[grumpy277]

Im an old Nikon Guy [still am] Ive been getting involved with Pentax lately, Tamron adaptall II lenses, some K lenses -- M42 Takumars, I own a K20D and a K200D. I have to say Pentax has been a well kept secret, when you run with people that only think Nikon and Canon. Pentax is great and a lot of fun. I just purchased a Pentax 645 "P" 300mm f5.6 FA SMC ED-IF, mint for $850, I feel thats an OK deal. My question is whats with the "P" ??? Im sure someone has the answer, I keep going in circles trying to get the scoop on this.

Thanks Paul

[Adam]

Pentax, lol.

SMC-P DA = SMC Pentax-DA

Also, do you have the adapter required to use that lens? It's a medium-format lens and as such is quite large.

[Nowhere Matt]

Oh boy. I do hope this ends well.

[stevebrot]

Oh boy. I do hope this ends well.

...Yes! Me too! The lens is an FA (autofocus) model made to fit the Pentax 645 series film camera. It can also be used on the 645D. Both are medium format. It can be adapted to K-mount, but for most people, it is not worth the trouble given the bulk.


Steve

[grumpy277]

Thanks for you concern about the use of the 645 lens, you mean it wont fit my Nikon ??? Just having a little fun, I have a 645D ordered from B&H and it should be here on Tues or Wed I can drive to B&H in about 45 minutes but its better to order online.

On that subject has anyone used a 67 or 645 lens on a K mount, of course with an adapter.

[boriscleto]

Thanks for you concern about the use of the 645 lens, you mean it wont fit my Nikon ???.

Actually, because it's a medium format lens, it will.

http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Adatper-Pentax-Camera-Adapter/dp/B002JXXVKW

[grumpy277]

ADAM ------ Thanks for clearing the "P" issue up for me.

[amoringello]

Just like the big 'P' on the top dial on the camera, it means "Professional". Use both in combination and you're all set!

[grumpy277]

Just like the big 'P' on the top dial on the camera, it means "Professional". Use both in combination and you're all set!

Pretty good amoringello ------- dont give up your day job

[patrick9]

Just like the big 'P' on the top dial on the camera, it means "Professional". Use both in combination and you're all set!

Does that mean I can't use the P on my dial because I am not a Pro
Oh well I don't use it anyway
Welcome to the forums Grumpy

[excanonfd]

Thanks for you concern about the use of the 645 lens, you mean it wont fit my Nikon ??? Just having a little fun, I have a 645D ordered from B&H and it should be here on Tues or Wed I can drive to B&H in about 45 minutes but its better to order online.

On that subject has anyone used a 67 or 645 lens on a K mount, of course with an adapter.

I use my P645 A lenses with my K20D from time to time. K20D defaults to Av mode and it's stopped down metering only. I also have a P67 SMC Takumar 300/4.0 lens I have tried on the K20D, again the same Av mode, stopped down metering. Ergonomically, P645 lenses are comfortable to hold and use on the K20D, slightly on the heavy side but not as bad as the reviews in the forum might indicate (old glass is heavy, no point in moaning about it). The P67 300/4.0 is heavy and unwieldy, but shooting through the centre of the glass might be worthwhile to some. You should have no problem mounting/using your P645 FA 300/5.6 on a Pentax DSLR, it's probably smaller and lighter than my CZJ Pentacon 6 300/4.0 Sonnar lens I sometimes use on the K20D.

[grumpy277]

(old glass is heavy, no point in moaning about it).

Old glass is wonderful, people ask why I bother with 35+ yr old lenses. Show them the results and they understand, I was hooked by my first Takumar. Outside of my wife thinking my LBA is terminal, and I need professional help, its all good.

Thanks folks for the welcome & the humor, that "P" thing will take a while to live down

[boriscleto]

Thanks folks for the welcome & the humor, that "P" thing will take a while to live down

It's asked at least once a month.