Boots
Newbie
Hello!
I've read conflicting reports about the workings of manual focus KA lenses on Pentax dslrs bodies as to the metering
Will my old lenses meter on all the digi bodies, or are some models better suited than others?
Thanks.
I've read conflicting reports about the workings of manual focus KA lenses on Pentax dslrs bodies as to the metering
Will my old lenses meter on all the digi bodies, or are some models better suited than others?
Thanks.
A series lenses will meter and function as on any Pentax body in all modes on a Pentax DSLR.
M&K series lenses, will meter in A & M modes with an additional step of hitting a button, the "green" button on my K10d for instance.
M42 lenses will mount with an adaptor and must be manually stopped down to meter and to expose at the correct exposure.
M&K series lenses, will meter in A & M modes with an additional step of hitting a button, the "green" button on my K10d for instance.
M42 lenses will mount with an adaptor and must be manually stopped down to meter and to expose at the correct exposure.
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
I find metering performance varies from lens to lens, at least on the K20D. I recently got the K7 and overall, metering seems more sensible and consistent with manual focus lenses. For instance I used to have to dial in about an EV of compensation with my K-mount 15/3.5 on the K20D, but the K7 seems to get it right without adjustment.
They will all work, though!
They will all work, though!
BTMarcais
Well-known
My only problem w/ my older manual focus lenses on the digital bodies is, well, manual focus. I really need to just upgrade to one of the katz-eyes, or other split prism screens, since the screen in the DSLR's just isn't great for focusing accurately, espescially close up/wide open.
If I actually used my K10d as much as say my MX, (or my leica's for that matter) I probably would've done it already...
(but yes, if it's an "A" lens, it will meter just find and dandy, jump through a few more hoops for K or M lenses, or for M42's + adapter)
-Brian
If I actually used my K10d as much as say my MX, (or my leica's for that matter) I probably would've done it already...
(but yes, if it's an "A" lens, it will meter just find and dandy, jump through a few more hoops for K or M lenses, or for M42's + adapter)
-Brian
Boots
Newbie
Thanks to all for your replies.
bmattock
Veteran
My only problem w/ my older manual focus lenses on the digital bodies is, well, manual focus. I really need to just upgrade to one of the katz-eyes, or other split prism screens, since the screen in the DSLR's just isn't great for focusing accurately, espescially close up/wide open.
If I actually used my K10d as much as say my MX, (or my leica's for that matter) I probably would've done it already...
(but yes, if it's an "A" lens, it will meter just find and dandy, jump through a few more hoops for K or M lenses, or for M42's + adapter)
-Brian
Yes, I agree. The split-screen makes a world of difference. Today's auto-focus cameras were made to work with auto-focus lenses and mostly lenses no faster than f/3.5 or so. Manual, careful, focus is just not a design consideration, although the AF mechanism itself can do it. So I have found the addition of the split-screen makes everything great. And I bought a very cheap Chinese one, not the more expensive Katz-Eye. Works a treat.
vrgard
Well-known
Just seconding bmattock's remarks. I use an inexpensive Chinese split-screen in my Pentax K1100DS and it works great.
-Randy
-Randy
titrisol
Bottom Feeder
laoyou
Member
The split-screen does make a big difference when using old lenses, but it affects the spot metering.
bmattock
Veteran
I have heard that, but I have not found it to be the case in mine.
ZeissFan
Veteran
I think Pentax's backward compatibility is about the best of all of the cameras out there. For older lenses, you need to enable the aperture ring, which is in the menu. Then you can set exposure by pressing the green-dot button.
Flash is a bit trickier, but who uses flash anyway?
And I concur with everyone regarding manually focusing lenses with the stock screen. Those screens just aren't made for manual focus lenses.
Flash is a bit trickier, but who uses flash anyway?
And I concur with everyone regarding manually focusing lenses with the stock screen. Those screens just aren't made for manual focus lenses.
bmattock
Veteran
Have you tried that? I find no reference for this online, if you could point me to a resource that says the MZ-M screen fits in a K series digital SLR, I'd be most grateful!
ruby.monkey
Veteran
Nor with my old K100D (my current K20D has a matte-only screen). I can't imagine how it would have any effect since the metering sensor is in the body rather than in the prism assembly.
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squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
That can't be true, can it? A crop sensor is a completely different size from a frame of film.
bmattock
Veteran
I don't know. If the magnification level is different, I suppose it is possible that a focus screen for a film SLR could be the same physical size as a dSLR.
I believe that the focus screen I purchased a number of years ago for my Pentax *ist DS is/was originally a Minolta SLR screen that had been chopped down on the sides until it was the right size (a rather rough job they did of it, too). I love it, don't get me wrong, but I noticed that the split-screen circle is huge compared to how it would have looked in a film SLR viewfinder. So I imagine that the magnification is different.
I still have not heard of anyone using a film SLR viewscreen directly in a dSLR without having to cut it down in size, though. It would be great if it were true - MZ-M bodies are selling for next to nothing (a shame to cannibalize a working camera, especially a Pentax, but eh).
titrisol
Bottom Feeder
A french guy had it in his website, let me find it again
I orderd 2, at 4 Euro each from Pentax Europe for my MZ-7
I orderd 2, at 4 Euro each from Pentax Europe for my MZ-7
ludoo
Established
I have a split focusing screen in my *istD and it works great with manual lenses. Mine was bought from ebay seller jinfinance, who claims he cuts to size old Pentax K1000 screens which have the right thickness and don't need shimming to get proper focus.
But even if you don't swap the stock screen, you get AF assis with manual focus lenses: when the AF circuitry detects that the image is in focus, the green light and the focus point indicator light up. With Pentax K/M/A lenses AF assist is always enabled, with M42 lenses you often have to short the last contact on the right looking at the bayonet mount: a small square of kitchen alu foil works great, just fold it until it's thick enough then trap it under the lens when screwing it on.
But even if you don't swap the stock screen, you get AF assis with manual focus lenses: when the AF circuitry detects that the image is in focus, the green light and the focus point indicator light up. With Pentax K/M/A lenses AF assist is always enabled, with M42 lenses you often have to short the last contact on the right looking at the bayonet mount: a small square of kitchen alu foil works great, just fold it until it's thick enough then trap it under the lens when screwing it on.
titrisol
Bottom Feeder
Have to take back what I said....
The source of my information said:
The source of my information said:
dlacouture said:
Merkin
For the Weekend
i am sure you probably already know this, but just in case you didnt, don't use non-pentax k mount lenses on your pentax dslr. they will jam and make for a one way ticket to frown town.
ludoo
Established
I read that it happens only with some Ricoh lenses in K mount. I have a couple non-Pentax zooms in K mount and they work fine. Better be careful with a new lens though...