Legacy lenses and the KP

macabee · 12-02-2018, 01:24 PM - **1 Like**

I have just bought a KP, I have some legacy lenses [SMC M & A series] that I use with my LX. However I still cannot figure out how to achieve this, I connect the lens turn the dial to manual but am unable to set an f stop!

I must seem a bit dim, but I find the manual not much help.

I know that I will kick myself, but I could use some assistance, anybody.

Cheers

Docrwm · 12-02-2018, 01:34 PM

Using Manual Lenses (M42 Screwmount, M , K) on Pentax DSLRs F-- - PentaxForums.com

**pepperberry farm** · 12-02-2018, 01:39 PM

you'll only be able to set the aperture with the camera with an "A" series lens, and then only with the lens set to "A"...

stevebrot · 12-02-2018, 01:44 PM

The manual is rather cryptic on use of lenses where the aperture ring is required to set the f-stop. This includes all K and M series K-mount glass as well as all M42 lenses. A-series lenses should work fine in all exposure modes as long as the aperture ring is locked in the "A" position.

The short answer is that first you must enable the aperture ring in the custom menu:

menu --> C4 --> 24. Using Aperture Ring --> enabled

Unless this is done, the camera will not stop the lens down for exposure. The second point is that you must be in M, X, or B modes for stop-down to work. The third point is that in-camera metering must be done with the lens stopped down. This last may be accomplished in M mode only by use of the green button or optical DOF preview to stop the lens down to allow either automated or manual selection of appropriate shutter speed. Note that ISO is always manual in M mode.

There is a good starting place with links to detailed instructions at the page below:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/110658-...x-dslrs-f.html

There is also a second thread discussing some of the quirks of stop-down metering on Pentax dSLRs:

Stop-down metering, why it is a problem, and how to make it work - PentaxForums.com

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 12-02-2018 at 02:03 PM. Reason: More better link

Adam · 12-02-2018, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by macabee

I have just bought a KP, I have some legacy lenses [SMC M & A series] that I use with my LX. However I still cannot figure out how to achieve this, I connect the lens turn the dial to manual but am unable to set an f stop!

I must seem a bit dim, but I find the manual not much help.

I know that I will kick myself, but I could use some assistance, anybody.

Cheers

For your A type lenses, leave the aperture ring at the A setting and use them just as you would a DA lens, except with manual focus.

The link in post #2 should have you covered for M lenses

**Ranchwagon** · 12-02-2018, 09:34 PM - **3 Likes**

I just got my KP last week thanks to the deal tip-off from this forum. I’ve moved up from a K-30. I also have several M lenses which I’ve used on the K-30 with the instructions referenced above. I agree with the OP that the manual isn’t much help as I wondered if M use on the KP was any different than the K-30. User4, U4, on the mode dial seems to be set up for the M lenses, including aperture ring enable.

You need to input lense focal length at Rec. Mode Menu 4 when using U4.

stevebrot · 12-02-2018, 10:25 PM

Originally posted by Ranchwagon

User4, U4, on the mode dial seems to be set up for the M lenses, including aperture ring enable.

Wow...that is something new. I have no hands-on experience with the KP, but my K-3 came with the User modes undefined (default values). Are the other four User modes also pre-programmed?

Steve

**Ranchwagon** · 12-02-2018, 10:38 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Wow...that is something new. I have no hands-on experience with the KP, but my K-3 came with the User modes undefined (default values). Are the other four User modes also pre-programmed?

Steve

Yes, except U5 which appears to be open or not pre-setup.
U1: HDR landscape
U2: Macro
U3: Astrophoto
U4: Manual
I don’t know enough to explain these other than it says optimal settings are automatically selected.

stevebrot · 12-02-2018, 10:42 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Ranchwagon

Yes, except U5 which appears to be open or not pre-setup.
U1: HDR landscape
U2: Macro
U3: Astrophoto
U4: Manual
I don’t know enough to explain these other than it says optimal settings are automatically selected.

Cool! After I posted my comment above, I took a look at the user manual and there it was on page 108. I learn something new every day.

