Pentax PZ-10

The Pentax PZ-10 is a 35mm SLR camera, notable for its TTL-controlled autofocus and auto-exposure, as well as its integrated flash. It was introduced in the 1990s. In the USA, the camera was sold as the Pentax Z-10.

Lens

The Pentax PZ-10 uses the Pentax KAF2 bayonet mount. This advanced mount features an AF coupler for autofocus, digital information contacts for data transfer between the lens and camera body, and power contacts for the motorized control of power zoom lenses.

The camera is fully compatible with KAF2 and KAF mount lenses. Furthermore, older lenses with KA and K bayonets can also be used; with these, autofocus is possible using an optional AF adapter.

Even screw thread lenses (M42) can be attached via an adapter, but here the focusing must be done manually and without support from the focusing aid of the viewfinder.

The camera’s focusing system is based on the TTL phase-matching autofocus method, which works reliably in a wide lighting range from EV 1 to EV 18 (at ISO 100 and a lens with an aperture of f/1.4). The photographer can choose between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) using a switch on the camera body.

In autofocus mode, the subject is targeted in the central AF frame of the viewfinder. As soon as the focus is correctly set, a green indicator lights up in the viewfinder and an acoustic signal sounds. For moving subjects, the camera has a predictive autofocus that anticipates the movement of the object and continuously adjusts the focus. Focus memory is activated by half-pressing the shutter release, which allows for recomposing the image section after focusing.

In manual mode, focus is set by turning the focusing ring on the lens. The Focus Indication System supports the photographer by illuminating the green indicator in the viewfinder as soon as the optimal sharpness is achieved. This function is available with lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.

In conjunction with Pentax FA lenses, the PZ-10 also offers a power zoom function with three different zoom speeds, which is controlled via the zoom ring of the lens.

Exposure Settings

Exposure metering is performed through the lens using a 6-segment matrix metering system controlled by a silicon photodiode. This system analyzes the light distribution in the entire image field and is particularly effective in difficult lighting conditions, such as in backlight shots.

The measuring range extends from EV 1 to EV 21 (at ISO 100 and f/1.4). Alternatively, spot metering is available in manual mode, which focuses on a small area in the center of the image.

The camera offers two main exposure modes: program automatic and manual mode. In program automatic mode, the camera automatically selects a suitable combination of shutter speed and aperture. This requires that the aperture ring of the lens is locked in the “A” position.

In manual mode, the photographer has full control and can set both the shutter speed via buttons on the body and the aperture directly on the lens ring. The viewfinder informs about the selected exposure: A plus sign (+) signals overexposure, a minus sign (–) underexposure, and a circle (O) a correct exposure.

A special function is the Hyper-Manual mode. If the camera is in manual mode, pressing the Hyper button can automatically adjust the shutter speed to the manually selected aperture to achieve a correct exposure.

The shutter is an electronically controlled, vertically running slot shutter. The shutter speeds range continuously from 1/2000 to 4 seconds in program automatic mode. In manual mode, times from 1/2000 to 1 second and a bulb setting (B) for long exposures are selectable. In addition, exposure compensation is possible in the range of -3.0 to +3.0 EV in half steps.

Flash System

The Pentax PZ-10 features a built-in, pop-up flash, known as the Retractable TTL Auto Flash. It has a guide number of 12 at ISO 100 in meters and its angle of illumination is designed for use with lenses from a focal length of 35 mm.

When using wide-angle lenses below 35 mm or telephoto lenses above 210 mm, uneven illumination or vignetting at the image edges may occur.

The flash operates in programmed TTL auto flash mode, in which the flash output is automatically adjusted to the circumstances. A useful function is daylight synchronization, which uses the flash as a fill-in flash in backlight shots to lighten shadows in the subject.

The flash sync speed is automatically set to 1/100 second. External, compatible Pentax flash units can be connected via the accessory shoe with X-contact.

The camera is designed to operate with a variety of system flash units that allow for advanced functions such as AF assist light or indirect flash. To reduce the red-eye effect, it is recommended to photograph in brighter environments or to use an external flash that is further away from the optical axis.

Additional Features

The camera is equipped with an electronic self-timer, which has a lead time of about 12 seconds. An acoustic signal confirms the activation and the frequency of the signal tones increases in the last two seconds before the release.

On the underside of the housing is a tripod thread, where the mounting screw should not exceed a length of 5.5 mm to avoid damage. A button for motorized film rewind makes it possible to rewind a film even before the end of the film is reached.

Especially in conjunction with FA zoom lenses, advanced functions are available. The Zoom Clip Mode allows you to save a specific focal length, which is immediately recalled at the touch of a button.

The Image Size Tracking Mode is an innovative function where the camera automatically zooms to keep the size of the subject in the image section constant, even if the distance to the subject changes.

The bulb mode is available for long exposures, in which the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release is pressed. The use of a cable remote release is recommended for this.

Dimensions and Weight

The Pentax PZ-10 body measures 146.0 mm in width, 92.5 mm in height and 66.5 mm in depth (5.7 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches). The weight of the camera is 490 grams (17.3 ounces) without the battery inserted.

Power Supply

The Pentax PZ-10 is powered by a single 6-volt lithium battery of type 2CR5 (eBay / Amazon*).

A fresh battery provides enough energy for about 120 rolls of film, each with 24 shots, with normal photography. The battery life is reduced with frequent flash use: with 50% flash use, about 40 rolls can be exposed and with 100% flash use about 20 rolls can be exposed.

For long exposures in bulb mode, a full battery is sufficient for about 12 hours. A battery warning indicator on the LCD display indicates a low charge level. As soon as the symbol flashes, the shutter release is blocked. An internal backup circuit ensures that data such as the frame counter number and the ISO sensitivity are retained even during a battery change.

Film Recommendations

The Pentax PZ-10 uses standard 35mm film cartridges (eBay / Amazon*).

Thanks to the DX code recognition, the camera automatically adjusts the film speed for appropriately coded films in the range of ISO 25 to ISO 5000. Films without DX coding are exposed at ISO 100 as standard.

The film feed and transport are fully automatic. After inserting the film and closing the back, the camera automatically advances the film to the first shot. At the end of the roll, the film is also automatically rewound, which takes about 15 seconds for a 24-frame roll.