The M Club!

**DanS** · 04-06-2010, 08:46 PM

Hi, folks. I looked through many of the pages in this forum and I am impressed by the pictures you have taken with these supposedly "old" lenses. I also have a good selection of M lenses which I purchased new in the '70s and '80s. In fact, I stayed with Pentax so I could use these lenses with a digital camera. Unfortunately, "high tech. chic" struck and I purchased a couple DA and FA zooms and the FA 50/1.4. This was due to the hard time I had using the M lenses on the K20 body.

My method is this:
- set the mode dial to M, focus mode lever to M, metering to center-weighted, and AF dial to spot (although I think that center-weighted and spot and the manual defaults).
- set the f-stop on the lens
- compose and focus
- press the green button to set the exposure time
- take the shot.
However, the exposure seems to change continuously. I rarely had an exposure problem when using M lenses on my ol' LX body.

Is this a good method for using manual lenses on the digital body? What can I do to improve it? Any help will be appreciated.

My M collection consists of: 28/2.8, 50/1.4, 100/4 macro, 80-200/4.5, M*300/4. I'd love to add the K15/3.5 and the M20/4.

Dan

Recercare · 04-07-2010, 02:08 AM

Originally posted by DanS

Hi, folks. I looked through many of the pages in this forum and I am impressed by the pictures you have taken with these supposedly "old" lenses. I also have a good selection of M lenses which I purchased new in the '70s and '80s. In fact, I stayed with Pentax so I could use these lenses with a digital camera. Unfortunately, "high tech. chic" struck and I purchased a couple DA and FA zooms and the FA 50/1.4. This was due to the hard time I had using the M lenses on the K20 body.

My method is this:
- set the mode dial to M, focus mode lever to M, metering to center-weighted, and AF dial to spot (although I think that center-weighted and spot and the manual defaults).
- set the f-stop on the lens
- compose and focus
- press the green button to set the exposure time
- take the shot.
However, the exposure seems to change continuously. I rarely had an exposure problem when using M lenses on my ol' LX body.

Is this a good method for using manual lenses on the digital body? What can I do to improve it? Any help will be appreciated.

My M collection consists of: 28/2.8, 50/1.4, 100/4 macro, 80-200/4.5, M*300/4. I'd love to add the K15/3.5 and the M20/4.

Dan

What is the problem with exposure? Is it always over/under-exposure or do you experience that sometimes it overexposes and at other times it underexposes? When using M/K-lenses on my K10d I have to change shutter speed 1-2 stops. This is not a problem for me because the underexposure is consistent.

Kind regards
.lars

GeneV · 04-07-2010, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by DanS

Hi, folks. I looked through many of the pages in this forum and I am impressed by the pictures you have taken with these supposedly "old" lenses. I also have a good selection of M lenses which I purchased new in the '70s and '80s. In fact, I stayed with Pentax so I could use these lenses with a digital camera. Unfortunately, "high tech. chic" struck and I purchased a couple DA and FA zooms and the FA 50/1.4. This was due to the hard time I had using the M lenses on the K20 body.

My method is this:
- set the mode dial to M, focus mode lever to M, metering to center-weighted, and AF dial to spot (although I think that center-weighted and spot and the manual defaults).
- set the f-stop on the lens
- compose and focus
- press the green button to set the exposure time
- take the shot.
However, the exposure seems to change continuously. I rarely had an exposure problem when using M lenses on my ol' LX body.

Is this a good method for using manual lenses on the digital body? What can I do to improve it? Any help will be appreciated.

My M collection consists of: 28/2.8, 50/1.4, 100/4 macro, 80-200/4.5, M*300/4. I'd love to add the K15/3.5 and the M20/4.

Dan

Dan, welcome to the board. This thread is mainly for posting photos, but there have been numerous threads on the exposure issues with M and K lenses on digital bodies. Lowell Goudge even plotted the curve of exposure response at various apertures in one of these threads. I would suggest you do a search, because there is some great information in those threads that probably does not need to be repeated.

yeatzee · 04-07-2010, 07:13 AM

I swear this is the only lens i grab for now.....

Anyways I happened to have my camera and the M 85mm on me when my friend brought his 15 month old brother to our church. I was sitting bored outside so I decided to take some pictures of him

these were all at dusk, therefor it got dark FAST. Best I could do with what I had on me though:

All @ F/2.8

Pentaxor · 04-07-2010, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by yeatzee

I swear this is the only lens i grab for now.....

