Skip to product overview

Pentax MZ-S Film Camera

The Pentax MZ-S is a full-frame film camera — known for its Magnesium Alloy Body and Pentax K Lens Mount. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Pentax MZ-S Film Camera

Pentax MZ-S Film Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Pentax MZ-S Film Camera is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Pentax MZ-S sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Pentax MZ-S on GearFocus

Available Now on GearFocus

Pentax 17 Half-Frame 35mm Compact Film Camera
PentaxExcellent

Pentax 17 Half-Frame 35mm Compact Film Camera

$381.22
Free shipping

Camera Overview — Pentax MZ-S

The Pentax MZ-S is a 35mm film SLR camera built around a magnesium alloy body, striking a balance between durability and a manageable weight of 520g. It uses the Pentax K lens mount, giving shooters access to a broad range of compatible optics, and pairs that with a phase detection autofocus system spanning 6 focus points. The camera handles film with ISO ratings from 6 all the way up to 6400, offering meaningful flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions and film stocks.

Burst shooting is supported at up to 2.5 frames per second, which is a practical rate for capturing moving subjects on film. Framing is handled through an optical pentaprism viewfinder, a traditional and reliable choice for a camera of this class. The built-in retractable TTL auto flash covers 24mm and achieves a guide number of 12 at ISO 100, while the Pentax proprietary hot shoe expands flash options to dedicated external units.

Power comes from two CR2 lithium batteries, rated for approximately 30 rolls of 36-exposure film with 50% flash use. The sensor type is full frame 35mm, meaning the entire 35mm film frame is utilized.

Key Features — Pentax MZ-S

Magnesium Alloy Body: Lightweight yet rigid construction weighing 520g, offering durability without excessive bulk for a film SLR.

Pentax K Lens Mount: Broad compatibility with decades of Pentax K-mount lenses, giving shooters access to a wide range of optics.

Full-Frame 35mm Format: Uses the entire 35mm film frame, delivering maximum image area and true focal length representation with any K-mount lens.

ISO 6–6400 Range: Accommodates an exceptionally wide range of film stocks, from slow daylight emulsions to fast low-light films.

6-Point Phase Detection AF: Phase detection autofocus system with 6 focus points provides fast, reliable subject acquisition across the frame.

2.5 fps Burst Mode: Continuous shooting at up to 2.5 frames per second for capturing moving subjects on film.

Camera Specifications — Pentax MZ-S

Pentax MZ-S full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Documentary
TypeFilm
SensorFull Frame (35mm)
ISO Range6 – 6400
AF SystemPhase Detection
AF Points6
Max Photo Resolution35mm
Burst Rate2.5 fps
Image StabilizationNone
ViewfinderOptical Pentaprism
Battery2 x CR2 lithium
Battery LifeApprox. 30 rolls (36 exp.) with 50% flash use

Description — Pentax MZ-S

The Pentax MZ-S is a 35mm full frame film SLR camera built with a magnesium alloy body that weighs in at 520g and measures 136.5 x 95.0 x 64.0 mm. It accepts Pentax K mount lenses and features a 6-point phase detection autofocus system for responsive subject acquisition. Film sensitivity is handled across an impressive ISO 6 to 6400 range, making it adaptable to a wide selection of film stocks.

The camera supports burst shooting at 2.5 frames per second, useful for action and sports work on film. Composing shots is done through an optical pentaprism viewfinder, while the built-in retractable TTL auto flash delivers a guide number of 12 at ISO 100 with 24mm coverage. External flash options are expanded via the Pentax proprietary hot shoe.

The camera runs on 2 x CR2 lithium batteries, rated for approximately 30 rolls of 36-exposure film with 50% flash use. Note that the MZ-S has no weather sealing and no image stabilization of any kind.

Pros — Pentax MZ-S

  • ✓Magnesium alloy body construction offers solid build quality at a relatively lightweight 520g
  • ✓Wide ISO range of 6 to 6400 accommodates a broad variety of film stocks and lighting conditions
  • ✓Phase detection autofocus system with 6 focus points provides reliable subject acquisition

Cons — Pentax MZ-S

  • ✗No weather sealing, making the camera vulnerable to moisture and dust despite its magnesium alloy body
  • ✗No in-body image stabilization of any kind
  • ✗No connectivity features — no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB

Videos — Pentax MZ-S

Pentax MZ-S Review and Sample Photos — David Hancock

Resources & Downloads — Pentax MZ-S

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Pentax MZ-S

What lenses are compatible with the Pentax MZ-S?+
The Pentax MZ-S uses the Pentax K lens mount, allowing compatibility with lenses designed for that mount. The hot shoe uses a Pentax proprietary connection for dedicated flash units.
What film ISO range does the Pentax MZ-S support?+
The camera supports film with ISO ratings from 6 to 6400, providing flexibility for a wide range of film stocks from very slow to very fast emulsions.
Does the Pentax MZ-S have weather sealing?+
No, the bodyDesign.weatherSealing field for the Pentax MZ-S is listed as 'None,' so the camera does not offer weather or dust resistance despite its magnesium alloy construction.
How long do the batteries last in the Pentax MZ-S?+
The camera runs on 2 x CR2 lithium batteries, rated for approximately 30 rolls of 36-exposure film with 50% flash use. Actual battery life will vary depending on flash usage and shooting habits.
Does the Pentax MZ-S use a full frame film format?+
Yes, the sensor type is listed as Full Frame (35mm) with a crop factor of 1.0x, meaning it exposes the full 35mm film frame.
What type of viewfinder does the Pentax MZ-S use?+
The Pentax MZ-S uses an optical pentaprism viewfinder, which provides a bright and accurate optical view of the scene.

Similar to Pentax MZ-S

Loading similar products...