Pentax MZ-50 User manual

PENTAX'W

I
i
I
I
)
,
.l
NAMES
OF
WORKING
PARTS I
O Select switch
O Shutter
release
button
O LCD
panel
(p.6)
@ Main
switch(p.20)
O Hot shoe(p.77)
@ Built-in
flash
(p.37)
O Flash
pop-up
button (p.38)
@ Mode
dial
9 Drive
mode
switch (p.47)
@ Strap
lug
(p.13)
(D Release
socket(p.67)
@ Mufti-function
button (p.42,6g)
(D Backcover release
lever(p.22)
@ Mid-roll
rewind
button (p.26)
(D Focus
mode
switch (p.33,49)
(D Mirror
(E Af coupler
@ Lens
information
contacts
@ Lens
lockbutton (p.1
9)
@ Lens
mount
index
(p.18)
\-:-,

FORSAFE
USE
OF
YOUR
CAMERA
Although we havecarefully designedthis cameralor safe operation, please be sure to follow
precautionsgivenon this page.
A WARNING Thismark indicates
precautions
that, if not followed,could resuttin
seriousinjury to the operator.
A CAUTION This mark indicates
precautions
that, if not foltowed,could result in
minoror mediuminjuryto the operatoror damageto the equipment.
A wARNING
o
The electronic circuits inside the camera contain
high voltage working parts. Never attempt to disas-
semble the camera yourself.
. Never touch internal parts of the camera if they be-
come exposed from dropping the camera or for
some other reason,as there is danger of an electric
shock.
. Wrapping the strap around your neck is dangerous.
Make sure that small children do not get the strap
caught around their neck.
o Do not look directly at the sun through the camera,
asviewing the sun for an extended period may dam-
age your eyes.
. Be sure to store batteries out of the reach of chil-
dren.Seek medical assistance immediately if acci-
dentally swallowed.
A cAUnoN
oDonot usetheflashnear
anyone'seyes,as it may
hurt them. Be particularly
carefulwith the flash
aroundinfants.
. Nevertryto disassemble,
shortorrecharge thebat-
tery.Also,
donot disposeofthebatteryinfire,
as
it
mayexplode.
. Removethebatteriesfromthe
camera
immediately
iftheybecomehot
orbegintosmoke.
Be
carefulnot
burn
yourself
duringremoval.
Y,
ni
Pr
a
1
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ol
(
)

PRECAUTIONSFORYOUR
CAMERA
YourPentax
camera
is
a high-precisionmecha-
nism.Handleit with great care.
Precautionswhen taking pictures
o
Do not use the camera where it may come in con-
tact with rain, water, or any other liquid, because
the camera is not weather, water, or liquidresistant.
Should the camera get wet from rain, splashing
water, or any other liquid wipe it off immediately
with a dry soft cloth.
o
Do not drop the camera or allow it to hit solid ob-
jects. lf the camera suffers a shock or impact, take
it to a Pentax service center for inspection.
o
Becareful not to subject the camera to strong vibra-
tions,shock or pressure.Use a cushion to protect
the camera when carrying it in a motorcycle, car,
boat, etc.
. Condensationon the interior or exterior of the cam-
eramay beextremely harmfulto the camera mecha-
nism as it may cause rust. Furthermore, if the
camera is taken from warm temperature to a sub-
freezingone or vice versa,the formation of icelets
may causedamage. In such a case.
put the camera
into a case or plastic bag so that any changes in
temperature difference is minimized.Do not remove
it from the bag until temperature has stabilized.
. Regular
sizecolor prints may cut off what appears
on the extreme edges of the film frame. Compose
your picture with a margin of safety at the edges.
Precautions
for storage
. Avoid leavingthe iamera'for an extended period in
places
where the humidity and temperature arevery
high,such as in a car.
o Do not store the camera in a closet with mothballs
or in an area where chemicals are handled.Store it
in a place with good dry air circulation to prevent
the growth of fungus.
Precautionsfor proper care
. Nevertouchthe
shuttercurtainormirrorwith
your
finger or any other object.
o Use a blower and lens brush to remove dust accu-
mulated on the lens or viewfinder.
. Never use solvents such as paint thinner, alcohol or
benzeneto clean the camera.
o Electrical
problems may often be caused by water,
dirt or dust at points of electrical contact. Also
check for battery leakage,traces of dirt or grease,
or corrosion dueto salinity-or
gas.
lf you cannot cor-
rect the problems, have your camera inspected at a
Pentaxservicecenter. Repairs
of this nature are not
covered under the terms of the warranty and
charges may be assessed.

