Best m42 adaptor

bill. · 08-30-2010, 11:52 PM

Hey there, I'm new to the forum, and the world of dslr photography. But I've been shooting with film for a few years. I picked up a k10d a few weeks ago, and I ordered a m42 to k mount adaptor on ebay. It goes on and off fine, but all my lenses screw in "upside down", the focus indicator ends up at the bottom of the camera. Does the genuine adapter place the focus indicator at the top of the camera where it should be? or is there another third party adapter that does?

Normally this isn;t an issue, but I would like to be able to see roughly what the focus is at and the aperature with some of my lenses. I hope to eventually becoma an active member on here, and learn more about dslr photography, but I'd love to be able to pull focus easier with my m42 lenses.

Any help or recommendations are greatly appreciated, as well as personal experiences with adaptors. Also, sorry if this in the wrong section, I've only taken a quick peek though the forums.

Transit · 08-30-2010, 11:55 PM

That's weird. All my flush fit adapters (5) set the lens right way up. Not sure if they are all actual Pentax ones.
Maybe you have an Australian version

Pete

wlachan · 08-31-2010, 12:25 AM

M42-PK adaptor? Isn't the Pentax made the best already?

**wizofoz** · 08-31-2010, 12:28 AM

Make sure you source a genuine Pentax K mount adapter. Part number 30120.

hangu · 08-31-2010, 12:33 AM

This is why you need to buy the genuine Pentax adapter. There's not much you can do besides shimming the adapter, which would alter infinity focus. Just chalk this up to a lesson learned and purchase the genuine Pentax one.

patolds · 08-31-2010, 01:58 AM

Heed these comments!

I've an early "Made in Japan" adapter for my K-x which puts my 50mm F1.4 Takumar about 1/4 turn out of wack...very annoying! What's more, lense removal from the camera body is a process...the lense unscrews, then fiddling with the adapter to get it off.

I've been looking for a genuine article now for some time....one day! Note that infinity focus can be an issue with aftermarket adapters..much discussion about this in the forum.

I'm recent to the forum also, but have found it to be a GEM!

Cheers

ddhytz · 08-31-2010, 02:13 AM

The best M42 adaptor is made by Kindai in Japan. It is very expensive and hard to get outside Japan.

Ira · 08-31-2010, 05:11 AM

Originally posted by bill.

Hey there, I'm new to the forum, and the world of dslr photography. But I've been shooting with film for a few years. I picked up a k10d a few weeks ago, and I ordered a m42 to k mount adaptor on ebay. It goes on and off fine, but all my lenses screw in "upside down", the focus indicator ends up at the bottom of the camera. Does the genuine adapter place the focus indicator at the top of the camera where it should be? or is there another third party adapter that does?

Normally this isn;t an issue, but I would like to be able to see roughly what the focus is at and the aperature with some of my lenses. I hope to eventually becoma an active member on here, and learn more about dslr photography, but I'd love to be able to pull focus easier with my m42 lenses.

Any help or recommendations are greatly appreciated, as well as personal experiences with adaptors. Also, sorry if this in the wrong section, I've only taken a quick peek though the forums.

I never heard of a generic being off 180 degrees, but I've definitely heard of them being significantly off--including the two that I own, which I don't use.

sherwood · 08-31-2010, 10:34 AM

Originally posted by ddhytz

The best M42 adaptor is made by Kindai in Japan. It is very expensive and hard to get outside Japan.

More about this adaptor ? Is it special ? (A pict of the thing could help)

@Bill : As told by previous posters. Get the genuine Pentax adapter. No problem.

I own two. I pulled off the screw and spring, so my M42 lenses are K-mount and changing lenses is pretty fast.

Hope this helps.

stevebrot · 08-31-2010, 04:34 PM

Just to properly adjust expectations...

Even the genuine Pentax M42 adapter does not always register the focus index mark to top dead center. The same is true for many M42 camera bodies. One of my Pentax adapters tilts most lenses about 10 degrees to the right. The other is pretty much on most of my lenses, but still a few degrees off for the Helios 44M. Both my Mamiya 1000DTL and Ricoh Singlex TLS bodies are a few degrees to the right with the lenses that came with those cameras.

180 degrees?

Steve

Ira · 08-31-2010, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Just to properly adjust expectations...

Even the genuine Pentax M42 adapter does not always register the focus index mark to top dead center. One of my Pentax adapters tilts most lenses about 10 degrees to the right.

