LX vs MZ-5n

Hipity · Mar 28, 2006

Put a thread out yesterday regarding an LX and thankyou for your responses. I have also found an MZ-5n in excellent condition with a F or FA 28-70 for a fait price as well. Which would you buy LX or MZ-5n
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joachim Haagen Be · Mar 28, 2006

Hipity said:
Put a thread out yesterday regarding an LX and thankyou for your
responses. I have also found an MZ-5n in excellent condition with a
F or FA 28-70 for a fait price as well. Which would you buy LX or
MZ-5n

I dont have, nor have I ever tried an LX, but I have an MZ-5n and I must say that it is a great camera. Metering seems spot-on all the time, its light and failry compact while still having most needed functions, except mirror-lock-up. The MZ-5n is great with old lenses as well!

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All The Best,
Joachim

Genes Pentax · Mar 28, 2006

I have ZX-5n (or MZ-5n) and am very satisfied with it. It's a good camera. Never had or used the LX. However, if I had both and they are both in good condition and I had to get rid of one, I'll keep the LX. (I don't mind manual focus at all.)

So, it depends on your preference. If you want/need auto focus, I'd suggest MZ-5n. But if you don't need auto focus and are happy with a manual focus, I recommend considering the LX. (Of course, I'm sure price is a factor also.)

Bottom line is that ZX-5n is a great camera. But I always wanted an LX and it was out of my price range (that's why I bought a K1000SE).

Hope this helps.

Gene

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Michael Perham · Mar 28, 2006

Hipity said:
Put a thread out yesterday regarding an LX and thankyou for your
responses. I have also found an MZ-5n in excellent condition with a
F or FA 28-70 for a fait price as well. Which would you buy LX or
MZ-5n

Many people consider the LX the best manual focus 35mm camera ever produced. I concur!

There is simply no comparison between these two camera's ...the MZ-5n is a good autofocus consumer camera but if you want those features (and more) in a body that is in the same league as the LX, you need to get an MZ-S.

Bottom line is what do you want and how much are you prepared to pay. Do you want program and TV, autofocus etc., then the LX is not for you.

Mike.

Cam Traviss · Mar 28, 2006

The MZ has more "modern" features, but I can't say enough about the LX.
It's hard to find a camera better built, and it feels amazing when you hold it.

However, the LX and its accessories are getting long in the tooth. Also, a lot of professionals beat the daylights out of their LX's, not that it couldn't take it ! But a lot ofthem will need CLA's to go another 20 years.

I have one and keep sying I'm going to sell it because of my DS's, but I just can't. It's the same as the A1 I have. Both are from a time when cameras were sculptures, and I just like to look at them! But next holiday, the LX goes in the bag for insurance!

You're pretty safe either way!

--
'what's this button do?'

John_Plymouth · Mar 28, 2006

If you get the chance get your hands on an LX. That will make the choice for you. Its small (by film SLR standards) but built like a tank and just ooses quality. I still have mine along with my DS (and an ME Super !) but will never get rid. I longed for an LX long before I got it and it met all those expectations I had.

Go on get one you wont regret it !

John

distudio · Mar 28, 2006

Hipity said:
Put a thread out yesterday regarding an LX and thankyou for your
responses. I have also found an MZ-5n in excellent condition with a
F or FA 28-70 for a fait price as well. Which would you buy LX or
MZ-5n

I had an MZ-3, MZ-S and six LX before I bought my *ist D, however soon after that I realised how much film I wasn't going to be shooting so I sold off a lot of my film kit. I managed to happily part with everything but two LX bodies, these I don't think I'll ever sell. The MZ-5N will be more like your DSLR to use but if you want to own and use a real camera just go for the LX.

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Rob

Anastigmat · Mar 28, 2006

The LX is a collector's item. The MZ-5N is a good camera with most of the modern conveniences like AF, program mode auto exposure and a quieter shutter/mirror. The MZ-5N is a better photographic tool in most respects. The LX has an unrivaled and versatile interchangeable finder system. Depends on what you want, i.e. a collectible item, a good finder system, or af, either camera can be a good buy at the right price. The LX will maintain its resale value well into the next decade. The MZ-5N will lose value quickly. But if the lens that comes with the camera is good, then it can be an attractive deal.

Hipity said:
Put a thread out yesterday regarding an LX and thankyou for your
responses. I have also found an MZ-5n in excellent condition with a
F or FA 28-70 for a fait price as well. Which would you buy LX or
MZ-5n
--

GuyM · Mar 28, 2006

I chimed in on your LX thread and have no specific advice to offer here, but I'll be very interested to hear which camera you go for and why. Good luck with your decision.

Cheers,
Guy
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GMT +11

wlachan · Mar 28, 2006

Hipity said:
Put a thread out yesterday regarding an LX and thankyou for your
responses. I have also found an MZ-5n in excellent condition with a
F or FA 28-70 for a fait price as well. Which would you buy LX or
MZ-5n

If you just want a practical camera with minimal fuss, MZ-5n is it. If you like manual focus and don't mind the expensive service bill from time to time, or the lack of service parts, LX is a special gem... when it works....
--
Alan Chan
http://www.pbase.com/wlachan/

grcolts · Mar 28, 2006

Both are good cameras.
What do you want to do with the camera?
If you do lots of cold outside shooting then the LX is the way to go.
Also, if you do any astrophotography the LX is the way to go.

The MZ-5N is a very good camera for all round use but the LX can be shot without using any batteries if need be. As someone else already mentioned, the LX will hold its value for some time to come.
So, evaluate what plans you have for shooting and then make your decision.
BTW, I have had wonderful luck with my LX.
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grcolts

J North · Mar 28, 2006

I think the points have been quite well raised already, so let me beat the horse some more.

It depends on what features you want/need - perhaps the biggest, at least for me - autofocus.

I already have an autofocus I am happy with Z1P, and I have 3 Super Programs.

If I had money when I was putting together my gear I would have 3 LX's instead of Super Programs. If I was looking for a used film SLR and had the chance for an LX I would snag it.

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What if the Hoky-Poky really was what it's all about?

paul1307 · Mar 29, 2006

The LX

much more expensive
much better built
feels better
superb finder-system (where a finder is more expensive than the MZ-5 !)
mechanical shutter for 1/2.000 - 1/75 sec. (longer exposure times need batteries)
fine art

The MZ-5

is smaller
has spot metering
cheaper
with battry grip to be used with AA-cells (very good solution)
built-in flash
is more a tool

I had both...
If I had the money just for fun - I'd buy the LX with some finders.
If I simply need a slr I'd choose the MZ-5 again.
--

Paul

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LX vs MZ-5n

Hipity

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joachim Haagen Be

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Genes Pentax

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Michael Perham

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Cam Traviss

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distudio

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Anastigmat

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GuyM

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