Pentax ZX-M 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 35-80 Lens

With its four exposure modes: Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Metered Manual, and Programmed AE, you can give this camera as much or as little control over your pictures as you want. You can use the Programmed AE for those shots that you want exposed with no guesswork on your part, while Aperture-Priority AE and the Shutter-Priority AE give you partial control over the shot. Or, for complete control, switch to the manual mode and capture the shot exactly the way you want it.

The Pentax ZX-M lets you check the depth-of-field for a given aperture with just the push of a button. This feature ensures that your picture will have the visual effect that you want, before you take the shot. You can even use this feature when the camera is set in automatic mode. The external LCD viewfinder display features the Pentax Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, which gives you a sharp, clear image and lets you confirm all of your settings with just a glance.

The one downside is that it does not have a built in flash like all other Pentax M series cameras. I did a lot of research into buying this camera and less than the price of the next model up (which does offer a few other non flash related bonus' but nothing major) you could buy a nice interchangable Pentax Flash to go with your camera.

Over all this camera is fantastic and I have zero complaints.


I love my Pentax   March 21, 2001
Teri (Ramona, CA USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I love my Pentax ZX-M. I bought it a little over 2 years ago because I was a beginner and thought I should start with a manual focusing camera and also because it fell into my price range. I've loved every bit of my camera. It's easy to use, takes great photographs, is light enough to carry around your neck, loads film very easy, and has understandable features. One problem I've had is finding a lense that will fit my camera. From what I understand is that I need a lense with a K mount and those have been a little difficult for me to come by. And another problem that I found is the bulb attachment was a tad bit on the expensive side [all because it was electronic]. Other than that, I love my Pentax. It's definately a great camera for beginners!


Best SLR for the money!   July 3, 2001
Camille Groethe (Logan, Utah United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

The ZX-M is a solid camera with almost every feature you will need. I've owned it for almost 2 years and the only complaint I have is that it needs a flash or it is almost useless indoors, so be prepared to buy one and carry it around. It also lacks date imprinting if you're into that. It is a great camera though and is otherwise pert-near perfect!


it's just plain great!   May 14, 2002
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

i have had this camera for about a year and i am yet to take a bad picture with it. it does lack a flash though and the lense that mine came with did not have auto-focus, so it is a camera for those who are into serious photography. it does have many automatic settings though, so it is easy to use overall. i hope that other people enjoy this camera as much as i have.