180 degrees?

Steve

Same here, but 10 degrees too far to the right (when looking down at it) is no big deal, as you well know.

The Bowers and others can be ridiculous though.

**pacerr** · 08-31-2010, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by hangu

There's not much you can do besides shimming the adapter, which would alter infinity focus.

Actually, if you shim the adapter so nothing prevents the lens from seating on the normal surfaces it does not affect infinity focus as the registry distance isn't changed - it simply allows the adapter threads to seat at a different rotational position relative to the aperture index.

I normally shim so that the aperture numbers are at the 2 or 10 o'clock position so the index mark isn't hidden under the $#@$% bulge for the flash. A thin o-ring of the proper diameter works well - a tight rubber band may suffice.

Let me repeat that: if the lens seats on the normal mounting surfaces, no change in focus occurs.

H2

ddhytz · 09-01-2010, 01:42 AM

Originally posted by sherwood

More about this adaptor ? Is it special ? (A pict of the thing could help)

...

This is a picture of Kindai M42 adaptor. It is more precisely machined than Pentax one. Its inner flange depresses the stopdown pin of some M42 lenses that do not have auto/manual lever. It costs about $100 or more.

patolds · 09-01-2010, 02:25 AM

Hmm! The infinity focus thing is more a funtion of the lense..in particular the rear element extension from the lense body fouling internals on the camera I thought (new to this M42 lense thing...always had K-mount in the past).

Adding shims would be similar in effect, although miniscule, to adding an extension tube I guess!

Just thinking out loud...or on the keypad anyway!

Cheers

Paddy

sherwood · 09-01-2010, 10:09 AM

Originally posted by ddhytz

This is a picture of Kindai M42 adaptor. It is more precisely machined than Pentax one. Its inner flange depresses the stopdown pin of some M42 lenses that do not have auto/manual lever. It costs about $100 or more.

Interesting ! Surely useful with auto aperture lenses lacking the A/M switch (the issue is not always as easy to fix as with the Helios44-M4...M7 !)

OTOH, using this adaptor with a lens having A/M switch may be a disadvantage, as the switch becomes useless...

08-30-2010, 11:52 PM	#1
bill. New Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: toronto Posts: 3	Best m42 adaptor Hey there, I'm new to the forum, and the world of dslr photography. But I've been shooting with film for a few years. I picked up a k10d a few weeks ago, and I ordered a m42 to k mount adaptor on ebay. It goes on and off fine, but all my lenses screw in "upside down", the focus indicator ends up at the bottom of the camera. Does the genuine adapter place the focus indicator at the top of the camera where it should be? or is there another third party adapter that does? Normally this isn;t an issue, but I would like to be able to see roughly what the focus is at and the aperature with some of my lenses. I hope to eventually becoma an active member on here, and learn more about dslr photography, but I'd love to be able to pull focus easier with my m42 lenses. Any help or recommendations are greatly appreciated, as well as personal experiences with adaptors. Also, sorry if this in the wrong section, I've only taken a quick peek though the forums.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
M42 to K mount adaptor	eccs19	Photographic Technique	1	10-07-2008 04:14 PM
another m42 adaptor question	kev.pride	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	07-31-2008 08:40 PM
M42 adaptor	Nico	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	7	07-15-2008 06:43 AM
Adaptor for M42 Takumar	navcom	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	05-17-2008 06:27 PM

08-30-2010, 11:55 PM	#2
Transit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Whanganui NZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,624	That's weird. All my flush fit adapters (5) set the lens right way up. Not sure if they are all actual Pentax ones. Maybe you have an Australian version Pete

08-31-2010, 12:25 AM	#3
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	M42-PK adaptor? Isn't the Pentax made the best already?

08-31-2010, 12:28 AM	#4
wizofoz Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Outer east. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,695	Make sure you source a genuine Pentax K mount adapter. Part number 30120.

08-31-2010, 12:33 AM	#5
hangu Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NYC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	This is why you need to buy the genuine Pentax adapter. There's not much you can do besides shimming the adapter, which would alter infinity focus. Just chalk this up to a lesson learned and purchase the genuine Pentax one.

