Customer Reviews

Pentax IQ Zoom 120Mi Quartz Date 35mm Camera

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the best point-and-shoot camera's i have used. It is great for the point and shoot action. The remote is a wonderful feature for taking family picures, especially with a table top tripod. The zoom movement is nice and smooth, unlike a similar Samsung camera i was evaluating.

Thge only drawback is that the flash and the zoom are a drain on the battery. although i hear that is the story of most point-and-shoot cameras with zoom.

For years I've either schlepped my old Konica FC-1 around and had to change lenses when I wanted close ups or I just took an inexpensive point and shoot camera with me. Consequently I didn't take many pictures. However, I'm going to Europe this summer for the first time and I wanted an easy to carry camera that would use 35mm film and have a zoom lens. I chose the Pentax 120mi.

What a great little camera. First of all, it's light-weight. Fits right in your shirt pocket so there's no excuse not to take it. Secondly, it's rugged with the aluminum body (and it looks cool too). Third, it's easy to use. Turn it on, the lens pops out, point it, zoom if you want, push the button. If you need more light the flash fires, the film advances and you're ready for the next picture. Loading film? Slap the film in, close the case and the film winds automatically. If for some reason it didn't work right it tells you so you know to open the camera back up and try again. Want the date on your pictures? No problem. Don't want the date? Push a few buttons and the date is gone. Want to take panoramic shots? Move the switch on the bottom and you're in panoramic mode, and the viewfinder changes so you know what mode you're in. You can even adjust the diopter in the viewfinder so it looks clear to you (which is a bonus for people like me with crappy eyesight).

However, the best thing about this little guy is the pictures it takes. I just got my first roll of film back and I've never taken pictures this good before. Colors are sharp and crisp and everything is in focus because of the autofocus. I took daytime shots, indoor shots, outdoor shots, and they all came out perfectly. What more can I say. This is one great camera. I know I'm going to take a lot of pictures in Europe this summer.

I recently purchased this camera and I am extremely pleased with it. I did alot of comparison shopping before I decided on the Pentax 120Mi QD. This camera has more features than you would expect with such a compact design. The real-size viewfinder makes cropping pictures a breeze, while the auto-backlight feature is a welcome addition that makes a HUGE difference and cannot be found on many models in this price range or even a little higher. The features are so simple to use that even a novice will get the hang of it in no time. The camera and zoom lens feels solid and sturdy and the aluminum body makes this camera both durable and attractive. I've compared the photos from this camera and similar point and shoot cameras (like the olympus stylus zoom) and high dollar SLR's and found that the Pentax 120Mi QD produces the same, if not better quality and detail. If you are in the market for a reliable, feature-packed compact point and shoot camera, get this camera...you won't be disappointed!!

What impresses me the most about this camera is that it takes really nice pictures. I purchased it recently and took a test roll (Kodak 200 speed film) without reading the manual. I took some in the bright sunny outdoors, some in dimly lit restaurants, some at night in my apartment with poor lighting, and some in the near dark. And all the pictures came out with the subject(s) in beautiful focus, and crystal clear. The only small problem was some of my apartment pictures had a little bit of red-eye, but this camera does have red-eye reduction, and I will be sure to read the manual about how to use it.

In addition, it's a great travel camera -- it's very compact, and fairly sturdy. I packed it in a full back pack (without a case) and also took it to an amusement park on a recent trip and found that it was light enough in my purse to carry around all day, and did not mind being jolted.

All in all, I'm extremely happy with this purchase both quality and price-wise. I would offer one tip I've learned -- the timer function does not turn itself off after a picture, so be careful when you snap the next one -- you might still be on the timer!

A very well built, truly compact and beautiful camera. I like its simple but elegant design. The cast aluminum is light, but overall isn't really light. But that's probably because it has everything in it. Remote is optional ( sold separately, max range of 17 feet).But with 10-second-delay self-timer, do you really need one? All the features described in this page look overwhelming, but once you have the camera with you, and go through it with the manual, it's actually very simple to operate. Oh, and it has "bulb" too! Just one thing, some other sell it with "kit" with better value. It you just want the camera, Amazon.com is one with the best price . ( one star fewer for really tiny buttons). A fine piece !!!

