When was the Pentax Zoom 90 made?

Answer 1

Heya there cho !! Mae indahouse !! Fyi PENTAX radical first series zoom cams - inclusive of the 90 series and WR were introed to an AWESTRUCK marketplace in the yr ending 1986.

In answer to your question and also advice on collector series models

Z-a -it retailed at a steep 199 sterling or equiv NZ $600 . nobody minded

It was the FIRST in the world power zoom autofocus compact quality camera.

Pentax IQ- as it was first known UK ,made its debut in august of 1986.

This compact and solid cam had a finely machined 35-70mm asahi lens Like few cameras . It was a thing of rare beauty!

Only some 360 of these first Z-a cams were built- very few if ANY remain.

That cam is now a rare collector item United Kingdom and if in fine shape will still fetch 100 quid no prob

OK so time moves quickly by and in october of 1986 the cam is rebadged & marketed in the mass media as the TM Zoom 70- asahi series 1-

It is an autofocal length w integral fill in flash 35-70 power zoom cam

It was the first mass market penetration of this steel model chassis and was known coll;oquially as the Z -70 compact- It was heavy yet handy!

It was in manufacture from c 1986- to model yr ending october 1988 - with some 5000 being produced and it received great review fanfare & internationally.

It was widely thought the cam was without fault as it proved initially to be reliable

Such was not entirely the case though and some early zooms can break over time.

but for the most part it was thoroughly reliable and moreover capable of producing some splendid Photography even in the hands of an amateur .

It was a fave with the press of the day also!! very crisp repro!!

If you have an old Z- 70 or Z-70-date gathering dust- dont let it ! -use it!! Its what its for. and they have a style

Both the zoom 90 and accompanying 90 WR weather resist-together with zoom 70S- w improved mech componentry- was introduced for october of 1988 UK.

The P Z- 90 -incl of 90 D and WR had a focal range 35- 90 mm autofocus lens of what is known digitally as 3 times magnification.

II was a more versatile useful cam than the earlier zoom 70 standard in everyday non professional use. The Z-70 series solid state chassis was retained.

Unloaded weight was 417 G compared to the 7.2 ounces of a mod digicam

These were and are a short run only 1988/9 around 4000 built - and were discontinued for an improv model in mid 1990 the Z- 70 R- They are a fine cam!

and generally solid and virtually indestructible both externally and internally .

I think both this 90 and 70S with the so solid internal componentry -was asahi at its finest 80 moment, though as with all tech at the end of the eighties improvs were happening faster and faster!! lol!

To move on just one stage further in late 1992 amidst a still struggling economy, a 105 super was introduced with much changed and more modern external curvature. The Z- 105 super was and remains a fine cam. and also i think a worthwhile collector! & models left in fine shape now will have no prob fetching 130 quid. & this despite the old film format- maybe think about it huh !

It was also offered in the unique WR version Totally waterproof to 5 metres.

Not that many were sold in WR. and many more were sold in date print versions.

also in late 1990 was introed the Zoom 70/ X with mod case. and exceptional op

OK so now having assembled this little lot together what can i tell you about which ones to buy secondhand as a first cam.

Forget the IQ Zoom 1 you,ll most likely NEVER find one now .

& Uh well you can maybe safely leave out the first Z-70 series UNLESS you are an avid collector of pentax perse.

Though if you are a devout pentax fan , having admitted that and ever mindful of - they ARE available now -IF you can find one in good all round serviceable working condition !-

All this for as llittle as 15- 25 quid! will get you into quality photography and IF they are STILL in pristine shape internally may well provide you still with yrs of reliable service. - Absolute reliability on these earlier Z-a - cannot be thoroughly guaranteed however- PLZ take note!

They take both AA and single lithium batt packs- and are very portable to carry.

These models were never offered in WR till the zoom 70S - 1988-

If & whenever you can find yourself a Z-70S or 90S WR in good condition go right ahead & buy it!! even if the price seems steep! like 100quid or above .

There is NO finer accessible versatile compact on the secondhand market !.

One of the greatest things about these zoom cams- early model or not, especially in pentax- or even later canons is the sheer portability of the thing and as the 90 you mention offered what is now digitally a three times zoom, it aligns more fully with its prime purpose of providing the carryall guy a fine totable and moreover useable cam in a wide variety of given situs!

Even more so with the WR that remains unique in the world of the photographer.

Let it be known additionally that you will not find some of those features in these cams even on more more mod up to date digital equipment & very probably not in this quality either . So while you still can go for it man!! A Zoom90 S - WR!! 1990 vintage is the one for you !

Alright man so i shove over for now- i sure hope this helps you out !!

My love to you - Mae Chang-. ex HK.