Pentax Bellows - what's the 49 adapter look like?

**FozzFoster** · 03-05-2020, 08:12 AM

Hello all!

I received a very cool piece of kit a couple days ago - Asahi Pentax Auto Bellows K Set!

Received these bellows with a bunch of other equipment in a big box..
It came with the original box, packaging, and accessories (release and scales).
However, the box has a sticker on it that says 'w/49Adapter' and I do not believe it came with that..
What does that piece look like?
I imagine that since a screw mount lens is m42 that this adapter it's referring to is not for m42 lenses, but maybe it's for reverse mounting a lens with a 49mm filter thread?
Is that right?
Again, I'm curious what that piece looks like as I could have simply misplaced the adapter among the other gear..
Not sure if I'm going to keep the bellows or if I'm going to sell it and I'd like the kit to be complete.

Thanks in advance!

Attached Images

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**sergysergy** · 03-05-2020, 08:28 AM - **1 Like**

If you google "w/49mm adapter pentax bellows" you can see there are some pictures that show another silver piece of equipment. I believe it is a reversing ring as you suggest.

**FozzFoster** · 03-05-2020, 08:38 AM

Originally posted by sergysergy

If you google

Thanks for the comment, but telling me to google it that doesn't really help me.
Yes, I have tried looking up pictures of the adapter, but have come up with inconsistent results - that's why I turned to this forum.

Example below shows two different rings.. one is not related to bellows, I think. And the other is for m42 mount while my bellows are k mount.

Does anyone know for sure which adapter came with this set? Is it just a generic k-mount to 49 filter adapter?

**whammerhead** · 03-05-2020, 10:02 AM - **1 Like**

Pretty sure it's a reverse adapter 49/52mm as per the lower circled item for greater magnification. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Ordered one a few days ago from eBay but hasn't arrived yet - £8 Inc p&p

TaoMaas · 03-05-2020, 10:15 AM - **1 Like**

I bought a set of those bellows new many years ago and I don't remember any kind of adapter coming with it. Of course, I also don't remember exactly what my box said, so this is probably no help whatsoever.

Great bellows, though.

---------- Post added 03-05-2020 at 01:18 PM ----------

Originally posted by whammerhead

Pretty sure it's a reverse adapter 49/52mm as per the lower circled item for greater magnification.

After I posted my other reply, I started thinking a bit more about it and I'd bet you're right. Most Pentax primes back then took either 49mm or 52mm filters. If it fits 49mm, then it would stand to reason that it might be some sort of reversing ring.

**whammerhead** · 03-05-2020, 10:33 AM - **1 Like**

PENTAX Reverse Adapter K reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Is the adapter on the reverse side of the (pictured in post #1) bellows?

**FozzFoster** · 03-05-2020, 10:45 AM

Originally posted by whammerhead

Is the adapter on the reverse side of the (pictured in post #1) bellows?

Very nice link! I haven't seen this one before..
I don't think I have this adapter then as the bellows appear to have K mount on both sides...

Attached Images

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garywakeling · 03-05-2020, 11:10 AM - **1 Like**

I had the M series bellows, if I remember correctly, if you reverse the front bellows support you can use the ring on the "inside" of the bellows to mount the lens in reverse when using very close focusing distances, perhaps check out the manual for more info.

Not a Number · 03-05-2020, 11:12 AM - **2 Likes**

It's just a thin step up/down ring screwed into the back of the front standard. Loosen the the thumb screw on the front standard and pull the bellows back. The adapter should be there.

Put this on your 49mm filter lenses when you want to reverse the standard. The user manual can be found online that shows how this works.

**FozzFoster** · 03-05-2020, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

It's just a thin step up/down ring screwed into the back of the front standard. Loosen the the thumb screw on the front standard and pull the bellows back. The adapter should be there.

This is perfect @Not a Number; I really appreciate it!

**whammerhead** · 03-05-2020, 12:14 PM - **1 Like**

You may find the following site useful: Extreme Macro Photography
Manual available at ManualsLib - Makes it easy to find manuals online!

stevebrot · 03-05-2020, 02:01 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Not a Number

It's just a thin step up/down ring screwed into the back of the front standard. Loosen the the thumb screw on the front standard and pull the bellows back. The adapter should be there.

Put this on your 49mm filter lenses when you want to reverse the standard. The user manual can be found online that shows how this works.

Yay! Mystery solved!

Steve

**FozzFoster** · 03-05-2020, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Put this on your 49mm filter lenses when you want to reverse the standard.

Just doubled check and you're exactly right.

The adapter sort of stows away when using regular scaling. It might provide a little bit of extra landing pad for the bellows to tighten onto, but is not crucial as there is a ledge on the inside for the pin to ride on.
When reversing the scaling, the whole front panel is reverse and the lens' 49mm filter is not big enough for the bellows to hang onto. The pin will tighten all the way and it won't grip.
Removing the adapter and screwing it into the lens threads allows a lip large enough for the bellows to bite down on.

Thanks again!

Not a Number · 03-05-2020, 10:45 PM - **1 Like**

The ring on the bellows is 52mm so you need the 49mm to 52mm step up ring adapter to attach the bellows to a reversed 49mm filter lens. If the reversed lens uses 52mm diameter filter naturally the adapter is not needed.

My Minolta bellows defaults to 55mm and uses a 49mm to 55mm step up ring but Minolta wasn't clever enough to store the ring on bellows as Pentax does.

