K-5 body with old Mx lenses?

ElKay23 · 02-16-2012, 02:04 PM

I have been wanting to get a dslr for quite some time now, and am thinking about the K-5. I have a Pentax MX (from 1976) with several lenses and understand it's possible to use these old lenses with the dslr bodies (without af). Does this apply to the smaller bayonet mount of the MX, or is this possible only with the K-series mount size?

**boriscleto** · 02-16-2012, 02:41 PM

A K-mount is a K-mount. The MX did not have a different mount. The only issues you might run into involve third-party lenses. (Aperture Flange & "Ricoh" pin)

vonBaloney · 02-16-2012, 02:43 PM

MX uses the same K-mount as all the rest of them -- the camera is smallish, mount is the same.

Docrwm · 02-16-2012, 03:16 PM

Welcome aboard!

As others have said - it's a K-mount so the lenses are interchangeable with the modern dSLR. I have a trio given to me from my sister and BiL of M28/50/135 that work a treat on my K-x and K-5. Those are among the lenses that were sold on the MX, so you'll be in manual focus and aperture with them but they'll do fine on the modern camera.

ElKay23 · 02-16-2012, 03:32 PM

Cool! I plan on using my old Pentax 1.4 50mm mostly for flower & landscapes & getting a new 300mm lens for wildlife & birds (when I can afford it). I am a photo retoucher by trade, and can't wait to go digital! Haven't done any serious photography in years, my point & shoot is ok, but stifling when I try to work on its images in Photoshop.

stevebrot · 02-16-2012, 04:27 PM

Welcome to the Pentax Forum. As noted above, your lenses will work fine with your K-5. Those with "A" contacts will support all meter modes. Those without can be also be used in M mode. Use the green button for stop-down metering.

Steve

ihasa · 02-16-2012, 04:40 PM

Check out the 'lens club' threads for images which show these old K, M and A lenses in action, and to see how popular they still are.

Adam · 02-16-2012, 04:52 PM

Here's the guide to using M lenses. Just remember to set the camera to M mode and allow use of the aperture ring via the custom function menu

\https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/110657-how-use-meter...k-x-k-7-a.html

Docrwm · 02-16-2012, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by ElKay23

Cool! I plan on using my old Pentax 1.4 50mm mostly for flower & landscapes & getting a new 300mm lens for wildlife & birds (when I can afford it). I am a photo retoucher by trade, and can't wait to go digital! Haven't done any serious photography in years, my point & shoot is ok, but stifling when I try to work on its images in Photoshop.

Very nice lens to start with on a K-5. Have you looked at the DAL 50-300's? They're relatively inexpensive and get good marks for IQ, etc. While certainly not a 300 Prime they also aren't nearly as dear.

**TomB_tx** · 02-16-2012, 06:04 PM

I will point out, as someone who also went to the K-5 to use my MX lenses, that trying to focus them on the K-5 is dismal compared to the MX. The finder seems much smaller and harder to see exact focus. Many suggest a different focusing screen works better - I still have to try that. The K-5 will indicate when it thinks it is in focus, but it isn't very precise.
However, after all that I must say I've gotten some nice results with the K-5 and older lenses. It's just not the joy to use that the MX was.

Sagitta · 02-16-2012, 06:54 PM

Originally posted by TomB_tx

I will point out, as someone who also went to the K-5 to use my MX lenses, that trying to focus them on the K-5 is dismal compared to the MX. The finder seems much smaller and harder to see exact focus. Many suggest a different focusing screen works better - I still have to try that. The K-5 will indicate when it thinks it is in focus, but it isn't very precise.
However, after all that I must say I've gotten some nice results with the K-5 and older lenses. It's just not the joy to use that the MX was.

If I find myself having to do really fine focus and the target isn't running around or moving, the LCD works well for focusing as well. Its kind of awkward, but it works.

**TomB_tx** · 02-16-2012, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by Sagitta

If I find myself having to do really fine focus and the target isn't running around or moving, the LCD works well for focusing as well. Its kind of awkward, but it works.

That may well be true, and a good method. But folks my age used to a real viewfinder for 50 years hate using LCD screens.

ElKay23 · 02-16-2012, 07:54 PM

And you know what I'll miss is the depth of field preview. Appreciate all the input.

ElKay23 · 02-16-2012, 08:47 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Very nice lens to start with on a K-5. Have you looked at the DAL 50-300's? They're relatively inexpensive and get good marks for IQ, etc. While certainly not a 300 Prime they also aren't nearly as dear.

Looked one up, yes that's a good price, worth looking into. My old lens is an 80-210 is a Komuranon.

ElKay23 · 02-17-2012, 11:36 AM

My heart's racing: I have a K-5 Body kit & DA 55-300 from Adorama in my shopping cart. Income tax refund on the way. Should I pull the trigger?

