Fred, I think the PZ-1p has the same plastic over metal that the SFX/SF1 has. I've cracked the plastic display window on top of the PZ-1, and Pentax fixed it for free. The bottom plate has a thin part on the edge of the battery slot, which breaks when banged. My PZ-1 works fine with our this 1/2 inch of plastic and a replacement base is cheap ($5?). Otherwise, the old PZ-1 looks like new after years of use. It just doesn't dent, bump, or bruise.
The SFX/SF1 has an odd viewfinder cover with a prism to show the flash ready light. Most of the cameras have lost their rubber viewfinder cover. I've also heard that folks have trouble with the battery in the handle and screw up the battery holder. Regards, Bob S. [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << How about the comparative reliabilities of the SFX/SF1 (and the SFXn/SF1n) versus the Z1p/PZ1p ? I never had much contact with any PZ1p body, but I think I've read some aspersions on its robustness. On the other hand, my initial impression with the SF1 is that its plastic-over-metal shell seems to be pretty sturdy. (Or, is the PZ1p built the same way, or?) >>
