Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

**GUB** · 07-05-2022, 03:05 PM

I collect Pentax mount lenses and am reasonably inexperienced about other mounts.
And I enjoy the chase on the auction sites.
This seller has not mentioned mount.
My question is - does the presence of the "A" on the aperture ring definitely mean it is K mount ?

Attached Images

kypfer · 07-05-2022, 03:17 PM - **1 Like**

Probably … best ask the seller for a view of the mount to be totally sure.

**GUB** · 07-05-2022, 03:24 PM

I took the gamble based also on a "Asahi" mount cap as well. At about US $30 can't really go wrong.
I would rather not ask the question as it also informs others.
But it is a useful bit of info to know for the future.

wadge22 · 07-05-2022, 03:27 PM - **1 Like**

Looks like at least Canon FD mount lenses have an "A" as well. The Canon brand ones I'm seeing (just looking at pics on ebay) have it to the right, with the f stop numbers going in the opposite direction of Pentax lenses. But since you're looking at a 3rd party lens, who knows if that would apply. I would ask the seller for sure.

**GUB** · 07-05-2022, 03:30 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by wadge22

Looks like at least Canon FD mount lenses have an "A" as well. The Canon brand ones I'm seeing (just looking at pics on ebay) have it to the right, with the f stop numbers going in the opposite direction of Pentax lenses. But since you're looking at a 3rd party lens, who knows if that would apply. I would ask the seller for sure.

It is definitely a male mount on the lens. But thanks for that.

**UncleVanya** · 07-05-2022, 04:02 PM - **1 Like**

Nikon and Sony A mount both fit a K Mount cap. The A usually has a lock button on K Mount typically.

**GUB** · 07-05-2022, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Nikon and Sony A mount both fit a K Mount cap.

It is more the cap eliminates Canon FD.
It looks like Minolta of that era went without a ring?

**TwoUptons** · 07-05-2022, 05:35 PM - **1 Like**

I was thinking anything with autofocus was likely to be Pentax mount because Canon EF and Minolta AF had both ditched the rings.

Nikons always have the orange smallest aperture, and sometimes have the little lock thing, but no "A".

And I don't think any of the autofocus lenses would have had Ricoh pins to worry about...

-Eric

**Denver** · 07-05-2022, 06:24 PM - **1 Like**

Ask to see the front of the lens. A on Pentax lens is a KA lens. On the Pentax Super Program/ SuperA the camera could be set in several modes. Aputure priority, Shutter priority, and Program. A KA lens can be used on many digital cameras as they can set the aperture just will not autofocus

**Just1MoreDave** · 07-05-2022, 06:34 PM - **1 Like**

That sure looks like the model 52EP I used to have. That was optically like the Tamron 52B or BB, except with a KAF mount. I think you did well. I paid $140 for mine without the hood. It's a very handy size.

**GUB** · 07-05-2022, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by Denver

Ask to see the front of the lens. A on Pentax lens is a KA lens. On the Pentax Super Program/ SuperA the camera could be set in several modes. Aputure priority, Shutter priority, and Program. A KA lens can be used on many digital cameras as they can set the aperture just will not autofocus

It is just that on our national Auction site here in NZ people often fail to identify the lens they are selling properly. This gives the opportunity to get some bargains with a bit of detective work. To simply ask helps other bidders in their decision making so often it is worth banking on your skills and taking the gamble . But I have never been sure that the "A" feature identifies a K mount.
I am now fairly confident that this purchase is K mount because it appears this model only came out in Nikon, Minolta and K.
The more common adaptall 2 version would cater for the other mounts.

rpjallan · 07-05-2022, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by GUB

It is just that on our national Auction site here in NZ people often fail to identify the lens they are selling properly.

What is the Auction site? Just out of interest...

**GUB** · 07-05-2022, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by rpjallan

What is the Auction site? Just out of interest...

This one
Trade Me
And for your next challenge identify the lens - it has me stumped - probably a cheap after market from the 70s. But I am thinking it is longer than 50mm and shorter than 135mm.
Price is a bit steep to gamble too much and the reserve hasn't been met.
EDIT going by the dof scale I think it is a 35mm.

**marcusBMG** · 07-06-2022, 02:11 AM - **1 Like**

Nikon and pentax have the F numbers rising from R to L as you look at the top of the lens mount. The "A" in that position is wholly distinctive of pentax.

As mentioned by Dave, looks like the 90mm macro - good lens!

Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.5 Macro 1:2 (52EP) Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

bdery · 07-06-2022, 05:44 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by GUB

I took the gamble based also on a "Asahi" mount cap as well. At about US $30 can't really go wrong.

The lens cap is more reassuring than the "A" symbol to me. It's not a risky gamble at that price.

