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.
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The Pentax PZ-1 (1991) - sold as the **Z-1** in Japan and some European markets - was Pentax's top-line 35mm autofocus SLR at its launch. It introduced Pentax's **Hyper-program** and **Hyper-manual** exposure modes: in Hyper-program, the camera sets initial program exposure but allows instant override of either aperture or shutter with the command dials without breaking out of the mode; in Hyper-manual, pressing a single button re-meters and sets optimal exposure parameters in manual mode. A 6-point AF system, 6-segment matrix metering with spot and center-weighted options, and a 1/8000s shutter with 1/250s flash sync placed it at the professional-consumer boundary. The PZ-1 was replaced by the refined PZ-1P in 1994.
Reference
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
C41
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
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Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
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Before you buy used
About this camera
Pentax's 1991 AF flagship: Hyper-program, Hyper-manual, 1/8000s, and a 6-point AF system.
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Format | 35mm |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 |
| Years | 1991-1994 |
| Shutter | 30s - 1/8000s + Bulb, electronic vertical cloth |
| Flash sync | 1/250s |
| Meter | TTL 6-segment matrix, spot, center-weighted |
| AF | 6-point passive phase-detect |
| Modes | P, Hyper-P, A, S, M, Hyper-M |
| ISO range | 6-6400 (DX) |
| Weight | ~710 g (body only) |
| Battery | 2x CR123A |
The PZ-1 arrived in 1991 as the direct successor to the SF-series (SF-X / SF-1 / SF-7), which had established Pentax's autofocus system on the KAF mount starting in 1987. The jump to the KAF2 mount - adding a second set of electrical contacts to support power zoom lenses and the FA series - was the PZ-1's structural contribution to the system. The "PZ" designation itself referenced Pentax's line of Power Zoom lenses launched contemporaneously.
Pentax positioned the PZ-1 against the Canon EOS-1 and Nikon F4 as an aspirational pro-grade body at a lower price point. The Hyper exposure modes were a genuine differentiator - no competitor offered equivalent mode logic - and the 1/8000s shutter matched the top AF cameras of the era. In Japan the body was marketed as the Z-1 and achieved solid sales in the advanced-amateur segment.
Production ran three years before the PZ-1P succeeded it in 1994 with incremental refinements: improved AF speed, minor ergonomic changes, and retention of the core Hyper-mode feature set. The Z-1 / PZ-1 name continued in the market as a discounted entry point while the PZ-1P occupied the flagship slot.
The PZ-1 is the originating body of Pentax's Hyper-program concept, which remained a signature feature through the MZ-S. For K-mount autofocus shooters in 2026, it represents the earliest body with KAF2 compatibility and the complete Hyper-mode workflow at a low used price. The 1/8000s shutter and 1/250s flash sync remain practically useful with fast prime lenses in bright conditions.
The 6-point AF and 6-segment matrix meter are not state-of-the-art by any current standard, but for zone-focused or subject-priority shooting they work reliably. The PZ-1 is frequently overlooked in favor of the PZ-1P and MZ-S, which creates a price discount relative to its actual capabilities.
Pentax KAF2 mount. Full AF with KAF and KAF2 lenses; manual-focus only with K and KA lenses (meter functions in A and M modes via stop-down). Power Zoom lenses (PZ 28-80, PZ 28-200, PZ 80-200) motorize zoom via the KAF2 coupling, usable from in-camera controls and the optional remote.
Notable KAF2 lenses for this body:
Accessories: vertical grip / battery pack (AB-1 or equivalent), Pentax AF dedicated flash units (AF360FGZ-era for full P-TTL with later lenses; older units work in non-P-TTL mode).
BW
Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
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Kodak Ektar 100 is a fine-grain C-41 color negative film with saturated color and high sharpness.
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