C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile35mm SLR
Pentax MZ-31997
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- Pentax KAF2
- Years
- 1997–2002
- Weight
- 445 g
- Shutter
- 30s – 1/4000s
- Meter
- ttl-6-zone-evaluative-center-spot
The Pentax MZ-3 (1997) is a K-mount autofocus SLR positioned as the traditionalist option in Pentax's late-1990s MZ lineup. Where the MZ-5 and MZ-5n used a conventional mode dial, the MZ-3 returns to dedicated shutter-speed and aperture control rings, echoing the handling of the earlier manual-focus Pentax MX and LX. The body shares the MZ line's polycarbonate-over-aluminum construction, 3-point AF system, 6-zone evaluative metering, and Hyper-Program / Hyper-Manual exposure modes, but wraps them in a more mechanical-feeling interface. It was sold as the ZX-L in North America and the PZ-L in some other markets.
Reference
Find film for your Pentax MZ-3
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
ISO 400
BW
Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
View profileC41
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
Develop 35mm film
Labs in our directory that process 35mm film.
Before you buy used
- **Dial action** — check that the shutter-speed dial clicks cleanly through all positions; worn detents can make speed selection unreliable.
- **CR2 battery** — same power requirement as rest of MZ line; keep spares.
- **Light seals** — standard foam aging; inspect and replace proactively.
- **Mirror bumper** — foam disintegrates with age; clean and replace if found deteriorated.
- **AF motor** — screwdriver-driven AF can wear with heavy use; test with a fast-moving subject.
- Price range: $80–220 USD depending on condition and included accessories.
About this camera
Mid-range KAF2 AF SLR with traditional shutter-speed and aperture dials — full PASM without a mode dial.
Key Specs
Frequently asked questions
- What film does the Pentax MZ-3 use?
- The Pentax MZ-3 shoots 35mm film.
- What battery does the Pentax MZ-3 take?
- The Pentax MZ-3 uses a 2x CR2 battery.
- What lens mount does the Pentax MZ-3 have?
- The Pentax MZ-3 uses the Pentax KAF2 mount.
- What shutter speeds does the Pentax MZ-3 offer?
- The Pentax MZ-3's shutter speeds range from 30s to 1/4000s.
- What light meter does the Pentax MZ-3 use?
- The Pentax MZ-3 meters with ttl-6-zone-evaluative-center-spot.