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Packing a high level of quality and performance into the world's smallest 35mm SLR (as of February 2003), the Pentax *ist measures just 4.8 by 3.3 by 2.5 inches and weighs a mere 11.8 ounces. It offers a host of advanced features and user-friendly functions for a wide range of photographers--from the most demanding professionals to SLR novices. All controls are functionally positioned on the top and back panels for maximum ease of operation and accessibility.

The newly developed 16-segment multipattern metering system solves even the most complicated lighting conditions to produce beautifully exposed photographs, frame after frame. In addition to all-purpose multipattern mode, the *ist also offers spot and center-weighted modes to meet specialized applications.

Thanks to the advanced SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus (AF) system, the *ist assures sharp, crisp focus on the subject, even under poor lighting conditions. Its newly developed 11-point AF sensor constantly monitors 11 different points in the image field and covers a wide area, both vertically and horizontally, to assure optimum focus.

The multi-data LCD panel offers a full range of information, with large icons and numbers to supplement the camera's user-friendly operation system. With its natural-bright-matte focusing screen, the *ist offers a sharp, clear viewfinder image even under unfavorable lighting conditions. The LCD viewfinder indicator at the bottom provides a full range of information, including the selected picture mode and exposure compensation factors.

Covering a view angle as wide as 28mm, the auto flash automatically pops up and discharges when the camera detects low-light and/or backlight situations. It also retracts to the storage position automatically when the camera's power is turned off. Its red-eye reduction function effectively reduces the annoying red-eye effect in subjects' eyes.

Other features include:

• The high-speed motor drive winds the film at a speed of 2.5 frames per second
• Automatically record the date, or day and time, of picture-taking on the photograph for quick, easy reference of captured images
• Depth-of-field preview function is electronically operated for easy confirmation of the in-focus area in the image field before actually taking a picture
• 17 custom functions enable you to customize some basic camera functions to suit individual preferences

From the Manufacturer

The Pentax *ist 35mm Auto Focus camera is one of the world's smallest in the Auto Focus SLR category. This little beauty incorporates a host of advanced, user-friendly features for easy operation and more creative results.

