[runes]

I'm in the market for a new lens for my k100d... So i'm here checking the pentax website to see what my options are

i come across this..
Pentax Canada - Compatibility of Pentax Lenses
as i'm sure you've all seen.

But i don't understand what those correspond to. This suggests that A(num), A("A"), AF,smc; M

are best for my camera. so when i go back to here

Pentax Canada - DA & DFA Series Lenses

to see what's what, i don't get what A# or A"letter" or AF etc corresponds to

all i see are P-DA, DA, P-D FA..



?

[Marc Sabatella]

That chart is a hopelessly confusing mess. Ignore it, and instead read one of the simpler text descriptions of what these letters mean, like this one:

Pentax Lens Terminology

Basically, though, anythng with the letter "D" in the name is intended to be 100% compatible with a digital DSLR, with full auto exposure and auto focus control.

*Except* that the K100D - unlike the K100D Super - lacks SDM capability. So it will not do AF with lenses that are SDM only. Most SDM lenses also allow for the old-style "screw drive" AF mechanism, but the DA17-70, for example, does not. I think the DA*55 does not, either. But I would trust the numbers in the charts like the above to tell you that, since people don't tend to use those mount designations accurately. For any lens listed as being SDM, I'd read the description of the lens, read reviews, and look for specific mention of whether it *also* supports screw drive focus.

[Ash]

Welcome to the forum.
Congrats on the K100D - a fine beginner's camera.
You may want to start here to answer your question: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-articles/64298-pentax-lenses-explained.html

Then ask whatever's not clear to you in the Beginner's Q&A section for more prompt answers.

[runes]

well that sucks, i really wanted the f1.4

[Ash]

There is always the FA 50 f/1.4, which is not slouch in performance either.

[keyser]

Yes, compatibility charts are confusing so I'll simplify....

If it says Pentax and it's made out of plastic, it works with your camera

[Ole]

The ultimate Pentax lens compatibility chart:

The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

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Last edited by Ole; 12-03-2009 at 06:59 PM.

[Quicksand]

I'm in the market for a new lens for my k100d... So i'm here checking the pentax website to see what my options are

i come across this..
Pentax Canada - Compatibility of Pentax Lenses
as i'm sure you've all seen.

But i don't understand what those correspond to. This suggests that A(num), A("A"), AF,smc; M

Oh my god, that's one of the worst charts I have ever seen! When is it from, 2004?

(Not your fault -- Pentax Canada is engaging in commercial malpractice having that available on the web!)

The newest cameras on that list are the *ist D and DS, which are OLD.

You'll see "K-series" on the table, but that DOES NOT refer to the recent K100, K100 super, K110, K200, K10, K20, K-m, K2000, or the current K-7 or K-x. That's the old film K-series.

So for your camera, ignore that chart entirely. Go with the others' advice above.

Jeez, that's awful even by Pentax marketing standards.