The magnetically held magnification scales on the Pentax bellows are quite clever too and solve the problem of zeroing when the back plane is not at the end. The only problem is the scale can stick out in the front and hit the subject being photographed. A+ for cleverness in design, D- for oopsie in actual use.

**FozzFoster** · 03-06-2020, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

The ring on the bellows is 52mm

In my set, it defaults to a 49mm (even says on the box). I tested it out yesterday and all worked great!

And thank you for your insight with the magnetic scales too! I didn't even appreciate that the there would be a problem when the back plane is not at the end.
Thank you for sharing your experience!

03-05-2020, 08:38 AM	#3
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by sergysergy If you google Thanks for the comment, but telling me to google it that doesn't really help me. Yes, I have tried looking up pictures of the adapter, but have come up with inconsistent results - that's why I turned to this forum. Example below shows two different rings.. one is not related to bellows, I think. And the other is for m42 mount while my bellows are k mount. Does anyone know for sure which adapter came with this set? Is it just a generic k-mount to 49 filter adapter? Attached Images

03-05-2020, 10:33 AM - 1 Like	#6
whammerhead Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belfast Posts: 128	PENTAX Reverse Adapter K reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database Is the adapter on the reverse side of the (pictured in post #1) bellows? Last edited by whammerhead; 03-05-2020 at 10:38 AM. Reason: addon

03-05-2020, 07:34 PM	#13
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Put this on your 49mm filter lenses when you want to reverse the standard. Just doubled check and you're exactly right. The adapter sort of stows away when using regular scaling. It might provide a little bit of extra landing pad for the bellows to tighten onto, but is not crucial as there is a ledge on the inside for the pin to ride on. When reversing the scaling, the whole front panel is reverse and the lens' 49mm filter is not big enough for the bellows to hang onto. The pin will tighten all the way and it won't grip. Removing the adapter and screwing it into the lens threads allows a lip large enough for the bellows to bite down on. Thanks again! Last edited by FozzFoster; 03-06-2020 at 07:16 AM.

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03-05-2020, 08:28 AM - 1 Like	#2
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,171	If you google "w/49mm adapter pentax bellows" you can see there are some pictures that show another silver piece of equipment. I believe it is a reversing ring as you suggest.

03-05-2020, 10:02 AM - 1 Like	#4
whammerhead Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belfast Posts: 128	Pretty sure it's a reverse adapter 49/52mm as per the lower circled item for greater magnification. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Ordered one a few days ago from eBay but hasn't arrived yet - £8 Inc p&p

03-05-2020, 10:15 AM - 1 Like	#5
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	I bought a set of those bellows new many years ago and I don't remember any kind of adapter coming with it. Of course, I also don't remember exactly what my box said, so this is probably no help whatsoever. Great bellows, though. ---------- Post added 03-05-2020 at 01:18 PM ---------- Originally posted by whammerhead Pretty sure it's a reverse adapter 49/52mm as per the lower circled item for greater magnification. After I posted my other reply, I started thinking a bit more about it and I'd bet you're right. Most Pentax primes back then took either 49mm or 52mm filters. If it fits 49mm, then it would stand to reason that it might be some sort of reversing ring.

03-05-2020, 11:10 AM - 1 Like	#8
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,759	I had the M series bellows, if I remember correctly, if you reverse the front bellows support you can use the ring on the "inside" of the bellows to mount the lens in reverse when using very close focusing distances, perhaps check out the manual for more info.

03-05-2020, 11:12 AM - 2 Likes	#9
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	It's just a thin step up/down ring screwed into the back of the front standard. Loosen the the thumb screw on the front standard and pull the bellows back. The adapter should be there. Put this on your 49mm filter lenses when you want to reverse the standard. The user manual can be found online that shows how this works.

03-05-2020, 11:36 AM	#10
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number It's just a thin step up/down ring screwed into the back of the front standard. Loosen the the thumb screw on the front standard and pull the bellows back. The adapter should be there. This is perfect @Not a Number; I really appreciate it!

03-05-2020, 12:14 PM - 1 Like	#11
whammerhead Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belfast Posts: 128	You may find the following site useful: Extreme Macro Photography Manual available at ManualsLib - Makes it easy to find manuals online!

03-05-2020, 02:01 PM - 1 Like	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Not a Number It's just a thin step up/down ring screwed into the back of the front standard. Loosen the the thumb screw on the front standard and pull the bellows back. The adapter should be there. Put this on your 49mm filter lenses when you want to reverse the standard. The user manual can be found online that shows how this works. Yay! Mystery solved! Steve

03-05-2020, 10:45 PM - 1 Like	#14
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The ring on the bellows is 52mm so you need the 49mm to 52mm step up ring adapter to attach the bellows to a reversed 49mm filter lens. If the reversed lens uses 52mm diameter filter naturally the adapter is not needed. My Minolta bellows defaults to 55mm and uses a 49mm to 55mm step up ring but Minolta wasn't clever enough to store the ring on bellows as Pentax does. The magnetically held magnification scales on the Pentax bellows are quite clever too and solve the problem of zeroing when the back plane is not at the end. The only problem is the scale can stick out in the front and hit the subject being photographed. A+ for cleverness in design, D- for oopsie in actual use.

03-06-2020, 07:19 AM	#15
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number The ring on the bellows is 52mm In my set, it defaults to a 49mm (even says on the box). I tested it out yesterday and all worked great! And thank you for your insight with the magnetic scales too! I didn't even appreciate that the there would be a problem when the back plane is not at the end. Thank you for sharing your experience!