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 ZX-501995
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- Pentax KAF (K-mount)
- Years
- 1995–
- Shutter
- 30s – 1/2000s
- Meter
- ttl-multi-segment
The Pentax ZX-50 (1995 in North America; called MZ-50 in Japan and some European markets) is the budget-floor member of Pentax's mid-1990s autofocus SLR lineup. It shares the KAF mount and PASM exposure mode set of the more expensive ZX-7 (MZ-3), but uses a polycarbonate body, simplified controls, and a built-in pop-up flash to hit a lower price point. Autofocus is single-point TTL phase-detection via a body-mounted screw-drive motor, compatible with all Pentax AF (F and FA series) lenses.
Reference
Find film for your Pentax ZX-50
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
- **Battery type** - CR2 lithium cells are less common than AA; verify battery chamber contacts are corrosion-free.
- **Autofocus motor** - screw-drive body motor; test AF across a zoom range and confirm it hunts and locks cleanly. Sluggish AF can mean worn motor gears.
- **Polycarbonate body** - inspect strap lug points and tripod socket for cracks, which are common failure points on plastic-bodied cameras.
- **Pop-up flash** - check the pop-up spring and confirm the flash folds flat.
- **Light seals** - replace as standard practice on any 1990s body.
- **Price** - frequently found under $30-40 USD working. Not worth overpaying; supply is high.
- The ZX-7 (MZ-3) is preferable for build quality; the ZX-50 is the value choice for lens-forward use.
About this camera
Entry-level K-mount AF SLR sold as ZX-50 in North America, MZ-50 in Japan.
Key Specs
Frequently asked questions
- What film does the Pentax ZX-50 use?
- The Pentax ZX-50 shoots 35mm film.
- What battery does the Pentax ZX-50 take?
- The Pentax ZX-50 uses a 2x CR2 lithium battery.
- What lens mount does the Pentax ZX-50 have?
- The Pentax ZX-50 uses the Pentax KAF (K-mount) mount.
- What shutter speeds does the Pentax ZX-50 offer?
- The Pentax ZX-50's shutter speeds range from 30s to 1/2000s.
- What light meter does the Pentax ZX-50 use?
- The Pentax ZX-50 meters with ttl-multi-segment.