New Pentax lens on film body

rafaelvilallonga · 11-12-2019, 01:40 AM

Hi guys,

I recently acquired a shiny Pentax 24-70 2.8 for my K1, and I'm super happy with it, especially after years of only being able to use my old 35mm era lenses (they are great, and I still use them, but not ideal for work.).

I am looking into different film cameras that will allow me to shoot 35mm but with a decent autofocus and good controls. I have an SFX, but it's giving me problems like focus not focusing correctly, or film getting stuck mid-roll, so I want to replace it.

My question is: Is there any modern film Pentax SLR that can work with my 24-70? And if not, which one would be the best recommendation for a good autofocus SLR (I am thinking of getting a Z-1p)?

Thanks a lot!

D1N0 · 11-12-2019, 02:35 AM

I don't think AF will work. The camera needs two contacts inside the body to drive the AF motor. The film slr's that have those only used it for power zoom, not focussing.

**othar** · 11-12-2019, 02:36 AM

If it has to be an AF camera your best solution probably would be winning the MZ-S at this months photo contest

**othar** · 11-12-2019, 02:37 AM

Originally posted by D1N0

I don't think AF will work. The camera needs two contacts inside the body to drive the AF motor. The film slr's that have those only used it for power zoom, not focussing.

Oh, haven't thought about that one

08amczb · 11-12-2019, 03:19 AM

My PZ-1p handles screw drive lenses correctly, like DFA 35 F2, DFA 100 macro. It reads the lens chip correctly and aperture can be set from the body or with the aperture ring, AF is quick and accurate, although quick shift doesn't work. SDM, DC lenses does not auto focus, but aperture control works on the PZ-1p. The APS-C only PLM 55-300 can't be stopped down with the electonic aperture control and does not auto focus.

Sandy Hancock · 11-12-2019, 03:29 AM - **1 Like**

The DFA24-70 has no screw drive. The AF will not work on any film-era camera. The PZ-1 and later can control the aperture, but you'll have to make do with manual focus.

**aslyfox** · 11-12-2019, 04:11 AM

perhaps this chart might be of some help - The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

**termy** · 11-12-2019, 08:01 AM

get the MZ-L / MZ-6.
Or PZ-1 or PZ-1p
Will work on them.

**fs999** · 11-12-2019, 09:39 AM

*ist is the last film camera produced. AF will not be functional, but you can choose aperture...

stevebrot · 11-12-2019, 09:50 AM

Originally posted by othar

If it has to be an AF camera your best solution probably would be winning the MZ-S at this months photo contest

The prize is an MZ-S? I better up my game here!!!

Steve

stevebrot · 11-12-2019, 09:56 AM

Aside from AF, at issue is the lack of an aperture ring. For example, the MZ-S mentioned above will work in P and Tv modes, but not for Av or M modes. My Super Program has a similar restriction, though I have used it with my DA 50/1.8. Any of the AF bodies that allow Av or M mode aperture control by the body (think e-dial) should work with your D FA lenses.

Steve

**termy** · 11-12-2019, 10:06 AM

MZ-L / MZ-6, will be able to do Aperture Priority mode with lenses without the A-ring.
As will PZ-1 and PZ-1p.

**mikesbike** · 11-12-2019, 08:23 PM

The Z-1p/PZ-1p has excellent controls design, and lens compatibility. but not with your DFA 24-70 mm, unfortunately. For a FF zoom lens starting at 24mm, you might consider a Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 EX DG. They are around at reasonable prices, from what I've seen. I got mine new at well under $200 in a closeout sale.

This camera body has only a single, center-only AF sensor, which is not sensitive to horizontal lines, but it is fast for AF within that limitation. For horizontal subject matter, like horizon shots, you have to tilt the camera slightly, hit the AF by using the shutter button half-press, after getting your AF confirmation, hold the half-press while repositioning the camera, then continue the shutter button press for your shot .

**termy** · 11-15-2019, 06:52 AM

oh yes.

with the MZ-S, if you use lenses with no aperture ring (screw drive) on the MZ-S, you can do Programme mode, or, if still want to vary aperture, do a roundabout way by using shutter priority.
It will still AF.

Using the MZ-L / MZ-6, can do Aperture Priority mode.

If using more modern lenses (such as DFA series), if using the MZ-S, the AF will not work.

But, while have to use manual focus, the "focus confirmation aid" (the 'beep beep'), will still work.

Austerman · 11-18-2019, 07:00 AM - **1 Like**

I do use the current 28-70 from my K1 with my MZ-S and often use a wide aperture via the method “termy” mentions. I use the 70-200 with the MZ-S as well. Manual focus only of course.

