Best camera for manual lenses

hcarvalhoalves · 03-31-2012, 09:11 PM

Asking expert advice:

What's the best camera out there for using with manual lenses (specially M42)? I want a digital camera, not necessarly Pentax, with a pleasant viewfinder and compact body that can take those lenses.

After having bought a stash of used Pentax lenses, I figured out I used (and enjoyed) the manual lenses the most, but manual focus on the viewfinder of my K-x sucks. Also, I could use smaller body. Any ideas? Thx

pinholecam · 04-01-2012, 02:46 AM

Since you have Pentax MF as well as M42 ones, I'd say consider the K-01.
Its right sized and works with focus peaking and one of the best APS-C sensors out there.
Furthermore, you keep the camera company you like alive by buying their products (which is not a bad product at all); so a win-win.

If you have M or LTM lenses, then either NEX5n or GXR M-mount.
The NEX has better low light performance, MP and better LCD/EVF if you buy one, but mainly menu diving interface.
The GXR has better color OOC, more buttons, sharper o/p w/o AA filter.
Both have peaking to help MF.

Else, you can consider a FF 2nd hand 5D. The downside is that its the price of a new K5 and the K5 thumps it for o/p, AF, etc.
I considered this option, but gave up for the reason above and I can shoot my RB67 if I want shallow DOF for the same FOV.
5DII is viable too if you are willing to spend on one. Lots of folks selling it for the 5DIII. Pretty expensive for a MF platform though...

Gd luck on your search.

Na Horuk · 04-01-2012, 11:02 AM

Well, the best were old film SLR lol
If I were you I would wait for Pentax to announce their new products, as there are rumours they will have big 100% optical viewfinders. Maybe they will also feature focus peaking. Something like that, maybe adding a focusing screen or a magnified eyecup.. that would really be a Manual Focus beast!
Other cameras with focus peaking are also candidates, but some people prefer to look through an OVF rather than at a screen, especially on sunny days. And when it comes to M42 compatibility I think Pentax takes the cake.

hcarvalhoalves · 04-01-2012, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by pinholecam

Since you have Pentax MF as well as M42 ones, I'd say consider the K-01.
Its right sized and works with focus peaking and one of the best APS-C sensors out there.
Furthermore, you keep the camera company you like alive by buying their products (which is not a bad product at all); so a win-win.

Sadly, the K-01 doesn't feature a viewfinder - otherwise I would have chosen it already, hands down.

Originally posted by pinholecam

If you have M or LTM lenses, then either NEX5n or GXR M-mount.
The NEX has better low light performance, MP and better LCD/EVF if you buy one, but mainly menu diving interface.
The GXR has better color OOC, more buttons, sharper o/p w/o AA filter.
Both have peaking to help MF.

I have tried the NEX already, but hated it's ergonomics. The GXR with the M-mount is truly interesting (I could also trade my K lens for some M ones), but unfortunately Ricoh products are even harder to find here in Brazil than Pentax ones - I couldn't find one retailer selling a GXR.

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Well, the best were old film SLR lol

I'm afraid you're right

I would love to still use one, but film processing is not a viable option for me.

Originally posted by Na Horuk

If I were you I would wait for Pentax to announce their new products, as there are rumours they will have big 100% optical viewfinders. Maybe they will also feature focus peaking. Something like that, maybe adding a focusing screen or a magnified eyecup.. that would really be a Manual Focus beast!
Other cameras with focus peaking are also candidates, but some people prefer to look through an OVF rather than at a screen, especially on sunny days. And when it comes to M42 compatibility I think Pentax takes the cake

Looks like it. I just wish Pentax released a no-fuss camera with a great viewfinder and a more compact (or square) form-factor. I can't stand the ammount of attention a DSLR grabs.

richard balonglong · 04-04-2012, 08:50 AM

For manual focusing, a good camera for it would be a full frame since your lenses were made for 35mm format cameras and it has a huge viewfinder. But if you don't prefer a full frame, any camera using a penta-prism for its viewfinder, like those from Pentax's K-7 and K-5 (which are compact). It's more easier to view from it and brighter. And also replace your focusing screen with a split focusing screen, it's way more easier to focus manually with it.

**Lowell Goudge** · 04-05-2012, 08:32 AM

Lets break this down into a couple of different points.

1) We neeed to determine first and foremost whether you want a full frame sensor or not.