08-31-2010, 01:58 AM	#6
patolds Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Macedon Ranges, Victoria Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 300	Heed these comments! I've an early "Made in Japan" adapter for my K-x which puts my 50mm F1.4 Takumar about 1/4 turn out of wack...very annoying! What's more, lense removal from the camera body is a process...the lense unscrews, then fiddling with the adapter to get it off. I've been looking for a genuine article now for some time....one day! Note that infinity focus can be an issue with aftermarket adapters..much discussion about this in the forum. I'm recent to the forum also, but have found it to be a GEM! Cheers

08-31-2010, 02:13 AM	#7
ddhytz Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 602	The best M42 adaptor is made by Kindai in Japan. It is very expensive and hard to get outside Japan.

08-31-2010, 05:11 AM	#8
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by bill. Hey there, I'm new to the forum, and the world of dslr photography. But I've been shooting with film for a few years. I picked up a k10d a few weeks ago, and I ordered a m42 to k mount adaptor on ebay. It goes on and off fine, but all my lenses screw in "upside down", the focus indicator ends up at the bottom of the camera. Does the genuine adapter place the focus indicator at the top of the camera where it should be? or is there another third party adapter that does? Normally this isn;t an issue, but I would like to be able to see roughly what the focus is at and the aperature with some of my lenses. I hope to eventually becoma an active member on here, and learn more about dslr photography, but I'd love to be able to pull focus easier with my m42 lenses. Any help or recommendations are greatly appreciated, as well as personal experiences with adaptors. Also, sorry if this in the wrong section, I've only taken a quick peek though the forums. I never heard of a generic being off 180 degrees, but I've definitely heard of them being significantly off--including the two that I own, which I don't use.

08-31-2010, 10:34 AM	#9
sherwood Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 60	Originally posted by ddhytz The best M42 adaptor is made by Kindai in Japan. It is very expensive and hard to get outside Japan. More about this adaptor ? Is it special ? (A pict of the thing could help) @Bill : As told by previous posters. Get the genuine Pentax adapter. No problem. I own two. I pulled off the screw and spring, so my M42 lenses are K-mount and changing lenses is pretty fast. Hope this helps.

08-31-2010, 04:34 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Just to properly adjust expectations... Even the genuine Pentax M42 adapter does not always register the focus index mark to top dead center. The same is true for many M42 camera bodies. One of my Pentax adapters tilts most lenses about 10 degrees to the right. The other is pretty much on most of my lenses, but still a few degrees off for the Helios 44M. Both my Mamiya 1000DTL and Ricoh Singlex TLS bodies are a few degrees to the right with the lenses that came with those cameras. 180 degrees? Steve

08-31-2010, 04:42 PM	#11
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by stevebrot Just to properly adjust expectations... Even the genuine Pentax M42 adapter does not always register the focus index mark to top dead center. One of my Pentax adapters tilts most lenses about 10 degrees to the right. 180 degrees? Steve Same here, but 10 degrees too far to the right (when looking down at it) is no big deal, as you well know. The Bowers and others can be ridiculous though.

08-31-2010, 05:16 PM	#12
pacerr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris, TN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,349	Originally posted by hangu There's not much you can do besides shimming the adapter, which would alter infinity focus. Actually, if you shim the adapter so nothing prevents the lens from seating on the normal surfaces it does not affect infinity focus as the registry distance isn't changed - it simply allows the adapter threads to seat at a different rotational position relative to the aperture index. I normally shim so that the aperture numbers are at the 2 or 10 o'clock position so the index mark isn't hidden under the $#@$% bulge for the flash. A thin o-ring of the proper diameter works well - a tight rubber band may suffice. Let me repeat that: if the lens seats on the normal mounting surfaces, no change in focus occurs. H2

09-01-2010, 02:25 AM	#14
patolds Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Macedon Ranges, Victoria Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 300	Hmm! The infinity focus thing is more a funtion of the lense..in particular the rear element extension from the lense body fouling internals on the camera I thought (new to this M42 lense thing...always had K-mount in the past). Adding shims would be similar in effect, although miniscule, to adding an extension tube I guess! Just thinking out loud...or on the keypad anyway! Cheers Paddy

09-01-2010, 10:09 AM	#15
sherwood Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 60	Originally posted by ddhytz This is a picture of Kindai M42 adaptor. It is more precisely machined than Pentax one. Its inner flange depresses the stopdown pin of some M42 lenses that do not have auto/manual lever. It costs about $100 or more. Interesting ! Surely useful with auto aperture lenses lacking the A/M switch (the issue is not always as easy to fix as with the Helios44-M4...M7 !) OTOH, using this adaptor with a lens having A/M switch may be a disadvantage, as the switch becomes useless...