New models

Press, 15 July 1987, Page 24

New models

Camera enthusiasts will be waiting for the first samples of the Nikon F--401 and Pentax SFX cameras to appear. These are, without doubt, the most sophisticated singlelens reflex cameras to have been created. The two cameras will be direct competitors. They both have similar functions which include automatic film advance (and rewind), and programmed built-in autoflash. The Pentax has recently been available for inspection. Pentax cameras have always been known for their good handling, and the SFX is no exception. In the 19605, when Pentax pioneered through-the-lens metering with the famous Spotmatic, the catchy slogan was, "Just hold a Pentax.” The SFX has three programme modes for automatic exposure control, as well as shutter-priority and aperture-priority modes. It is also possible to set the controls manually using the camera’s exposure meter as a guide.

In the programme mode, the SFX will automatically select a higher shutter speed as a zoom lens is advanced towards its telephoto end.

Most of the camera settings, including other details such as the state of the batteries, are displayed on a screen which Pentax calls the CENTIC Panel. The Nikon F-401

has a similar screen known as an IMAGE MASTER CONTROL. The auto-focus on the Pentax SFX works in two modes. In the AF Single Mode, a light touch on the shutter release pinpoints the focusing. The focus then locks so that the focus will not change if the composition is rearranged.

The other possibility is AF Servo Mode where the focus will adjust constantly to follow a moving subject.

Auto-focus lenses from the SFX can be used as normal focusing lenses on existing Pentax K-Mount cameras, and some current Pentax KA-Mount lenses can be used on the SFX.

A special AF adapter can be used to convert KA-Mount lenses to autofocusing lenses. The adapter is also a 1.7 X tele-converter.

This means that to some extent, the SFX is compatible with existing Pentax cameras. One should be able to expect accurate exposures from these new generation cameras from Pentax and Nikon. The Nikon has introduced a Triple-Sen-sor automatic exposure metering system for the automatic modes on the F-401. It reads from three areas and averages the results. This feature is possibly a development from a system first used on the Nikon FA.