Steve

Ronald Oakes · 12-03-2018, 09:32 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Ranchwagon

I just got my KP last week thanks to the deal tip-off from this forum. I’ve moved up from a K-30. I also have several M lenses which I’ve used on the K-30 with the instructions referenced above. I agree with the OP that the manual isn’t much help as I wondered if M use on the KP was any different than the K-30. User4, U4, on the mode dial seems to be set up for the M lenses, including aperture ring enable.

You need to input lense focal length at Rec. Mode Menu 4 when using U4.

Thanks ! You will also find the KP is EVERYTHING the K30 wasn't....its a direct Fit as a replacement

ubjy · 12-22-2018, 03:14 AM

Hi Ronald. Does the kp handle. Like the k30. Concerned about size of grip.

reh321 · 12-22-2018, 08:27 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ubjy

Hi Ronald. Does the kp handle. Like the k30. Concerned about size of grip.

I'm not "Ronald" - but I did switch from a K-30 to a KP a couple of weeks ago. Personally I find KP handles at least as well as the K-30 - and I'm using the small grip all the time. Of course, forty years ago, back in the "dark ages", I learned to cradle the camera body in my right hand and use my left hand to hold the lens, which allowed me to handle systems like the one below with no issues.

31 Limited · 12-22-2018, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by reh321

I'm not "Ronald" - but I did switch from a K-30 to a KP a couple of weeks ago. Personally I find KP handles at least as well as the K-30 - and I'm using the small grip all the time. Of course, forty years ago, back in the "dark ages", I learned to cradle the camera body in my right hand and use my left hand to hold the lens, which allowed me to handle systems like the one below with no issues.

I agree completely. I have been using the small grip since I bought my KP, and I also cradle the lens. It is my favorite camera, and handles like a dream for me.

**monochrome** · 12-22-2018, 01:12 PM

I’m using the Medium grip because I have large hands. The KP handles like a SuperPROGRAM, batter fir me than the K-3.

Ronald Oakes · 12-22-2018, 06:20 PM

Originally posted by ubjy

Hi Ronald. Does the kp handle. Like the k30. Concerned about size of grip.

I wouldn't say its very close. The KP feels much less in the hand to me than the K30.....its small !

12-02-2018, 01:24 PM - 1 Like	#1
macabee Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 37	Legacy lenses and the KP I have just bought a KP, I have some legacy lenses [SMC M & A series] that I use with my LX. However I still cannot figure out how to achieve this, I connect the lens turn the dial to manual but am unable to set an f stop! I must seem a bit dim, but I find the manual not much help. I know that I will kick myself, but I could use some assistance, anybody. Cheers

12-02-2018, 01:44 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The manual is rather cryptic on use of lenses where the aperture ring is required to set the f-stop. This includes all K and M series K-mount glass as well as all M42 lenses. A-series lenses should work fine in all exposure modes as long as the aperture ring is locked in the "A" position. The short answer is that first you must enable the aperture ring in the custom menu: menu --> C4 --> 24. Using Aperture Ring --> enabled Unless this is done, the camera will not stop the lens down for exposure. The second point is that you must be in M, X, or B modes for stop-down to work. The third point is that in-camera metering must be done with the lens stopped down. This last may be accomplished in M mode only by use of the green button or optical DOF preview to stop the lens down to allow either automated or manual selection of appropriate shutter speed. Note that ISO is always manual in M mode. There is a good starting place with links to detailed instructions at the page below: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/110658-...x-dslrs-f.html There is also a second thread discussing some of the quirks of stop-down metering on Pentax dSLRs: Stop-down metering, why it is a problem, and how to make it work - PentaxForums.com Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 12-02-2018 at 02:03 PM. Reason: More better link

12-02-2018, 02:51 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by macabee I have just bought a KP, I have some legacy lenses [SMC M & A series] that I use with my LX. However I still cannot figure out how to achieve this, I connect the lens turn the dial to manual but am unable to set an f stop! I must seem a bit dim, but I find the manual not much help. I know that I will kick myself, but I could use some assistance, anybody. Cheers For your A type lenses, leave the aperture ring at the A setting and use them just as you would a DA lens, except with manual focus. The link in post #2 should have you covered for M lenses 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:

12-02-2018, 09:34 PM - 3 Likes	#6
Ranchwagon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kansas Posts: 34	I just got my KP last week thanks to the deal tip-off from this forum. I’ve moved up from a K-30. I also have several M lenses which I’ve used on the K-30 with the instructions referenced above. I agree with the OP that the manual isn’t much help as I wondered if M use on the KP was any different than the K-30. User4, U4, on the mode dial seems to be set up for the M lenses, including aperture ring enable. You need to input lense focal length at Rec. Mode Menu 4 when using U4. Last edited by Ranchwagon; 12-02-2018 at 09:58 PM.