If you want full frame, then for manual lenses, the best (IMO) is a canon. This is because canon has the shortest regestry distance of the major camera makers (pentax included) and also a very large diameter mount. Therefore for virtually any MF lens there is for 35mm film, it is relitively simple to get a mechanical adaptor to attach your lens to the camera and using stopped down metering and manual focus, take quality shots.

A canon user would be best at explaining the exposure functions and flash capabilities to you as I don't own one personally.

2) do you want support for flash better than using a flash capible of "AUTO"

If the answer is yes to this question, then really the *istD series of cameras is for you, because the *istD DS and DS2 at leaast, can support not only P-TTL flash (for lenses with A setting) but also TTL flash as these cameras have a dedicated flash sensor that takes light reflected right off the sensor, and therefore do not need to know any information about the lens to get the exposure.

3) Metering accuracy.

I can't comment about canon cameras and metering, but within pentax, from my experience, only the K5D has metering accuracy that is as good as the origonal *istD with manual lenses. I have posted at length about the inaccuracies of other bodies, with manual aperture lenses.

4) view finders

Full Frame cameras are better than ASP-C s they have bigger brighter viewfinders than ASP-C cameras, ASP-C cameras with Penta Prisms are better than those with penta mirrors, so in pentax this leaves you getting the higher end cameras,

luizpaulo · 04-05-2012, 01:04 PM

Trying to buy Pentax equipment in Brazil is really hard, I can only image Ricoh. I hope they plan to change that. We only have canon/nikon/sony options for DSLRs, even 4/3 are harder to find. I got my K-r and K-01 from family/friends that went to US.

By the way I recommend you think again about the K-01. LCD + Focus Peaking beats any VF by a large margin. It's so nice I'm barely using the AF on my K-01 no matter which lens is on it. Too bad you don't live in the same city as me, otherwise we could get together and I could show it to you in person.

I suggest you at least wait for the K-5 replacement that should come with this feature.

ripit · 04-07-2012, 09:00 PM

Just a little word of warning. The ist-d can do full ttl but the ist-ds can only do it with external flashes. If I understand right, if the flash is both p-ttl and ttl the ds will default to p-ttl and not work too. I have the ds and it works fine with externals but the internal not working can be a little annoying at times.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-camera-articles/2345-pentax-d...l-flash-2.html

03-31-2012, 09:11 PM	#1
hcarvalhoalves Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: São Paulo, Brazil Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,019	Best camera for manual lenses Asking expert advice: What's the best camera out there for using with manual lenses (specially M42)? I want a digital camera, not necessarly Pentax, with a pleasant viewfinder and compact body that can take those lenses. After having bought a stash of used Pentax lenses, I figured out I used (and enjoyed) the manual lenses the most, but manual focus on the viewfinder of my K-x sucks. Also, I could use smaller body. Any ideas? Thx

04-04-2012, 08:50 AM	#5
richard balonglong Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Baguio City, Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 350	For manual focusing, a good camera for it would be a full frame since your lenses were made for 35mm format cameras and it has a huge viewfinder. But if you don't prefer a full frame, any camera using a penta-prism for its viewfinder, like those from Pentax's K-7 and K-5 (which are compact). It's more easier to view from it and brighter. And also replace your focusing screen with a split focusing screen, it's way more easier to focus manually with it. Last edited by richard balonglong; 04-04-2012 at 08:57 AM.

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04-01-2012, 02:46 AM	#2
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Since you have Pentax MF as well as M42 ones, I'd say consider the K-01. Its right sized and works with focus peaking and one of the best APS-C sensors out there. Furthermore, you keep the camera company you like alive by buying their products (which is not a bad product at all); so a win-win. If you have M or LTM lenses, then either NEX5n or GXR M-mount. The NEX has better low light performance, MP and better LCD/EVF if you buy one, but mainly menu diving interface. The GXR has better color OOC, more buttons, sharper o/p w/o AA filter. Both have peaking to help MF. Else, you can consider a FF 2nd hand 5D. The downside is that its the price of a new K5 and the K5 thumps it for o/p, AF, etc. I considered this option, but gave up for the reason above and I can shoot my RB67 if I want shallow DOF for the same FOV. 5DII is viable too if you are willing to spend on one. Lots of folks selling it for the 5DIII. Pretty expensive for a MF platform though... Gd luck on your search.

04-01-2012, 11:02 AM	#3
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Well, the best were old film SLR lol If I were you I would wait for Pentax to announce their new products, as there are rumours they will have big 100% optical viewfinders. Maybe they will also feature focus peaking. Something like that, maybe adding a focusing screen or a magnified eyecup.. that would really be a Manual Focus beast! Other cameras with focus peaking are also candidates, but some people prefer to look through an OVF rather than at a screen, especially on sunny days. And when it comes to M42 compatibility I think Pentax takes the cake.

