Can I use old lenses with K200D?

Violet · 12-12-2008, 06:08 PM

UPDATE: Added pictures at the end of this thread.

I'm a DSLR newbie. Just unearthed my old camera bag which has been packed away for at least 10-12 years and found my old Pentax ME Super and the following lenses:

Rokinon Auto MC Zoom 1:4.5 80-200mm SN 8314994

and

SMC Pentax-M 1:1.7 50mm SN 7241537 Asahi Opt. Co.

Can I use them on my K200D? And if so, how?

Anyone have a link to a good tutorial?

They both fit on the camera, of course. But clearly automatic mode isn't going to work.

Stratman · 12-12-2008, 06:10 PM

Yes, you can use them!!! That's the beauty of Pentax, backwards compatibility !! The lenses you listed are "m" lenses, meaning there is no "A" setting on the aperture ring. So you need to go into the custom menu and look for "Using aperture ring" and set that to Enabled. Leave it set that way, no need to disable it if you want to use Auto lenses, they'll still work just fine. Then you just set the mode dial to "m" and set the aperture you want to shoot on the lens, hit the "green button" to set your shutter speed, and take your photos... And by the way, that 50 mm 1.7 is a really nice lens..

*NaClH2O* · 12-12-2008, 06:40 PM

What stratman above said. Here is a link to a slightly fuller explanation.
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/p...ist-ds-dl.html

NaCl(also echos Stratman on the M 50 F1.7...beautiful lens! don't know about the Rokinon)H2O

*X Man* · 12-12-2008, 06:45 PM

Just as they both said, but with a simple caveat... Here in Pentax land 10yr old lenses are "late model".... If you want to shoot "old" glass you have to go back 40+ yrs, and those "ancient" M42 pieces, that require an adapter are some of the finest pieces ever produced by any company. Just Google M42 or ask around here.

Regards,
Mike

Violet · 12-12-2008, 07:07 PM

Thanks so much.

It works!

The Rokinon zoom is really nice too. They're both in really good shape.

Violet · 12-12-2008, 07:11 PM

Well I bought the camera in the late 80's if I remember correctly. I've had it awhile. But it's been packed away, unused for the last 12 years or so.

Is the Pentax ME Super body worth anything?

Stratman · 12-12-2008, 07:21 PM

It is a nice little camera for sure. My pop has an ME and an ME Super, the Super looks new, I really want to take it out and put it through the paces someday.

Violet · 12-12-2008, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by NaClH2O

What stratman above said. Here is a link to a slightly fuller explanation.
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/p...ist-ds-dl.html

NaCl(also echos Stratman on the M 50 F1.7...beautiful lens! don't know about the Rokinon)H2O

Thanks for this link. That's very helpful.

*KungPOW* · 12-12-2008, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Violet

Well I bought the camera in the late 80's if I remember correctly. I've had it awhile. But it's been packed away, unused for the last 12 years or so.

Is the Pentax ME Super body worth anything?

The ME Super is one of my favorite Pentax film cameras.

Go shoot some film!!

And welcome.

*NaClH2O* · 12-13-2008, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Violet

Thanks for this link. That's very helpful.

Glad you found it useful. And welcome to the forums!

NaCl(former Nutmegger, now a resident of the Big Apple)H2O

Stratman · 12-13-2008, 10:37 AM

As payment for this help Violet, you are now required to post some photos you took with your "new" old lenses

kerrowdown · 12-13-2008, 11:26 AM

Oh yes, the joys of being a Pentax owner, not like some other well known brands eh.

shutterpuppy · 12-13-2008, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by kerrowdown

Oh yes, the joys of being a Pentax owner, not like some other well known brands eh.

Me too, Been doing Pentax since 1973 but there was long gap in between. Things have changed since my Spotmatic F days. Maybe Pentax should revive the "Spotmatic" name on their next entry level models. Seems like every camera maker it seems is putting a "D" before or after their model. Pentax has a 20D and Nikon has a 40,50,60,80 and now 90d series.The word "Spotmatic" is something you won't forget and it's rolls off you tongue like butter and it's not confusing.

Thoughts?

jocko_nc · 12-13-2008, 12:10 PM

Half the fun is hunting for those old lenses... And getting a score.

shutterpuppy · 12-13-2008, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by jocko_nc

Half the fun is hunting for those old lenses... And getting a score.

It is a lot of fun!!! The older lenses are quite heavy though..I got a Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm zoom off Ebay for $18.00!! The prime lenses are the best deals especially if you find them with a broken K1000 film camera as part of the package. I got a 50mm f1.4 lens for $12,00 with my winning bid, threw away the camera when it arrived. I now have a DA 1.4 lens but it's nice to have a cheap back up. It's amazing what shots you can get with that lens and use 800 or 1600 ISO without a flash.