12-22-2018, 08:27 AM - 1 Like	#12
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,181	Originally posted by ubjy Hi Ronald. Does the kp handle. Like the k30. Concerned about size of grip. I'm not "Ronald" - but I did switch from a K-30 to a KP a couple of weeks ago. Personally I find KP handles at least as well as the K-30 - and I'm using the small grip all the time. Of course, forty years ago, back in the "dark ages", I learned to cradle the camera body in my right hand and use my left hand to hold the lens, which allowed me to handle systems like the one below with no issues. Last edited by reh321; 12-22-2018 at 08:35 AM.

12-02-2018, 01:34 PM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Using Manual Lenses (M42 Screwmount, M , K) on Pentax DSLRs F-- - PentaxForums.com

12-02-2018, 01:39 PM	#3
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,751	you'll only be able to set the aperture with the camera with an "A" series lens, and then only with the lens set to "A"...

12-02-2018, 10:25 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Ranchwagon User4, U4, on the mode dial seems to be set up for the M lenses, including aperture ring enable. Wow...that is something new. I have no hands-on experience with the KP, but my K-3 came with the User modes undefined (default values). Are the other four User modes also pre-programmed? Steve

12-02-2018, 10:38 PM - 2 Likes	#8
Ranchwagon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kansas Posts: 34	Originally posted by stevebrot Wow...that is something new. I have no hands-on experience with the KP, but my K-3 came with the User modes undefined (default values). Are the other four User modes also pre-programmed? Steve Yes, except U5 which appears to be open or not pre-setup. U1: HDR landscape U2: Macro U3: Astrophoto U4: Manual I don’t know enough to explain these other than it says optimal settings are automatically selected.

12-02-2018, 10:42 PM - 3 Likes	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Ranchwagon Yes, except U5 which appears to be open or not pre-setup. U1: HDR landscape U2: Macro U3: Astrophoto U4: Manual I don’t know enough to explain these other than it says optimal settings are automatically selected. Cool! After I posted my comment above, I took a look at the user manual and there it was on page 108. I learn something new every day. Steve

12-03-2018, 09:32 AM - 2 Likes	#10
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	Originally posted by Ranchwagon I just got my KP last week thanks to the deal tip-off from this forum. I’ve moved up from a K-30. I also have several M lenses which I’ve used on the K-30 with the instructions referenced above. I agree with the OP that the manual isn’t much help as I wondered if M use on the KP was any different than the K-30. User4, U4, on the mode dial seems to be set up for the M lenses, including aperture ring enable. You need to input lense focal length at Rec. Mode Menu 4 when using U4. Thanks ! You will also find the KP is EVERYTHING the K30 wasn't....its a direct Fit as a replacement

12-22-2018, 03:14 AM	#11
ubjy Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Vale of Glamorgan Posts: 57	Hi Ronald. Does the kp handle. Like the k30. Concerned about size of grip.

12-22-2018, 12:08 PM	#13
31 Limited Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 67	Originally posted by reh321 I'm not "Ronald" - but I did switch from a K-30 to a KP a couple of weeks ago. Personally I find KP handles at least as well as the K-30 - and I'm using the small grip all the time. Of course, forty years ago, back in the "dark ages", I learned to cradle the camera body in my right hand and use my left hand to hold the lens, which allowed me to handle systems like the one below with no issues. I agree completely. I have been using the small grip since I bought my KP, and I also cradle the lens. It is my favorite camera, and handles like a dream for me.

12-22-2018, 01:12 PM	#14
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I’m using the Medium grip because I have large hands. The KP handles like a SuperPROGRAM, batter fir me than the K-3.

12-22-2018, 06:20 PM	#15
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	Originally posted by ubjy Hi Ronald. Does the kp handle. Like the k30. Concerned about size of grip. I wouldn't say its very close. The KP feels much less in the hand to me than the K30.....its small !

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