Strengths: Almost as small as a canon Elph2, looks attractive, easy to use, LCD panel light up for night shooting, panorama switch, light in weight.

Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet.

Overall: The main reason I bought this camera is because it look attractive. It's design is small and the silver color makes it look durable and it is. It's like buying a car, you first like the looks then the specs comes second. Also, it's easy to use, my wife learned it in couple minutes and she know nothing about cameras. Couple people mention about the zoom being a little slow, but I find it just perfect, at less for normal everyday consumer use. I mean, if your looking for fast zoom you should be looking for SLR (some great ones on Amazon too) and not point & shoot. The picture quality are clear and good. But then again, keep in mind that you must know how to use the camera or any camera correctly and your film developer must do a good processing job to get good prints. Overall, I recommend this camera to anyone. It worth the money. Great camera; you won;t be disappointed.

I researched point & shoot 35mm cameras thoroughly, and the Pentax IQZoom 120Mi was the obvious choice for what I needed. I compared Canon, Fuji, Minolta, Nikon and Olympus models, as well as Pentax. I was replacing a 1989 model Pentax IQZoom 900- 38-90mm, that was simply too big, and took 2 lithium batteries. (It still works flawlessly, and takes great photos.) I needed the best small zoom camera for the money. I am far from a professional photographer, and I don't take photos every week. I am just an average photographer who likes to know that whatever the situation, I can get great photos.
The best features of the new camera include: the small overall size- but with big enough to use operational buttons, metal case, the illuminated (at night) LCD panel, the great zoom lens and viewfinder, easy to use shooting and flash modes, and simplicity of overall use.
Even my wife, who hates to even try a new camera, is very impressed with this one. She has a Pentax IQZoom60s, and finds the 120 just as easy to use.
My test roll of ASA 200 film worked great in both indoor low light flash and outdoor, bright light situations, including backlight- where the fill-in flash works automatically . I do think that I will use ASA 400 film most of the time, as it is more versatile. That is what Pentax recommends on their web site.
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I have also owned Nikon, Minolta and Olympus cameras; but Pentax has by far the best features for the price. It also has one of the best reliability ratings.
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I look forward to as many years of good photos as I have gotten from the old Pentax. Buy one of the IQZoom 120 Mi's- you will love it!

I have had this camera for about 5 months now, purchased to replace a Canon Elph APS. The switch to 35mm format has given me much better photo quality than APS. This Pentax feels like a quality camera, with an attractive metal body, solid buttons and a focus rocker switch, not a plastic lever.The automatic lens cover closes when it shuts off. It is slightly larger and heavier than the Canon Elph models, but still very compact, and easier for me to hold steady. The zoom is quite smooth, and the time between shots faster than average in my opinion. Red eye is a common problem, so you must remember to use the red eye reduction mode. I have only replaced the battery once for about 25 to 30 rolls of film, although I'm not sure how much of that was flash. I am very satisfied with this camera, and would have rated it 5 stars if the remote was not optional, and fit into the camera body, as with several comparable Olympus models.

This is the best camera i ever had. Sharp pictures even under complicated lighting conditions. Nice and elegant design.The aluminum body is just perfect. Great features, easy to learn from the manual. Conclusion: A fine camera to fall in love with. Amazon has the best price, but only for US residents. I had to pay a lot more in Europe.

Excellent camera, actually it is my first 35mm camera, i was very pleased to buy it, although it's price is not as cheap as other zoom camera, but it is much much worth than it's price.

Size very compact, thanks to its aluminum case make it firm in touch and plastic grip for holding tight in your hand.

There is blue eluminant light in LCD display makes easily seen the data when taking photo at night and cool looking.

Photo quality nearly same as other professional SLR camera. From normal focus to max zoom always get great pictures. Very appreciate its compact size but has zoom lens to 120mm.

Flash light also has enough power in dark situation. Use tripod in night shots mode with flash light on can get great effect when taking protrait with night scene.

Functions included red eyes reduction, night shots, backlight compensation, self timer are very useful in taking photos in different situation.

Pentax lens also has great quality. Macro photo also very clear, can see very clear of the hairs of my cat even make very close photo taking without out of focus.

I think i would not buy another camera and afriad it is the best of the camera among the same class.

Above all, it is the best camera in terms of its cool outlook and great photo quality.