Anyways I happened to have my camera and the M 85mm on me when my friend brought his 15 month old brother to our church. I was sitting bored outside so I decided to take some pictures of him

these were all at dusk, therefor it got dark FAST. Best I could do with what I had on me though:

All @ F/2.8

very nice yeatzee. somehow resembles the FA77 bokeh. oh and very sharp as well at f2.8. maybe a bit of sharpening enhancement?

DougLee · 04-07-2010, 12:40 PM

I've lurked long enough! Time to start contributing. I love my Ms. I've got a 50 1.7, 28 3.5, 100 2.8 and a 200 4.

This is from the M100 f2.8, nice and sharp in my view.

yeatzee · 04-07-2010, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by Pentaxor

very nice yeatzee. somehow resembles the FA77 bokeh. oh and very sharp as well at f2.8. maybe a bit of sharpening enhancement?

A tiny bit because of the lack of sharpness from RAW vs. Jpeg but thats it. Mostly contrast is upped for the eyes

**DanS** · 04-07-2010, 04:02 PM

Recercare, under exposure or over exposure is not consistant. It is a puzzle.

**DanS** · 04-07-2010, 04:03 PM

GeneV, thank for the tip.

kiwao · 04-07-2010, 06:41 PM

More cherry blossom madness

Photos taken with my other lenses look flat compared to images taken with this lens. Maybe it is because of the focal length? I dunno why?

IowaBoy · 04-07-2010, 10:17 PM

Kiwao I love your pictures and I can't wait for our cherry trees to bloom. I know what you mean about other lens looking flat. This is my 1st photo with my 135 3.5

systemA · 04-07-2010, 10:19 PM

Fantastic shots in here. I just dusted off my M-50/2 cheapo prime and will post some shots later. I'm anxious to see the bokeh results

HoBykoYan · 04-07-2010, 11:19 PM

Here's mine taken 4hrs ago with my M 50mm f2

DougLee · 04-08-2010, 07:02 AM

I got this lens with the K1000 that my parents got me back in
19.....

...nevermind!

tokyoso · 04-08-2010, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by DougLee

I got this lens with the K1000 that my parents got me back in
19.....

...nevermind!

got any pics from your 28 3.5 ?

04-06-2010, 08:46 PM	#1501
DanS Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 58	This looks to be a lot of fun, but... Hi, folks. I looked through many of the pages in this forum and I am impressed by the pictures you have taken with these supposedly "old" lenses. I also have a good selection of M lenses which I purchased new in the '70s and '80s. In fact, I stayed with Pentax so I could use these lenses with a digital camera. Unfortunately, "high tech. chic" struck and I purchased a couple DA and FA zooms and the FA 50/1.4. This was due to the hard time I had using the M lenses on the K20 body. My method is this: - set the mode dial to M, focus mode lever to M, metering to center-weighted, and AF dial to spot (although I think that center-weighted and spot and the manual defaults). - set the f-stop on the lens - compose and focus - press the green button to set the exposure time - take the shot. However, the exposure seems to change continuously. I rarely had an exposure problem when using M lenses on my ol' LX body. Is this a good method for using manual lenses on the digital body? What can I do to improve it? Any help will be appreciated. My M collection consists of: 28/2.8, 50/1.4, 100/4 macro, 80-200/4.5, M*300/4. I'd love to add the K15/3.5 and the M20/4. Dan

04-07-2010, 07:13 AM	#1504
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Some more M 85mm I swear this is the only lens i grab for now..... Anyways I happened to have my camera and the M 85mm on me when my friend brought his 15 month old brother to our church. I was sitting bored outside so I decided to take some pictures of him these were all at dusk, therefor it got dark FAST. Best I could do with what I had on me though: All @ F/2.8

04-07-2010, 06:41 PM	#1510
kiwao Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: tokyo Posts: 83	more from the 135 f3.5 More cherry blossom madness Photos taken with my other lenses look flat compared to images taken with this lens. Maybe it is because of the focal length? I dunno why?

04-08-2010, 07:02 AM	#1514
DougLee Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bar Harbor, Maine Posts: 110	M50mm f1.7 I got this lens with the K1000 that my parents got me back in 19..... ...nevermind!