Features

• Measuring just 4.8 x 3.3 x 2.5 inches (122mm wide, 84mm high and 63.5mm deep) and weighing 11.8 oz. (335 grams), all PENTAX *ist controls are positioned on the top and back panels for easy operation and accessibility.
• A new 16-segment multi-pattern metering system helps solve the most complicated lighting conditions to produce beautifully exposed photographs. In addition to an all-purpose multi- pattern mode, the *ist offers spot and center-weighted modes for specialized applications.
• An advanced SAFOX VIII phase-matching Auto Focus system assures that *ist delivers crisp focus on subjects even under poor lighting conditions.
• A new11-point AF sensor constantly monitors 11 different points in the image field and covers a wide area — both vertically and horizontally — to ensure optimum focus.
• In addition to the "AUTO" mode — where the camera automatically selects the optimum focusing point — and "SPOT" mode — where the focus area is narrowed down to a small area at the center of the image field — the *ist offers an innovative "SELECT" mode, where the user can select one of 11 AF sensor points using the cross-shaped AF point selector on the back panel. This select AF sensor point is confirmed by an LED pointer in the viewfinder. The sophisticated AF system also features the predictive Auto Focus function, which automatically activates when the system detects subject motion and predicts the subject position at the moment of shutter release. This function even allows the photographer to shoot a few frames after the subject has moved out of the AF sensor field.
• When the Auto Picture Mode is selected, the *ist automatically selects the most appropriate auto-exposure mode from five different programs, based on the subject’s distance, lens focal length, lighting conditions and subject motion. This ensures better results for every subject in every situation and allows the photographer to concentrate fully on shutter opportunity and picture-framing. The large illumination mode dial clearly indicates the selected exposure program, even in the dark. The selected program also is indicated in the viewfinder indicator.
• In addition to the Auto Picture Mode, the *ist offers six user-selectable Picture Modes, two conventional auto-exposure modes (Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE), Metered Manual mode and bulb mode.
• Covering an angle of view as wide as 28mm, the auto flash automatically pops up and discharges when the camera detects low-light and/or backlight situations. It also retracts to the storage position automatically when the power is off.
• The red-eye reduction function effectively reduces the annoying red-eye effect in subjects’ eyes
• Advanced TTL flash control system simplifies complicated flash techniques (such as daylight sync, slow-shutter sync and bulb sync) even when used in combination with accessory flash units. Especially when combined with the AF360FGZ, *ist offers a variety of advanced wireless remote functions. In addition, it briefly discharges in the dark to assist the camera’s AF system.
• The compact, reliable shutter unit offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze the decisive moment of fast-action scenes and features a high flash synchronization speed of 1/125 second, so photographers may open up the aperture to capture dramatic flash images.
• The *ist offers 17 custom functions enabling the photographer to customize some basic camera functions to suit individual preferences. These functions include the AF pointer display in the viewfinder, the LED illuminator operation mode in the LCD panel, the order of exposures in the auto bracketing mode, and the timing of remote shutter release.
• Located on the back panel, the multi-data LCD panel offers a full range of information with large icons and numbers to supplement the camera’s user-friendly operation system. Users may activate its orange LED illuminator by turning the main switch to the preview position. With the custom functions, users may select automatic illumination under low-light conditions or deactivate the illuminator at all times.
• Thanks to the renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the *ist offers a sharp, clear viewfinder image even in unfavorable lighting conditions. The LCD viewfinder indicator at the bottom provides a full range of information, including the selected Picture Mode and exposure compensation factors. For easy data confirmation, *ist comes equipped with automatic brightness control to change the brightness level in proportion to the subject’s lighting condition. Within its image field, the viewfinder features LED AF pointers, one of which lights up to indicate the user-selected AF sensor. The diopter adjustment mechanism built into the viewfinder eyepiece allows the user to adjust the viewfinder image between –2.0m-1 and +1.0m- 1 to obtain the clearest view of the subject.
• The high-speed motor drive winds the film at a speed of 2.5 frames per second. The user can select either single-frame advance or consecutive advance with simple pushbutton operation. It also simplifies film loading and rewinding operations.
• With a single shutter release, the photographer can capture three different exposures of the same subject (in order of proper exposure, underexposure and overexposure) in all exposure modes (except Bulb mode). The desired compensation value (±0.3EV, ±0.5EV or ±1.0EV) can be selected using one of the custom functions. The use of auto bracketing as well as the selected compensation value are indicated in both the LCD panel and the viewfinder display.
• Using the exposure compensation button and the select dial, the photographer can easily set the desired compensation value within a range of ±3EV in 1/2EV increments (except when the Metered Manual mode is selected). Positioned at the upper right-hand corner of the back panel, the AE lock button makes the camera memorize the measured exposure value for approximately 20 seconds, during which period the photographer is free to re-compose the image.
• Photographers can make two exposures on a single frame with pushbutton ease to produce dramatic, eye-catching images. To expose the same frame more than three times, the photographer simply needs to repeat this operation after each exposure.
• The depth-of-field preview function is electronically operated for easy confirmation of the in-focus area in the image field before the shot to help ensure photographers create their desired visual effect.
• The *ist features a durable metallic lens mount to hold the lens firmly in place and minimize wear caused by countless lens changes.
• The *ist allows the user to automatically record the date, or day and time, of picture-taking on the photograph for quick, easy reference of captured images.
• PENTAX offers a selection of PENTAX FA- and F-series Auto Focus lenses for use with the *ist to meet the diverse requirements of its users, from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto, and to special-effect lenses such as fish-eye, macro and soft-focus. To minimize the overall size of the *ist with a lens attached, PENTAX developed two compact, high-performance zoom lenses as ideal partners for the *ist: the smc Pentax-FA J Zoom 28mm~80mm F3.5~F5.6 AL and the smc Pentax-FA J Zoom 75mm~300mm F4.5~F5.8 AL. All smc PENTAX lenses are treated with the acclaimed Super-Multi-Coating to reproduce sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberrations.
• Most existing PENTAX 35mm-system accessories can be used with the *ist, including the AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit. In addition, the new BG-20 battery grip, which is exclusively designed for use with the *ist, is powered by four AA-size batteries, and it features an enlarged grip and a vertical-position shutter release button.
• In combination with the optional remote controller, the *ist offers the convenience of remote shutter release from a distance. The user can select either an instant release or a three-second-delay release using one of the custom functions. The operation is confirmed by the self-timer indicator on the camera’s front panel.