PRECAUTIONS
FORBATTERY
USAGE
Other precautions
o
The temperature range at which this camera
functions
properly
is SOt to -10t (122'F to
14"F).
. A camera which has been submerged in water
usually cannot be repaired. lf such an accident
should occur, it is advisable to contact a Pentax
ServiceCenter immediately.
o
To maintain optimum performance, it is recom-
mended that the camera be inspected everyone
or two years.lf the camera has not been used for
anextended period,
or isbeing prepared
for an im-
portant photographic session,it is recommended
that you havethe camera inspected or test shoot
with it.
o Repairs
deemed necessary due to usage of this
product
inan industrial
or commercial
application
may not be covered under the terms of the
Pentax warranty.
o
The PENTAX warranty provides only for the re-
pair of defects in materials or workmanship.
Damage of any kind cannot be repaired at no
charge underthe terms of the warranty. lf the dif-
ficulty is caused as a direct result of the product
being used in conditions as outlined in the
"Precautions for Your Camera" section or any
other operation contrary to the instructions out-
lined
inthis manual,
chargeswill be assessed
and
a repairquotation will be provided.
o Use two 3V lithium batteries (CR2 type).
o Misuse of the battery can cause hazards
such as
leakage,
overheating,explosion, etc. The battery
should be insertedwith the "*" and "-" sidesfac-
ing correctly.
. Battery performance may betemporarily hindered
in low temperatures, but will recover in normal
temperatures.
o Keep a spare battery on hand for replacement
convenience when shooting outdoors or while
traveling.
o lf the built-inflash is used continuously. the bat-
tery may become warm, but it does not mean that
the battery isfaulty; it isone of the battery's char-
acteristics.
o Replace the batteries at the same time. Do not
mix battery brands,type or an old battery with a
new one. lt may cause explosion or overheating.

PRACTICAL
SHOOTING
GUIDE
I r---rI
I lffi-t I Zoominethe
lens
t-l
I Makinga subject
largeror smaller.
""""""""""'p.30 |
f-il
It
€ {ll Exposuremodes
I-l
'l l'lv.:.:::.1y:.:
y.i.1l
lT 9::':.:9..:lt?l
y
t?ltlliif6o,
u,
Taking a picture in strong backlit situations with the
main subject in the shadow. ".'".'""'p.81
Taking pictures of people in
various situations
Putting yourself into a picture. """""p.47
Taking a group photograph. """"""""p.56
Taking a portrait photograph. """"""'p.56
Taking a picture in strong backlit situations with the
main subject
in the shade. """"""""p.81
Taking a picture of people with night scenery in
the background. """"" ""p.82
Others
lmprinting
the data on a picture """""p.21
Taking consecutive pictures of a moving subject. p.47
Taking a picture of a moving subject."""""""'p.59,60
Taking a close-up picture of flower.
{ | Flash photograpny-
-l
Taking a picture in low light situations. """""""'p.37
Minimized the red-eyeeffect. """"""'p.43
Automatic Flash
Functions.
"""""' ""'p.45
Taking a picture in a open place such as a church
or reception ha||.
"""""' "'p.77
Taking a portrait when the subject is in the shade. p.81
Taking a picture of peoplewith night scenery in
the background.
""""" ""p.82

TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Namesof working parts ""'FlaPs
Safe use of your camera 'lnside cover
Precautions
for your camera """"""'1
Precautions
for batteryusage """"2
Practical
shooting
guide """""""3
Tableof contents """"""""""4
LCD
panel
indication
"".'-""""' """'6
Viewfinderindication """'-i""""':""7
Easyto use!
(For beginners) """.'"""""""'8
Camerafunctions
available
with various
lenses """10
How to use
thisoperating
manual ""' ."
""""12
I. BASIC
OPERATION
(PREPARATION) 13-26
Attaching
the camerastrap ' """"13
Loading
the batteries
"" """"14
o
When the battery
isexhausted
"""" """"""""17
Attachingthe lens """"".'""'18
Operating
the shutter release
button """2O
Turningon the power """"2O
Using
the Data
Back """""""""'21
Filmloadins
""' """"""'22
Unloading
film " """""25
. Rewinding
a film in mid-roll ""26
ffBAstcopERATroN
(sHooilNc) 27-45
Using
the Green
Operation
Mode """"'27
Setting
the Single-Frame
Drive Mode"""" ""29
Using
zoom lenses ""'30
Holding
the Camera"""' """"32
Selecting
the Autofocus Mode """'33
Taking
a picture ""34
. FocusLock Function """'36
Basic operation of the Built-in RetractableTTL Flash
(RTF) """"""':" "'37
o Red-eye
Reduction
FlashFunction """""""""43
o Automatic flashfunction """'45

IIIADVANCED OPERATION ..46-89
Selectinga DriveMode
r Consecutive
FrameMode """:""" """"""""'47
r Self-Timer
"""' """"""'47
Manualfocusing """"""'49
o Usingthe snap-infocus function """51
Usingthe PictureMode """"""""54
. Green
OperationMode """""""55
o
PortraitProgramMode ".'"""""""56
o
LandscapeProgramMode """""""'57
o
Close-upProgramMode ""'58
o
Action ProgramMode """""'59
Selectingan Exposure Mode"' """""""'60
. Usingthe Shutter-PriorityAE Mode .....6Q
. Using
the Aperture-PriorityAE Mode """""""'62
. Usingthe Metered Manual Mode """64
. BulbExposureMode """""66
About Exposure Compensation """" """"68
Turningoff the audible
PCVsignal """"'69
Advanced operation for the Built-in Retractable Flash
(RTF) .....70
o Compatibility of F and FA lenseswith the
built-inflash "" ""'72
Settingthe film speed (lSO) manually """""""""73
fnstallingthe battery in the Data Back """""""""74
Adjustingthe data on the Data Back """"""'75
Using
a PentaxDedicated
External
Flash"""""""'77
o Contrast-Control-SyncFlashPhotographV'.':'.
"'79
Daylight-syncshooting """""':""'81
Slow-speed-syncshooting """""":" """82
ACCESSORTES
(OpflONAL) ...............83
Camera
case" """"85
Effects of aperture and shutter speed """"86
Depth
of field ':""""""' """""'88
The infraredindex """"""""89
lV.
OTHERS ..............'.....90-99
Troubleshooting ""'90
Specifications "" " "92
Program
lines """"""'94
Warranty policy """""96
I
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LCD
PANEL
INDICATION
M
@
Lil
lE
M
lE
+
(D
@
: Metered Manual Mode (P.64)
: Green Operation N4s6s(P.55)
: Portrait Program Mode (P'56)
: Landscape Program Mode (P 57)
: Close-up
Program Mode (P'58)
: Action Program Mode (P.59)
: Flash
information(p.37,38)
: Red-eye
reduction flash indication (p.43)
: Automatic flash function information (p'45)
(Smart flash information)
: Manual-set film speed (P 73)
: Shutter speed
: Battery exhaustion warning (p.17)
: Aperture value
: Exposure compensation (P.68)
: Audible
PCVsignal
(P.69)
: Film status information (p-2a'25)
: Exposure counter 1P.24)
Jn-o-eip"sure com'iensation value (p.68)
tso
1y
?ooa
Av??
%
.rI
o---
ec
LCD (Liquid-Crystal DisPlaY)
When the LCD is
exposedto hightemperatures over ap-
proximately 60'C, it may blacken, but when the tem-
perature normalizes,
it should return to normal'
lotrl
'i?.=osgTv
t t% 'll!
oLf
ll