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04-07-2010, 02:08 AM	#1502
Recercare Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 359	Originally posted by DanS Hi, folks. I looked through many of the pages in this forum and I am impressed by the pictures you have taken with these supposedly "old" lenses. I also have a good selection of M lenses which I purchased new in the '70s and '80s. In fact, I stayed with Pentax so I could use these lenses with a digital camera. Unfortunately, "high tech. chic" struck and I purchased a couple DA and FA zooms and the FA 50/1.4. This was due to the hard time I had using the M lenses on the K20 body. My method is this: - set the mode dial to M, focus mode lever to M, metering to center-weighted, and AF dial to spot (although I think that center-weighted and spot and the manual defaults). - set the f-stop on the lens - compose and focus - press the green button to set the exposure time - take the shot. However, the exposure seems to change continuously. I rarely had an exposure problem when using M lenses on my ol' LX body. Is this a good method for using manual lenses on the digital body? What can I do to improve it? Any help will be appreciated. My M collection consists of: 28/2.8, 50/1.4, 100/4 macro, 80-200/4.5, M*300/4. I'd love to add the K15/3.5 and the M20/4. Dan What is the problem with exposure? Is it always over/under-exposure or do you experience that sometimes it overexposes and at other times it underexposes? When using M/K-lenses on my K10d I have to change shutter speed 1-2 stops. This is not a problem for me because the underexposure is consistent. Kind regards .lars

04-07-2010, 05:57 AM	#1503
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by DanS Hi, folks. I looked through many of the pages in this forum and I am impressed by the pictures you have taken with these supposedly "old" lenses. I also have a good selection of M lenses which I purchased new in the '70s and '80s. In fact, I stayed with Pentax so I could use these lenses with a digital camera. Unfortunately, "high tech. chic" struck and I purchased a couple DA and FA zooms and the FA 50/1.4. This was due to the hard time I had using the M lenses on the K20 body. My method is this: - set the mode dial to M, focus mode lever to M, metering to center-weighted, and AF dial to spot (although I think that center-weighted and spot and the manual defaults). - set the f-stop on the lens - compose and focus - press the green button to set the exposure time - take the shot. However, the exposure seems to change continuously. I rarely had an exposure problem when using M lenses on my ol' LX body. Is this a good method for using manual lenses on the digital body? What can I do to improve it? Any help will be appreciated. My M collection consists of: 28/2.8, 50/1.4, 100/4 macro, 80-200/4.5, M*300/4. I'd love to add the K15/3.5 and the M20/4. Dan Dan, welcome to the board. This thread is mainly for posting photos, but there have been numerous threads on the exposure issues with M and K lenses on digital bodies. Lowell Goudge even plotted the curve of exposure response at various apertures in one of these threads. I would suggest you do a search, because there is some great information in those threads that probably does not need to be repeated.

04-07-2010, 08:13 AM	#1505
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by yeatzee I swear this is the only lens i grab for now..... Anyways I happened to have my camera and the M 85mm on me when my friend brought his 15 month old brother to our church. I was sitting bored outside so I decided to take some pictures of him these were all at dusk, therefor it got dark FAST. Best I could do with what I had on me though: All @ F/2.8 very nice yeatzee. somehow resembles the FA77 bokeh. oh and very sharp as well at f2.8. maybe a bit of sharpening enhancement?

04-07-2010, 12:40 PM	#1506
DougLee Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bar Harbor, Maine Posts: 110	I've lurked long enough! Time to start contributing. I love my Ms. I've got a 50 1.7, 28 3.5, 100 2.8 and a 200 4. This is from the M100 f2.8, nice and sharp in my view.

04-07-2010, 02:34 PM	#1507
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by Pentaxor very nice yeatzee. somehow resembles the FA77 bokeh. oh and very sharp as well at f2.8. maybe a bit of sharpening enhancement? A tiny bit because of the lack of sharpness from RAW vs. Jpeg but thats it. Mostly contrast is upped for the eyes

04-07-2010, 04:02 PM	#1508
DanS Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 58	Recercare, under exposure or over exposure is not consistant. It is a puzzle.

04-07-2010, 04:03 PM	#1509
DanS Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 58	GeneV, thank for the tip.

04-07-2010, 10:17 PM	#1511
IowaBoy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery Posts: 192	Kiwao I love your pictures and I can't wait for our cherry trees to bloom. I know what you mean about other lens looking flat. This is my 1st photo with my 135 3.5

04-07-2010, 10:19 PM	#1512
systemA Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 385	Fantastic shots in here. I just dusted off my M-50/2 cheapo prime and will post some shots later. I'm anxious to see the bokeh results

04-08-2010, 01:22 PM	#1515
tokyoso Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tokyo Photos: Albums Posts: 723	Originally posted by DougLee I got this lens with the K1000 that my parents got me back in 19..... ...nevermind! got any pics from your 28 3.5 ?

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