I had originally purchased an ZX-7 camera outfit in 2000. The camera shutter jammed back in April 2009. I was told by many camera shops that it would cost $140.00 providing the camera could be repaired plus parts. I found these "reconditioned" camera bodys on line and took a chance. It must be new-old-stock because the camera looks new and has all of the "new" accessories such as the instruction manual and the strap. I am very pleased and hope I can keep using this camera until film is officially made obsolete.
Pentax ZX-7 could be suitably placed in the "most bang for the bucks" category. It is a feature laden camera(useful features and not just bells and whistles) which will satisfy both the amateurs as well as the pros.
I am using a Sigma AF 28-200mm F3.5-5.6 DL Aspherical Hyperzoom Macro lens. This zoom is also a satisfying product and gives quite sharp and well balanced results.
The photographs have come out well exposed and crisp. The RTF flash is OK for lighted indoors but for outdoors, a TTL external flash is required (I am using a Pentax AF280T).
It provides plenty of flexibility when using the various priority modes. For the greenhorns the "auto picture" mode will be very helpful.
Pentax accessory - Battery Pack FG will be quite useful for users as one can use cheaper standard "AA" batteries instead of the expensive "LC" batteries.
Metal lens mount, multiple exposure, TTL RTF flash, silver finish body etc. are some of the features in this well designed SLR camera.
I am very much missing the DOF as my present 28-200mm zoom has a shallow depth of field and it is very difficult to judge the depth of sharpness. My older non-AF Pentax camera (ProgramA) had this capability
The zx-7 is just a wonderful camera. It is so easy to use and we still have yet to shoot a bad picture. I enjoy it so much that I went out and bought the Sigma 300mm lens for it-awesome. The best thing is when you upgrade to a new flash-the camera and flash communicate with each other before the photo is taken. This camera has the most options for the price. I recommend this camera to everyone!
I bought this camera without any knowledge of Photography. All I have ever used is point and shoot cameras and this was my first SLR. I reviewed all the SLR cameras in the market for a long time and ultimately decided on this. The best part of this camrera is that it has a metal mount unlike others in its range which have plastic mounts. I use a 28-200 Tamron lens and it is a big and heavy lens but the metal mount has no problems. I use my camera roughly but it is so solidly built that it has no effect on it. The pictures are perfect. My wife who cannot take good pics even with a point and shoot digital cameras, takes awesome pictures with this camera. The other good part with this camera is that it has Memory Lock. Look for the ML key on the back top right hand corner of the camera. That's a very important feature which Nikon N65 and Rebel 2000 have excluded.
The only words I have for it are "GO FOR IT".
This camera was bought without any for knowledge of the Pentax SLR, but after comparing it with most of the SLR range I decided to buy One and take the chance. Every thing about the camera looked and felt very good and to give it the rating I have, it has peformed wonders for me. A large part of my Photography is taking photos of N guage Model Trains, and with my 28 - 80 Auto Focus Lens with a 2 x Magnifyer Lens screwed on it takes Portraights to fill 5" x 7" Photo of a Locomotive barely 3" Long & 1" tall. I cannot praise the Camera enough and from a Photographer to a Junior learner it is simple to operate and should never let you down, because if your settings are wrong it will not take the picture.
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