Cheaper AND better than my Canon AE-1

The unsung hero of 35mm film cameras, the Pentax ZX-M is remarkable in its ease of use for newcomers to film photography. We'll take a look at the camera, learn how to load film in properly and take a look at some examples of the images that it can produce.
Make sure to like and subscribe if you enjoy this content and be sure to check out my IG for additional images / civilward

[@fernandaalnunes]

I'm 24 years old, all of my childhood pictures were taken in a pentax zx-m camera :) two days ago I told my dad that I wanted to start in film photography, so he gave me his!

[@DarthVaderisacool]

This was my very first 35 mm camera when I was 16. It was a gift from my aunt. Havent taken a photo since he passed. I just took it out of my closet for the first time in 8 years today and this video popped up!

[@GavinSteele05]

Got this camera yesterday. Was going through a thrift store and saw 3 ziploc bags taped together. Had 7 cameras, 2 polaroid lenses, as well as 3 polaroid filters. Got all 3 bags together for 20 bucks. Super hyped because theres no corrosion or damage anywhere on either of the cameras. Cant wait till monday because were going to West Virginia to the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Its gonna be siiiiiick 😆

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I bought one of these with multiple lens from Goodwill about 5 years ago. I enjoy shooting film and this is much better than a point and shoot camera but not much more difficult. I have had great results.

[@HamiltonWard]

I'm so happy to hear that! Yea, these camera are really a hidden gem in the film world. Great beginner camera and while they don't have the mystique of older models, it produces incredible results.

[@Thato]

Got mine 2 months ago for $42. It's one of my fav film cameras because it's lighter than all my other SLRs - the plastic body doesn't bother me and I love that i can use all my K-Mount lenses with it 🙂

[@HamiltonWard]

I'm so happy to hear that someone else out there is loving theirs. It's amazing to me how good this camera is for the price.

[@glennerickmiller]

I’ve owned my ZX-M for several years and it’s the one camera I go to more than others. It’s simple to use, easy to carry, and all around well-balanced.

[@HamiltonWard]

totally agree, it's a wonderful little camera.

[@erichartke4331]

This was my first SLR when i was in high school. The old MX has a superior viewfinder which makes focusong easier, but the meter isn't reliable, but i use sunny 16. The MZ-M / MX-M is a great learning camera for sure.

[@knwohwo9737]

another amazing thing is that you can use nearly all current pentax lenses as well as all the vintage lenses without adapter on this cam. it‘s so cool to be able to switch between digital and analog bodies with just one lens collection, no adapters needed!

[@irinarostova7958]

I just entered the film photography with my Pentax MZ-3; ngl it's the closest thing to a dslr feel in film photography and it's also very practical in a sense that it had some modern features on it . I just don't get it why the METAL analog cameras get the most love

[@rickyruffle]

My first camera from 2004 and I the one I still use to this day. The images still blow me away even after using my Canon 5diii for 10 years.

[@HamiltonWard]

It's wild how good this camera is and how little it's talked about.

[@marabierto2]

Thanks I was needing your information in order to buy a film camera. I just ordered it

[@walterarroyo5220]

I just got one for $25 with 35-80mm AF lens. I thought it was broken because it didn’t auto focus then I found its a manual focus camera that in 1997 replaced the k-1000. I’m really growing to like this camera more and more.

[@flemijagger]

It was my first SLR in 98. No I use ZX5 and ZX3 (MZ in Europe) because the ZXM have the sticky mirror issue (on ZX after a certain time you cen have this issue). With ZX5 and 3, I have the autofocus, a little larger viewfinder, and the 1/4000 sec (with ZX3). All these cameras use the K mount: you can use autofocus lenses (with no autofocus on ZXM of course) and manual lenses (cheaper).

[@xtonibx5770]

I have a lot of film cameras and got this one for 25 dollars almost a year ago and I finally got some film. Thank you sm for making this video, this was very helpful.

[@HamiltonWard]

I'm so happy to hear that the video was helpful! This camera is a true gem and it's great to see that more people are shooting with it.

[@nox7282]

Thanks for this video. I started learning on this camera back in 2007, and still have it. It's enjoyable and easy to use. You taught me a bit more about it and renewed my love for it!

[@HamiltonWard]

That honestly means the world to me and it’s exactly why I make these videos. It’s a great little camera, happy shooting!

[@dalex60]

I have one, and use it often. Always great results!!!

