My second film camera was a Pentax ZX-7. This is a similar model to the ZX-M I already had but with a few more features. The camera's settings can be changed manually or automatically. The bodies are very similar in shape and weight.
The camera takes lenses with different mounts. You can use KAF-, KAF2-, KA- and K-mount lenses. One of the reasons I've been using this brand for over twelve years is that I can mix and match lenses and bodies including digital ones. The cameras are usually backwards compatible with all kinds of lenses from Pentax and other companies. You have a lot to choose from when you go with this brand.
One main difference for the ZX-7 is that it comes with a pop-up flash which makes it a little taller and bulkier. It also has preset modes that include Green Operation Mode, Portrait Program Mode, Landscape Program Mode, Close-up Program Mode, Action Program Mode and Night Scene Program Mode. You can manually select each one of those modes or you can set the camera to Auto Picture Mode and the camera will select one for you.
The film is advanced automatically with a built-in motor. The body also has a mid-roll rewind button in case you want to take the film out before you take all the exposures. When Dx-coded film cartridges are used the camera will set the film speed automatically.
When I was working with film I used the cameras mainly in manual mode. I would set the aperture and shutter speed I wanted. I would also focus manually. The subjects I was working with didn't really need the auto focus function. I never really used the preset modes because I wanted to learn what settings were better for the subjects and lighting I was using.
This camera has a much larger LCD panel where you can see information on flash, shutter speed, aperture, film status, frame mode, self timer, remote function and frame counter.
The drive modes include, Single-Frame Mode, Consecutive-Frame Mode, Self-timer Mode, 3-second-delay Release Mode, Instant Release Mode and Multiple Exposure Mode.
The body has a switch to change from manual to auto focus if the lens being used has that feature.
There is also a red eye reduction feature.
The camera has a Panorama lever. Switching the lever will only use half of the film by blocking the top and bottom. When you have the pictures developed you get the much larger prints.
The model I own has a Data Back. You can set the date and time on the pictures you take. I personally never used the feature but some people like to have the date on pictures.
The body also has a Release Socket where you can attach a Cable Switch F. Once the cord is attached you can trigger the camera remotely to avoid shaking it. There is also a threaded socket at the bottom for use with a tripod or monopod.
This company only has a small amount of flash units but the film cameras will be compatible with any of those units as far as I know. There are also a few units from other companies that will be compatible with the camera.
The camera takes two 3V Lithium batteries (CR2) or equivalent.
I used this camera for many years and never had any problems with it. About six years ago I got a digital camera and stopped using the film ones. I really liked using film but due to many different reasons I stopped experimenting for a while and focused more on pictures of friends and family. If film was more popular I would still be using both of my film cameras. When you switch to digital there is so much to learn and experiment with storage, editing software, compatibility and a few other things. I just don't have enough time to work with both anymore.
For more information in how to use the camera you can visit my Photography Youtube Channel called floresmartphoto where I have a few videos for the ZX-7 camera.
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