07-05-2022, 03:05 PM	#1
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764	"A" on aperture ring. I collect Pentax mount lenses and am reasonably inexperienced about other mounts. And I enjoy the chase on the auction sites. This seller has not mentioned mount. My question is - does the presence of the "A" on the aperture ring definitely mean it is K mount ? Attached Images

07-05-2022, 03:24 PM	#3
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764 Original Poster	I took the gamble based also on a "Asahi" mount cap as well. At about US $30 can't really go wrong. I would rather not ask the question as it also informs others. But it is a useful bit of info to know for the future. Attached Images

07-05-2022, 06:37 PM	#11
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764 Original Poster	Originally posted by Denver Ask to see the front of the lens. A on Pentax lens is a KA lens. On the Pentax Super Program/ SuperA the camera could be set in several modes. Aputure priority, Shutter priority, and Program. A KA lens can be used on many digital cameras as they can set the aperture just will not autofocus It is just that on our national Auction site here in NZ people often fail to identify the lens they are selling properly. This gives the opportunity to get some bargains with a bit of detective work. To simply ask helps other bidders in their decision making so often it is worth banking on your skills and taking the gamble . But I have never been sure that the "A" feature identifies a K mount. I am now fairly confident that this purchase is K mount because it appears this model only came out in Nikon, Minolta and K. The more common adaptall 2 version would cater for the other mounts. Attached Images

07-05-2022, 10:55 PM	#13
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764 Original Poster	Originally posted by rpjallan What is the Auction site? Just out of interest... This one Trade Me And for your next challenge identify the lens - it has me stumped - probably a cheap after market from the 70s. But I am thinking it is longer than 50mm and shorter than 135mm. Price is a bit steep to gamble too much and the reserve hasn't been met. EDIT going by the dof scale I think it is a 35mm. Last edited by GUB; 07-06-2022 at 12:09 AM.

07-06-2022, 02:11 AM - 1 Like	#14
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,870	Nikon and pentax have the F numbers rising from R to L as you look at the top of the lens mount. The "A" in that position is wholly distinctive of pentax. As mentioned by Dave, looks like the 90mm macro - good lens! Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.5 Macro 1:2 (52EP) Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Last edited by marcusBMG; 07-06-2022 at 09:14 AM.

07-05-2022, 03:17 PM - 1 Like	#2
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,600	Probably … best ask the seller for a view of the mount to be totally sure.

07-05-2022, 03:27 PM - 1 Like	#4
wadge22 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: NE Ohio Photos: Albums Posts: 897	Looks like at least Canon FD mount lenses have an "A" as well. The Canon brand ones I'm seeing (just looking at pics on ebay) have it to the right, with the f stop numbers going in the opposite direction of Pentax lenses. But since you're looking at a 3rd party lens, who knows if that would apply. I would ask the seller for sure.

07-05-2022, 03:30 PM - 1 Like	#5
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764 Original Poster	Originally posted by wadge22 Looks like at least Canon FD mount lenses have an "A" as well. The Canon brand ones I'm seeing (just looking at pics on ebay) have it to the right, with the f stop numbers going in the opposite direction of Pentax lenses. But since you're looking at a 3rd party lens, who knows if that would apply. I would ask the seller for sure. It is definitely a male mount on the lens. But thanks for that.

07-05-2022, 04:02 PM - 1 Like	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,477	Nikon and Sony A mount both fit a K Mount cap. The A usually has a lock button on K Mount typically.

07-05-2022, 04:36 PM	#7
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Nikon and Sony A mount both fit a K Mount cap. It is more the cap eliminates Canon FD. It looks like Minolta of that era went without a ring?

07-05-2022, 05:35 PM - 1 Like	#8
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,227	I was thinking anything with autofocus was likely to be Pentax mount because Canon EF and Minolta AF had both ditched the rings. Nikons always have the orange smallest aperture, and sometimes have the little lock thing, but no "A". And I don't think any of the autofocus lenses would have had Ricoh pins to worry about... -Eric

07-05-2022, 06:24 PM - 1 Like	#9
Denver Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 221	Ask to see the front of the lens. A on Pentax lens is a KA lens. On the Pentax Super Program/ SuperA the camera could be set in several modes. Aputure priority, Shutter priority, and Program. A KA lens can be used on many digital cameras as they can set the aperture just will not autofocus

07-05-2022, 06:34 PM - 1 Like	#10
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	That sure looks like the model 52EP I used to have. That was optically like the Tamron 52B or BB, except with a KAF mount. I think you did well. I paid $140 for mine without the hood. It's a very handy size.

07-05-2022, 09:40 PM	#12
rpjallan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,002	Originally posted by GUB It is just that on our national Auction site here in NZ people often fail to identify the lens they are selling properly. What is the Auction site? Just out of interest...

07-06-2022, 05:44 AM - 1 Like	#15
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,363	Originally posted by GUB I took the gamble based also on a "Asahi" mount cap as well. At about US $30 can't really go wrong. The lens cap is more reassuring than the "A" symbol to me. It's not a risky gamble at that price.

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"A" on aperture ring.

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