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Reflx Lab

【PRE-ORDER】FULLY MODIFIED MZ CAMERA BODY (HALF/SQUARE FRAME)

Regular price $249.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $249.00 USD
Sale Sold out
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Model
Format

This listing is for a fully modified MZ-series camera body.

Features:

  • Format Conversion: Instead of the original 135 full-frame format, this camera has been modified to shoot in half-frame or square-frame formats.

  • Fully Functional: All original features—including flash, autofocus, automatic film advance, and automatic rewind—remain fully intact. No compromises on performance.

  • Enhanced Reliability: The MZ series is known for certain components that degrade over time. We have replaced these vulnerable parts with reinforced components to drastically improve longevity and reliability.

Key Upgrades Include:

  1. Custom Mask: A precision mask is installed behind the shutter to enable half-frame or square-frame shooting.

  2. Circuit Modification: The internal circuitry has been re-engineered so that both the film advance mechanism and the frame counter function seamlessly with the new format.

  3. Viewfinder Guide Lines: Custom framing lines have been added to the viewfinder, ensuring that what you see is exactly what you capture.

  4. Hardware Upgrade: Three fragile plastic components have been replaced with heavy-duty, reinforced metal parts to avoid malfunctions such as the infamous "mirror stuck" issue.

Q&A:

Q1: What is the order handling time? A: 2-3 weeks. It could be sooner, but we want to provide a realistic timing.

Q2: Is a lens included? A: No, this listing is for the camera body only. However, it is compatible with any PK-mount lens, which are widely available and very affordable.

Q3: Does it come with a warranty? A: Yes, we offer a 1-year warranty. If the camera experiences any issues within one year of purchase, simply send it back to us. We will repair it and ship it back to you free of charge.

Q4: What are the differences between the various MZ models? A:

  • MZ-7: Features more advanced shooting modes.

  • MZ-5: Exposure compensation, physical dial for shutter speeds

  • MZ-10 & MZ-50: More entry-level, user-friendly options.

  • MZ-5N: MZ-5+ auto bracketing and mirror lock-up features
  • MZ-3: MZ-5+TTL Flash mode and a faster top shutter speed
  • Note: Regardless of the model, they are all fantastic, capable cameras.

Q5: What is the cosmetic condition of the camera? A: Since all MZ-series cameras are vintage (at least 25 years old), they will show varying signs of previous use. Our stock ranges from Average to Mint condition, random color (grey or black). Due to high turnover, we cannot specify the exact condition or provide individual photos/videos for each camera before shipping. Rest assured, every unit is fully tested and mechanically perfect.

Q6: How many shots can I get out of a standard 36-exposure roll of 135 film? A: You will get roughly 72 shots with the half-frame modification, and 48 shots with the square-frame modification.

Q7: How does a half‑square frame modification alter a lens’s effective angle‑of‑view? A: It yields an effective focal length roughly 1.5× that of the original lens. For example, a 35 mm lens will deliver an angle‑of‑view comparable to that of a 50 mm lens.

Q8: Is it possible for film labs to scan half/square frames? A: Standard auto scanners at local film labs can’t properly detect square/half negatives. The scaning results will be something like the image below. You’ll have to crop every frame one by one after scanning (or let AI to do it for you).

Q9: I have a MZ SLR. Can I send it to you for modification?
A: Unfortunately, we don’t provide modification as a separate service. Since we are located in China, it is not worth the efforts and shipping fee to send the camera back and forth. And so we only sell cameras that have already been fully modified.

Shipping & Returns

  • 5 stars: 3 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
A
Anonymous

Great experience! I purchased the Pentax MZ-7 from them and they performed the half-frame conversion. The craftsmanship is perfect. I’ve already gone through 5 rolls of film and everything runs smoothly. It was a real pleasure doing business with this company. Keep up the fantastic service!

A
Anonymous

I've really been enjoying my modified square-frame Pentax. I get 50-51 shots per roll and they look fantastic. I've mostly shot with the excellent Pentax 31mm f1.8. The set-up feels a bit like the pentax17 and a hassleblad500 had a baby, with the ease of a great meter and a built in flash.
Compared with half frame, this doesn't feel like a compromise of resolution. I've had a few labs scan the film and some scan image by image while others have used an x-pan panorama to scan two squares side by side, giving a wide diptique. I opted for the Pentax MZ-5 square and I really love it, often grabbing it over other more expensive cameras.

B
BriansSpareTime

Back in June or July, I ordered a refurbished and square-frame modded Pentax MZ-5 from Reflx labs.

At the time, the selection was narrower than what's currently offered (notably, the MZ-5n was not offered).

The Good

I am overall thrilled with this camera.

The MZ-5 is not that much bigger than my MX and with ~50 frames per roll of 36exp film, I've found myself taking it with me where I might otherwise grab my MX or Pen F.

The built-in flash is really handy, I love the MZ-5 for having traditional controls.

The Bad

I did have one small occasional lightleak on my second roll. While having a light leak on a "new" camera sucks, the fact that I didn't see it on my first roll makes me think it's minor enough to have passed their inspection. It was easy to fix in about 2 minutes.

Otherwise, I have two small things I'd love to see offered as additional options:

1) the thin lines in the viewfinder REALLY hard to see in low light to the point I'm usually guessing my composition.

I would really like an option to have a 2 stop ND gel or tint on the out-of-frame areas (or failing that, the option to just make them opaque). That way, in normal light, there's a clear visual boundary, and in low light, I'll still be able to see the edge against any light close enough to the edge to matter.

2) I seriously miss having a split collar and/or microprism. I like shooting my manual lenses, and, although I don't think this is a critical problem, it would sure be nice.

Since the mod process already involves opening everything up, offering a better ground glass would be a great upgrade.

The MZ-5 itself

As I mentioned the MZ-5n was not available at the time I purchased, but I sorely miss the AE-lock that was added between the MZ-5 and 5n. DOF preview would have been nice too.

Otherwise, the MZ-5 is a really great camera. I love the size and weight, the traditional control layout, and the intuitive Pentax design.

The spot AF button is a nice touch too.

Do I recommend it?

Hell yes.

A modern AF camera, with new parts and electronics, with 50 or 72 frames per roll, with K-mount compatibility, and for less than $500??

Isn't that what we all want from new cameras?