VIEWFINDERINDICATION
LJ
I
.E
a=€
tl
Ex:ta
Fll
+
o
z
3:o
ii
:Autofocus
(AF) frame (p.34)
:Shutter speed
:Aperturevalue
: Flash
status
information
(p.37.38)
:In-Focusindicator
ip.34)
: Exposurecompensation
(p.68)
: Bar
graph
(p.65,68)
I
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EASY
TOUSE
(For
beginners)
1. Loading the batteries
Openthe battery chamber cover by using
a coin.
Load two batteries (CR2 type) ac-
cording
to the markings (+, -) on the
battery chamber cover. (See page 14.)
4. Positioning the aperture ring
While holding
down the
A-lock
button,turn the
ture ring to the t A l
r/C^^ ^^^^ at? \
2. Attaching the lens
Align the red indexes on the
lens
and camera.Turn the lens
to the right until it seats with a
click.
(Seepage 18.)
Be sure to set the lens aperture
ring to the I A ] position.
3. Turning on the power
Slidethe mainswitch to ON. (See
page
20.)
Setthemode
dialto tCIED
l. (See
page
28.). The Green'
Operation
Mode
willbe
set.
aperture-
lens aper-
posrtron.
5. Setting the mode dial
00000

6. Loading film
Open the back cover, insert a roll of film, align the end
of the film leader
with the red mark, and close the back
cover.The film should advance to the first frame auto-
matically.
(Seepage 24.)
8. Composing the scene with the zoom ring
While looking through the viewfinder, turn the zoom
ringto the right or left until you obtain the desiredcom-
position.
(Seepage
30.)
9. Focus on the subiect and shoot
Focus [ [ ] I on the subject. Depress the shutter re-
leasebutton fully to take a photo. (See page 34.)
7. Selecting the Autofocus Mode
Set the focus mode switch to I AF ]. (See page 33.)
AJ

recAMERAFUNcT|oNsAvA|LABLEw|THVAR|oUsLENsEs
The following conditions,
a correct exposure may not be obtained because
the camera always set the maximum ap-
erture even if you set your desired t/stop.
1. When a lenswithout the A position on the aperture r,ingis attached.
2. When an F or FA lens is attached with the aperture ring set other than the A position.
Function Lens
lMount tYPej FA lens [Ko'e]
* 1F lens
[Ko'] * 1A lens
lK^l
'f,l|lens
[K]
*2
Autofocus (Lens only)
(Lens with AF Adapter 1.7X) cXX
O*3 O*3
Manual focus (with Fl) * 4(with Matte field) C*5 O*s O*5 O*5
ooo
Power zoom XX X X
lmaqe size trackinq XX X X
Zoom clio XXXX
Auto zoom effect X X X X
Picture Mode oX
Proqrammed AE ooX
Aoerture-PriorityAE ooA*2
Shutter-Prioritv
AE o o oA*2
Manual Exoosure ooA*6
Proqrammed TTL Auto Flash o o X
TTL Auto FIaSh cC
Multi(2)-seqment meterinq oooX

#
t*
I
*
Notes:
* 1. As an F and FA Soft lens do not have the A position on the aperture ring,a correct exposure may not
tained.
x2. A correct exposure may not be obtained'
* 3. Lenses with a maximum aperture of t,/2.8 or larger.(See AF Adapter operating manual.)
x 4. Manual
focusing using
the focus indicator
(Fl) (O) in the viewfinder.
x 5. Lenses with a maximum aperture of tr/5.6 or larger.
x 6. The bar graph in the viewfinder does not light up.
. The A, F, and FA lensesare the bayonet mount lenses.
. The A, F, and FA lenses have "A" (auto) position on existing K-mount lenses.
. The screw mount lens CANNOT be used to this camera because correct exposures will not be obtained.
I
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n