An example here (28-70, and tri-x):

11-12-2019, 01:40 AM	#1
rafaelvilallonga New Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 5	New Pentax lens on film body Hi guys, I recently acquired a shiny Pentax 24-70 2.8 for my K1, and I'm super happy with it, especially after years of only being able to use my old 35mm era lenses (they are great, and I still use them, but not ideal for work.). I am looking into different film cameras that will allow me to shoot 35mm but with a decent autofocus and good controls. I have an SFX, but it's giving me problems like focus not focusing correctly, or film getting stuck mid-roll, so I want to replace it. My question is: Is there any modern film Pentax SLR that can work with my 24-70? And if not, which one would be the best recommendation for a good autofocus SLR (I am thinking of getting a Z-1p)? Thanks a lot!

11-12-2019, 08:23 PM	#13
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	The Z-1p/PZ-1p has excellent controls design, and lens compatibility. but not with your DFA 24-70 mm, unfortunately. For a FF zoom lens starting at 24mm, you might consider a Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 EX DG. They are around at reasonable prices, from what I've seen. I got mine new at well under $200 in a closeout sale. This camera body has only a single, center-only AF sensor, which is not sensitive to horizontal lines, but it is fast for AF within that limitation. For horizontal subject matter, like horizon shots, you have to tilt the camera slightly, hit the AF by using the shutter button half-press, after getting your AF confirmation, hold the half-press while repositioning the camera, then continue the shutter button press for your shot . Last edited by mikesbike; 11-12-2019 at 08:29 PM.

11-18-2019, 07:00 AM - 1 Like	#15
Austerman New Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 5	I do use the current 28-70 from my K1 with my MZ-S and often use a wide aperture via the method “termy” mentions. I use the 70-200 with the MZ-S as well. Manual focus only of course. An example here (28-70, and tri-x): Attached Images

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11-12-2019, 02:35 AM	#2
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	I don't think AF will work. The camera needs two contacts inside the body to drive the AF motor. The film slr's that have those only used it for power zoom, not focussing.

11-12-2019, 02:36 AM	#3
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	If it has to be an AF camera your best solution probably would be winning the MZ-S at this months photo contest

11-12-2019, 02:37 AM	#4
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by D1N0 I don't think AF will work. The camera needs two contacts inside the body to drive the AF motor. The film slr's that have those only used it for power zoom, not focussing. Oh, haven't thought about that one

11-12-2019, 03:19 AM	#5
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	My PZ-1p handles screw drive lenses correctly, like DFA 35 F2, DFA 100 macro. It reads the lens chip correctly and aperture can be set from the body or with the aperture ring, AF is quick and accurate, although quick shift doesn't work. SDM, DC lenses does not auto focus, but aperture control works on the PZ-1p. The APS-C only PLM 55-300 can't be stopped down with the electonic aperture control and does not auto focus.

11-12-2019, 03:29 AM - 1 Like	#6
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	The DFA24-70 has no screw drive. The AF will not work on any film-era camera. The PZ-1 and later can control the aperture, but you'll have to make do with manual focus.

11-12-2019, 04:11 AM	#7
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	perhaps this chart might be of some help - The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

11-12-2019, 08:01 AM	#8
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,155	get the MZ-L / MZ-6. Or PZ-1 or PZ-1p Will work on them.

11-12-2019, 09:39 AM	#9
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,645	*ist is the last film camera produced. AF will not be functional, but you can choose aperture...

11-12-2019, 09:50 AM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by othar If it has to be an AF camera your best solution probably would be winning the MZ-S at this months photo contest The prize is an MZ-S? I better up my game here!!! Steve

11-12-2019, 09:56 AM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Aside from AF, at issue is the lack of an aperture ring. For example, the MZ-S mentioned above will work in P and Tv modes, but not for Av or M modes. My Super Program has a similar restriction, though I have used it with my DA 50/1.8. Any of the AF bodies that allow Av or M mode aperture control by the body (think e-dial) should work with your D FA lenses. Steve

11-12-2019, 10:06 AM	#12
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,155	MZ-L / MZ-6, will be able to do Aperture Priority mode with lenses without the A-ring. As will PZ-1 and PZ-1p.

11-15-2019, 06:52 AM	#14
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,155	oh yes. with the MZ-S, if you use lenses with no aperture ring (screw drive) on the MZ-S, you can do Programme mode, or, if still want to vary aperture, do a roundabout way by using shutter priority. It will still AF. Using the MZ-L / MZ-6, can do Aperture Priority mode. If using more modern lenses (such as DFA series), if using the MZ-S, the AF will not work. But, while have to use manual focus, the "focus confirmation aid" (the 'beep beep'), will still work.