[@HamiltonWard]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one :)

[@marinanadine1]

Found your channel and watched a few videos after my first time looking into "best film cameras for beginners".... Found the Pentax ZX-M on eBay and bought. Love the content, cheers.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy the camera as much as I have :)

[@tj3945]

I got this camera when it was still somewhat "modern". I learned on a K1000 and graduated to the ZX-M in high school. Mostly a Fuji guy now but I still got it, never sold the ZX-M. Nice video

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for the comment. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who loves this camera.

[@matsnotfat]

I've just been hiking in the French Alps with a Minox 35, which is an excellent hiking camera. I was thinking I'd take my Pentax MG next time, but the thought of saving another 100g on the MG, while gaining manual control and still being able to use my old Pentax primes, means I'll have to give this one a go.

[@knwohwo9737]

i think it would be worth mentioning that if you pay a bit more you can get the mz-5 which even supports autofffffing focus with most vintage or current(!!!) pentax lenses 😮

[@Fat-totoro-cat]

agreed! its a gem

[@johnirby493]

The Pentax zx-7 can do everything the ZX-M does, plus it can be auto or manual focused. Oh. It's cheaper.

[@nikkiwinston6814]

I just got one off Craigslist for $25:) thanks for the video I’m excited to use it

[@HamiltonWard]

That is such a great deal! This camera is very under the radar and I'm happy to see people capitalizing on that!

[@dedikurniawan6766]

I hope Pentax makes MZ-MD digital Full Manual, cheap and affordable :P

[@jadekoroyan9456]

Hi, i´m doing some research and i wanted to know what do you think of the pentax mz 50, is is an upgrade version of the mz m? is it better? love your content!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for the comment. I can only speak to the ZX-M as that's the one that I've used the most and I absolutely love it. I haven't used the mz 50 but if that seems like a better fit for you, try that. These cameras are pretty cheap compared to the others out there and so you can experiment to find the right fit for you and your photography. It's all about finding the right camera for your style of photography and this one was absolutely perfect for mine.

[@jcreatz]

I have an E every time i try to load up my film?!,Any advice?

[@mrN3w7]

Didn't the MZ line up had issues with the plastic gear that eventually breaks? Or did this model came with a metal gear?

[@VaderSnipes]

Hello nice video! I recently bought a Pentax ZXM but when I load the film and do exactly what you do I shut the door and it says 1 but when I take a picture the film goes all the way back in the cartridge. Am I doing something wrong? And the cartridges are brand new

[@Rinifi]

I own a Pentax ZX film camera. It seems to be the same as the ZX-M model in your video. Do you know if there is any difference?

[@GareBearSweetness]

I mostly shoot 35 film with my canon ae-1, but I sometimes shoot with my fujica ax-3. I was wondering if you have any opinions about whether the camera body itself produces different quality images or if the image quality can be more attributed to the type of filmstock and the lenses you have on. Also I'm sure ease of use factors into it all as well.

[@HamiltonWard]

That's a great question! Ease of use is a big thing for people who are just getting started but I also think there's something about the Pentax lenses for this camera. It's not the filmstock which is drawing me to the images that I'm shooting so much with this camera because I've used different ones and have loved the look and feel of each. For me, I would say it's the lenses and the ease of use.

[@Geert890]

Hey! The body doesn't (shouldn't) impact image quality in any way. When you take a photo the body is basically an empty tube letting light pass. So it's all lens :)

[@fayz.hakimov]

I bought this one with Pentax-M 50mm f2 and 70-210 zoom, with 3 unused rolls X-Tra 400 Walmart branded and Kodak max 800) + Flash and UV filter for 19$. Looking to get the batteries and shoot. Do you think it’ll be fine if I use 3.7 volt instead of 3volt batteries? Thanks

[@ericakyungeun]

Hi just got the camera and excited to shoot! What film do you recommend for the ZX-M?

[@HamiltonWard]

It really depends on personal style. I would look up examples of different 35mm films to see what type of tone/grain you're going for. You can't go wrong with Kodak Porta 400 or 120 or if you want to shoot some BW, Ilford HP5. Those are my standard and what works for the types of images that I like to shoot. Happy shooting!

[@CyborgPandaBaby]

Hi, I just found my dad's Pentax ZX-M. He doesn't remember too much about it and I want to see if you can help me figure out if it's broken. I ordered some film to try it out but right now, with fresh batteries but no film in, I don't see anything in the viewfinder. When I take the lens off, the mirror is flipped up and I can see the shutter. Another video I saw showed that the mirror should be down. When I press the shutter, all I hear is a motor whirring in one direction and then another. Without film would the shutter and mirror work normally? Or will it operate differently without film in it?