04-01-2012, 01:34 PM	#4
hcarvalhoalves Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: São Paulo, Brazil Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,019 Original Poster	Originally posted by pinholecam Since you have Pentax MF as well as M42 ones, I'd say consider the K-01. Its right sized and works with focus peaking and one of the best APS-C sensors out there. Furthermore, you keep the camera company you like alive by buying their products (which is not a bad product at all); so a win-win. Sadly, the K-01 doesn't feature a viewfinder - otherwise I would have chosen it already, hands down. Originally posted by pinholecam If you have M or LTM lenses, then either NEX5n or GXR M-mount. The NEX has better low light performance, MP and better LCD/EVF if you buy one, but mainly menu diving interface. The GXR has better color OOC, more buttons, sharper o/p w/o AA filter. Both have peaking to help MF. I have tried the NEX already, but hated it's ergonomics. The GXR with the M-mount is truly interesting (I could also trade my K lens for some M ones), but unfortunately Ricoh products are even harder to find here in Brazil than Pentax ones - I couldn't find one retailer selling a GXR. Originally posted by Na Horuk Well, the best were old film SLR lol I'm afraid you're right I would love to still use one, but film processing is not a viable option for me. Originally posted by Na Horuk If I were you I would wait for Pentax to announce their new products, as there are rumours they will have big 100% optical viewfinders. Maybe they will also feature focus peaking. Something like that, maybe adding a focusing screen or a magnified eyecup.. that would really be a Manual Focus beast! Other cameras with focus peaking are also candidates, but some people prefer to look through an OVF rather than at a screen, especially on sunny days. And when it comes to M42 compatibility I think Pentax takes the cake Looks like it. I just wish Pentax released a no-fuss camera with a great viewfinder and a more compact (or square) form-factor. I can't stand the ammount of attention a DSLR grabs.

04-05-2012, 08:32 AM	#6
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	Lets break this down into a couple of different points. 1) We neeed to determine first and foremost whether you want a full frame sensor or not. If you want full frame, then for manual lenses, the best (IMO) is a canon. This is because canon has the shortest regestry distance of the major camera makers (pentax included) and also a very large diameter mount. Therefore for virtually any MF lens there is for 35mm film, it is relitively simple to get a mechanical adaptor to attach your lens to the camera and using stopped down metering and manual focus, take quality shots. A canon user would be best at explaining the exposure functions and flash capabilities to you as I don't own one personally. 2) do you want support for flash better than using a flash capible of "AUTO" If the answer is yes to this question, then really the istD series of cameras is for you, because the istD DS and DS2 at leaast, can support not only P-TTL flash (for lenses with A setting) but also TTL flash as these cameras have a dedicated flash sensor that takes light reflected right off the sensor, and therefore do not need to know any information about the lens to get the exposure. 3) Metering accuracy. I can't comment about canon cameras and metering, but within pentax, from my experience, only the K5D has metering accuracy that is as good as the origonal *istD with manual lenses. I have posted at length about the inaccuracies of other bodies, with manual aperture lenses. 4) view finders Full Frame cameras are better than ASP-C s they have bigger brighter viewfinders than ASP-C cameras, ASP-C cameras with Penta Prisms are better than those with penta mirrors, so in pentax this leaves you getting the higher end cameras,

04-05-2012, 01:04 PM	#7
luizpaulo Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 106	Trying to buy Pentax equipment in Brazil is really hard, I can only image Ricoh. I hope they plan to change that. We only have canon/nikon/sony options for DSLRs, even 4/3 are harder to find. I got my K-r and K-01 from family/friends that went to US. By the way I recommend you think again about the K-01. LCD + Focus Peaking beats any VF by a large margin. It's so nice I'm barely using the AF on my K-01 no matter which lens is on it. Too bad you don't live in the same city as me, otherwise we could get together and I could show it to you in person. I suggest you at least wait for the K-5 replacement that should come with this feature.

04-07-2012, 09:00 PM	#8
ripit Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NewYork Posts: 899	Just a little word of warning. The ist-d can do full ttl but the ist-ds can only do it with external flashes. If I understand right, if the flash is both p-ttl and ttl the ds will default to p-ttl and not work too. I have the ds and it works fine with externals but the internal not working can be a little annoying at times. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-camera-articles/2345-pentax-d...l-flash-2.html