FTT HOW
TO
USE
THIS
OPERATING
MANUAL
This manual is organized into the following sections, allowing you to optimize the use of the camera:
o lf you want to begin taking pictures with this new camera as soon as possible, read section I and ll, 'BASIC
OPERATIoN (PREPARATIoN)" and "BAS|c OPERAT|oN (sHooflNG).'
These
sections introduce onlythe basic
functions of this camera.More detailedinformation can befound insection
lll and sectionlV.
I. BASIC
OPERATION .J:
(PREPARATION)
Pase
1
3 -26 M. ADVANCED
OPERATIONS
Pase
46 - 89
II. BASIC
OPERATION
(SHOOTING)
Page
27 -45

(1)
ATTACHII-IG
THECAII/|ERA
STRAP
@l il
Kl{ffi\@l/ l=''
_"l{
Fit the strap on the camera
asiltustrated. Z
. Thereisa
pocket
on
thestrapso
you
can
store
the I
finder cap,
releasesocket cover, hot shoe cover or any I
other small accessory as illustrated. I
I
fi
fi
fr
tl
BASIC
OPERATION
(PNEPARATION)

-
@
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!
m
,
=
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!
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m
!
u
I
o
z1.Openthe battery chambercover by using a
coin,etc.asshown in the illustration. 2.Load two 3V lithium batteries (CR2) equivalentasshown in the illustration.

. When the batteries are replaced, all camera settings
remain unchanged except the audible PCV signal
switching, red-eyereduction flash function and auto-
matic flashfunction of the built-in
flash.
o
The optional "AA-Battery Pack Fo"is also availablefor
this camera insteadof using
the lithium batteries.
o Replacethe battery at the same time. Do not mix bat-
tery brands,type or an old battery with a new one.
@
U'
6
o
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!
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v
6
2
3.Turn the battery chamber cover screw in the
direction of the arrow to lock it securely.
N

II
E
o
o
o
t
m
u
_{
o
z
!
T
m
!
,
=
o
3
Battery Life (using 24-exposure film rolls at
20"c,/69"F)
Battery Life (usingZ4-exposure
film rolls
at
-10"c,/ 14"F)
4. Slide the main switch to the ON position and
check that the LCD panel shows the informa-
tion as shown above.
. TheLCD
display
as shownaboveis displayed
when
the
mode
dialis
setat tGIEDl
without
alens attached.
CR2 batteries were used under Pentax testing condi-
tions. Actual battery life and performance may vary
drastically
depending
on usage
of Autofocus, Flash
and
external conditions such as temperature and freshness
of the battery.
GenerAl
existing light photography about 100 rolls
Flash photography
(using
flash 50% of the times) about25 rolls
Flashphotography
(using
flash 1
OO%of the times) about12
rolls
Bulb
exposure
time about 8 hours
Generalexisting light photography about 30 rolls
Flashphotography
(using flash 50% of the times) about15rolls
Flashphotography
(using
flash 1OO%
of the times) about 7 rolls
Bulb
exposure
time about 2 hours

. When the low batterywarning Is ] starts blinking,
the shutter cannot be releasedand all indicators inthe
viewfinder disappear.Replacethe battery as soon as
possible.
See page 14 for replacingthe batteries.
. Replacetwo batteries at the same time. Do not mix
battery brands,type or an old battery with a new one.
It may cause explosion or overheating.
f,
rt
I
@
o
o
o
!
m
7
=
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T
7
m
T
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x Low Battery Warning
When the batteries are nearly exhausted, the battery
symbol [a] sppsars on the LCD panel to warn you.
Replace
the batteries as soon as possible.
See page 14
for replacing
the batteries.