[@HamiltonWard]

That doesn't sound ideal to me but it's hard to tell without having it in my hands. You should be able to see through the viewfinder even without film in it. It might be locked on a setting. Do you have a camera shop nearby? Or even one where you can send it off to to make sure the camera is running properly and also give it a solid cleaning. My concern with that is the fee of the shop might actually be more than the camera. Last I checked, these cameras were running for $40 on ebay but since it's your father's it might be worth it. If it's not sentimental then I would either waste a roll of film and see what happens when it's loaded or just buy a working one on ebay. Another option would be to take some photos of the issues you're seeing and load it up on reddit. The reddit community is great for technical questions like this and they might be able to point you in a different direction. Sorry that you're having issues, I hope it gets resolved!

[@CyborgPandaBaby]

@@HamiltonWard I do have a shop and I will give them a call, and the service fee is my concern as well. It isn't a very sentimental camera luckily, and I already posted on reddit but I didn't think to post any pictures or video. Thank you

[@HamiltonWard]

@@CyborgPandaBaby let me know how it goes. It’s a great camera once it’s working

[@ShutterKnack]

@@CyborgPandaBaby the ZX-M is prone to the mirror motor gear breaking because it is made of plastic.

[@cameramanceltic4915]

i just bought a pentax mz-5 . i would love to know how do i rewind the film after use? i dont see any button or does it rewind automatically?

[@HamiltonWard]

It rewinds automatically :)

[@cameramanceltic4915]

@@HamiltonWard thanks mate

[@amymorales6428]

what ISO and aperture do you set it at? :)

[@HamiltonWard]

ISO is usually going to be at 400 since I'm using Portra 400 for a lot of these shots. I tend to shoot at 3.5 / 4 to get some nice depth of field.

[@alexafilms6114]

i juts got one, didn’t come with a lense, can u recommend me one ?

[@HamiltonWard]

Sorry that I missed this comment. I'm a big fan of the 50mm for this camera just because it has a great range on the aperture and with a 50mm I feel like I'm set for anything - landscape, portraits etc. It really depends on what you want to shoot but you really can't go wrong with a nifty 50.

[@Itsallaboutherain]

How to change aperture on manual lens? Idk. I got MZ-7 with Topcor 55mm lens

[@HamiltonWard]

I'm sorry that I missed this comment. To change the aperture, you twist the ring around the lens. You'll see some aperture numbers at the base of the lens and you twist that to get the one that you want.

[@Itsallaboutherain]

@@HamiltonWard sorry i already figured it out) thank u) I was just embarrassed that the aperture was not fixed, because I did not know that the camera has a pusher)

[@eddykijowski2620]

feel like I still have a hard time loading it everytime 18th time is the charm maybe something is wrong with mine.

[@HamiltonWard]

Loading the film into the camera itself? What issue are you seeing?

[@fabriziofiore2312]

You known something about the penta p30 ?

[@HamiltonWard]

I haven't used that one yet, another good one?

[@bandesj]

I realize that I'm reading this 2 years too late but I bought the Pentax P30 way back in 1988 (maybe 1987?). It has all the features of the Pentax ZX-M (aperture priority, shutter priority or completely automatic). The only exception is that you had to wind the film to both load it and to advance the film to the next frame. I took some very nice photos with it, and it served its purpose well.

[@88729]

hello, i am in türkiye and those batteries are not available here, unfortunately is there any other solution to replace it?

[@HamiltonWard]

Not that I know. I would honestly recommend either buying a light meter or using one on your phone like Lightmate. It's going to give you a more accurate reading and I also think will make you a stronger photographer overall. It forces you to really take in the scene and plan a better shot. At least, that's how it has been for me.

[@88729]

@@HamiltonWard thanks i will try it sometime

[@northamericanmexican5431]

Hey man do you know if there’s any online store to get film cameras?

[@HamiltonWard]

eBay is going to be your best bet or if you google camera shops in your area, they tend to sell film cameras too. There’s always someone trying to sell a film camera out there :)

[@fabriziofiore2312]

I find it used for 30 € ✌️

[@HamiltonWard]

That's awesome. Such a solid camera for the price, enjoy it!