 w         . When DX-codedfilm is used, the correctfilm speed is automaticallyset
        for the camera.lf you use a non-DXcoded film, you can set the film
      speedmanually.( @p.36)
         . You cannot use an infra-redfilm.This camera uses infra-redrays to
       detectfilm transportso it may sensitizethe film.

 #
   To open the back cover, slide the #
    back cover releaselever in the
    direction of the arrow.                             s-
          - a _                                                          o-                                            fl'           Remove the protective cover
         . Beforeloadingfilm for the first time
        after purchase,open the back cover
      and removethe protectivecard.
         . Be carefulnot to touch the shuttercur-
        tains with the protectivecard.





          . Alwaysload and unloadfilm in the
      shade or by usingyour body to shade
       the camera.

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/   et^""the film cartridgein the
   film chamberas shown in the
    illustration.
                                                                                                                                                       =zo
                                                                        @d
                                                                                                                                                       oo
  As shown in the illustration,pull
   the film leaderout only far
   enough to reach the take -up
   spool.
    *lmportant*
   The shuttercurtainsare fine-precision
    material.Do not touch them with your
    fingersor any other objectwhile loading
    film.
 W       . The DX informationpins in the film
     chamberare used to read film speed.
     Keepthem clean and free from scratch-
      es. To removesmudges,wipe them
      gentlywith a soft, dry cloth.
       .   lf there is dirt on the film detector,film
     cannotbe wound properly.
     Wipe them gentlywith a soft, dry cloth.




                                                      lmprintdataemitter

                                                  Filmdetector

  DXinformationpins  Shuttercurtains

Film retainer
    Align the film leaderwith the4    film leaderend mark and make
   sure that the film leaderis posi-
    tioned under the film retaineras
   shown in the illustration.
  ,,fu
            lf the end of the film leader is extremely
       bent, straightenit or cut off the bent
       portion.
            lf you have pulledout too much film,
      push it back into the cartridgeto
      reducethe slack.

                                                 Film leader end mark
   Glosethe back cover.F#
   Turn the main switch to [ON].# The film will advanceto frame 1 automati-
     cally,and the LCD panel will displaythe
    exposurecounterand film status informa-
     tion.
              ,5-_a
      .IEEII   Incorrect film loading
        lf the film is not loaded
     properly,the LCD panel will
     displayF. Open the back
     coverand load the film
     agarn.

www.butkus.us                                                              ]            :LI--l





QUICKAND EASYSHOOTING..,.............22
  POWERON/OFF             ................22
   oulcK AND EASYSHOOTING...............24
   TAKINGA PICTURE            ...........27
BUILT-IN FLASH-SMARTFLASH..,.............30
   USINGTHE BUILT-INFLASH.,.................30
   SETTINGTHE RED-EYEREDUCTION
    MODE...........         .......................33
UNLOADtNGF11M....................................
   REWINDINGTHE F|1M............................3
   SETTINGTHE FILMSPEED(ISO)
   MANUALLY...           .......................36
   IMPRINTINGEXPOSUREDATA..............37
REPLACING THE BATTERIES....................40
   REPLACINGTHE CAMERA'S
   BATTER|ES..           .......................40
   REPLACINGTHE DATABACK'S
   BATTERY             ............................42
   ADJUSTINGTHE DATABACK.................44

QUICKAND EASYSHOOTING
 eoweRoN/oFFI
  'i
    Turn on the camera.
    CTurn the main switch to ON.





 e?
A   Turn off the camera.
    eAtter you finish takingpictures,turn
      the mainswitchto OFF.


    Be sure to turn the main switchto OFF to
     preventaccidentaldrain on the batteries.

QUICKAND EASY SHOOTING
    For quick and easy shooting,set your camerafor single-
   frameshooting,ProgrammedAE, multi-segmentmetering,
    automaticfocus point mode, and autofocus.
 w    To load the batteriesand film or to attach
     the lens,see "Thingsto Do."(@  p.11)
 ,l
 I   Set the single-framedrive mode.
    CSet the main switch to [ON] position.
    @Set the drive switch to[ E].
     One pictureis taken each time the
       shutterreleasebuttonis pressed.
         .a
        &--
          ^Illlilr{
    The drive mode can also be set to con-
    secutive{ramemode (@  p.48),self-
    timer(@  p.51),or
     multiple-exposuremode (@  p.49).
 R.,
&  Set the ProgrammedAE Mode.
    CTurn the aperture ring to the [A]
       position while holding down the
       aperture-A lock button on the lens.
        [P] appearson the LCD panel to indi-
       cate that the ProgrammedAE Mode is
        set.