02-16-2012, 02:04 PM	#1
ElKay23 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 27	K-5 body with old Mx lenses? I have been wanting to get a dslr for quite some time now, and am thinking about the K-5. I have a Pentax MX (from 1976) with several lenses and understand it's possible to use these old lenses with the dslr bodies (without af). Does this apply to the smaller bayonet mount of the MX, or is this possible only with the K-series mount size?

02-16-2012, 04:52 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Here's the guide to using M lenses. Just remember to set the camera to M mode and allow use of the aperture ring via the custom function menu \https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/110657-how-use-meter...k-x-k-7-a.html Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

02-17-2012, 11:36 AM	#15
ElKay23 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 27 Original Poster	My heart's racing: I have a K-5 Body kit & DA 55-300 from Adorama in my shopping cart. Income tax refund on the way. Should I pull the trigger? Last edited by ElKay23; 02-17-2012 at 04:16 PM. Reason: changed from DAL to DA

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02-16-2012, 02:41 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	A K-mount is a K-mount. The MX did not have a different mount. The only issues you might run into involve third-party lenses. (Aperture Flange & "Ricoh" pin)

02-16-2012, 02:43 PM	#3
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	MX uses the same K-mount as all the rest of them -- the camera is smallish, mount is the same.

02-16-2012, 03:16 PM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Welcome aboard! As others have said - it's a K-mount so the lenses are interchangeable with the modern dSLR. I have a trio given to me from my sister and BiL of M28/50/135 that work a treat on my K-x and K-5. Those are among the lenses that were sold on the MX, so you'll be in manual focus and aperture with them but they'll do fine on the modern camera.

02-16-2012, 03:32 PM	#5
ElKay23 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 27 Original Poster	Cool! I plan on using my old Pentax 1.4 50mm mostly for flower & landscapes & getting a new 300mm lens for wildlife & birds (when I can afford it). I am a photo retoucher by trade, and can't wait to go digital! Haven't done any serious photography in years, my point & shoot is ok, but stifling when I try to work on its images in Photoshop.

02-16-2012, 04:27 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Welcome to the Pentax Forum. As noted above, your lenses will work fine with your K-5. Those with "A" contacts will support all meter modes. Those without can be also be used in M mode. Use the green button for stop-down metering. Steve

02-16-2012, 04:40 PM	#7
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	Check out the 'lens club' threads for images which show these old K, M and A lenses in action, and to see how popular they still are.

02-16-2012, 05:38 PM	#9
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by ElKay23 Cool! I plan on using my old Pentax 1.4 50mm mostly for flower & landscapes & getting a new 300mm lens for wildlife & birds (when I can afford it). I am a photo retoucher by trade, and can't wait to go digital! Haven't done any serious photography in years, my point & shoot is ok, but stifling when I try to work on its images in Photoshop. Very nice lens to start with on a K-5. Have you looked at the DAL 50-300's? They're relatively inexpensive and get good marks for IQ, etc. While certainly not a 300 Prime they also aren't nearly as dear.

02-16-2012, 06:04 PM	#10
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	I will point out, as someone who also went to the K-5 to use my MX lenses, that trying to focus them on the K-5 is dismal compared to the MX. The finder seems much smaller and harder to see exact focus. Many suggest a different focusing screen works better - I still have to try that. The K-5 will indicate when it thinks it is in focus, but it isn't very precise. However, after all that I must say I've gotten some nice results with the K-5 and older lenses. It's just not the joy to use that the MX was.

02-16-2012, 06:54 PM	#11
Sagitta Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,081	Originally posted by TomB_tx I will point out, as someone who also went to the K-5 to use my MX lenses, that trying to focus them on the K-5 is dismal compared to the MX. The finder seems much smaller and harder to see exact focus. Many suggest a different focusing screen works better - I still have to try that. The K-5 will indicate when it thinks it is in focus, but it isn't very precise. However, after all that I must say I've gotten some nice results with the K-5 and older lenses. It's just not the joy to use that the MX was. If I find myself having to do really fine focus and the target isn't running around or moving, the LCD works well for focusing as well. Its kind of awkward, but it works.

02-16-2012, 07:33 PM	#12
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	Originally posted by Sagitta If I find myself having to do really fine focus and the target isn't running around or moving, the LCD works well for focusing as well. Its kind of awkward, but it works. That may well be true, and a good method. But folks my age used to a real viewfinder for 50 years hate using LCD screens.

02-16-2012, 07:54 PM	#13
ElKay23 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 27 Original Poster	And you know what I'll miss is the depth of field preview. Appreciate all the input.

02-16-2012, 08:47 PM	#14
ElKay23 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 27 Original Poster	Originally posted by Docrwm Very nice lens to start with on a K-5. Have you looked at the DAL 50-300's? They're relatively inexpensive and get good marks for IQ, etc. While certainly not a 300 Prime they also aren't nearly as dear. Looked one up, yes that's a good price, worth looking into. My old lens is an 80-210 is a Komuranon.