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TheZuke · 02-14-2017, 09:07 PM

Howdy!
I bought a K-50 a couple of summers ago after our Kodak Z712 IS died of the infamous lens jam.
I am over my head with this one, I usually use it in full auto mode.
Anyway, my (its) biggest short coming is when I take pictures of my daughter's soccer games.
The Pentax 18-55mm WR lens I bought with it doesn't zoom enough to get any decent closeups across the soccer field.
So, 3 weeks ago I bought a zoom lens at Salvation Army for $20... Komuranon 821-S ...doesn't fit.

So, I learned enough to look for a lens that has an A on it.
Today I bought a Five Star MC Auto Macro Zoom 75-200mm at a pawn shop for $20.
It fits. But I am clueless on how to make it work.
I moved the mode dial to M (manual mode, right?)
Now the screen says Input Focal Length (28 30 35) moving the wide angle telephoto wheel changes the numbers, but I don't know which to set it on.
I wouldn't know what an F-stop is if one smacked me upside the head.

Could someone point me to a tutorial or give some tips on how to use it?
At this point, I just want to see if it will give a closer image from a distance.

Sincerely,
TheZuke!

Adam · 02-14-2017, 09:27 PM - **1 Like**

If the lens has an A on the aperture ring, you can keep the camera on P/auto mode.

You will have to focus manually with that lens, though. Hope this helps!

photolady95 · 02-14-2017, 09:34 PM - **1 Like**

Is it like this one?

TOU/FIVE STAR 75-300MM F5.6 MACRO MC Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

And you need to look for lens that are K mount to fit the K-50. K mount is Pentax mount lenses. As for the A, if the lens you have is like the one I linked to, it doesn't have an A. You need to use the green button to be able to use it properly being a newbie.

This tutorial will help with the green button operation:
Using Manual Lenses (M42 Screwmount, M , K) on Pentax DSLRs F-- - PentaxForums.com

**Kerrowdown** · 02-15-2017, 02:22 AM - **1 Like**

Good responses already so I'll just welcome to the forum and to Pentax photography.

**TER-OR** · 02-15-2017, 06:27 AM - **1 Like**

If you want to look for a good budget long zoom, look for a used DA 55-300. The DA-L will be the least expensive, but you'll need an aftermarket zoom. The standard first-generation DA 55-300 should sell for about $150 used now. That's going to do very well for you.

To use the manual lenses, that tutorial is where you need to start. Then it's all about practice, and getting quick at managing the settings, zoom, and focus.

TheZuke · 02-15-2017, 12:00 PM

Adam,
Thank you!
With the camera in P mode, I was able to take some pictures!
IMGP0884 Tree across the street.
IMGP0885 Neighbors mail box (infinity setting)
IMGP0886 Neighbor's dog approx. 2 meters away
IMGP0887 Soccer ball at 3 meters

Sincerely,
TheZuke!

TheZuke · 02-15-2017, 12:03 PM

photolady95,
No, the lens is a 75-200mm.
I am checking out the link right now!
Thanks!
TheZuke!

photolady95 · 02-15-2017, 01:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by TheZuke

photolady95,
No, the lens is a 75-200mm.
I am checking out the link right now!
Thanks!
TheZuke!

Your lens wasn't listed but the one I asked about was and wasn't sure if you made a mistake in typing, some do. I see you got it to work and that's all that matters.

02-14-2017, 09:07 PM	#1
TheZuke New Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Southeastern, Minnesota Posts: 26	New here, noobie at this too! Howdy! I bought a K-50 a couple of summers ago after our Kodak Z712 IS died of the infamous lens jam. I am over my head with this one, I usually use it in full auto mode. Anyway, my (its) biggest short coming is when I take pictures of my daughter's soccer games. The Pentax 18-55mm WR lens I bought with it doesn't zoom enough to get any decent closeups across the soccer field. So, 3 weeks ago I bought a zoom lens at Salvation Army for $20... Komuranon 821-S ...doesn't fit. So, I learned enough to look for a lens that has an A on it. Today I bought a Five Star MC Auto Macro Zoom 75-200mm at a pawn shop for $20. It fits. But I am clueless on how to make it work. I moved the mode dial to M (manual mode, right?) Now the screen says Input Focal Length (28 30 35) moving the wide angle telephoto wheel changes the numbers, but I don't know which to set it on. I wouldn't know what an F-stop is if one smacked me upside the head. Could someone point me to a tutorial or give some tips on how to use it? At this point, I just want to see if it will give a closer image from a distance. Sincerely, TheZuke!

02-14-2017, 09:27 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	If the lens has an A on the aperture ring, you can keep the camera on P/auto mode. You will have to focus manually with that lens, though. Hope this helps! 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:

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02-14-2017, 09:34 PM - 1 Like	#3
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Is it like this one? TOU/FIVE STAR 75-300MM F5.6 MACRO MC Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database And you need to look for lens that are K mount to fit the K-50. K mount is Pentax mount lenses. As for the A, if the lens you have is like the one I linked to, it doesn't have an A. You need to use the green button to be able to use it properly being a newbie. This tutorial will help with the green button operation: Using Manual Lenses (M42 Screwmount, M , K) on Pentax DSLRs F-- - PentaxForums.com

02-15-2017, 02:22 AM - 1 Like	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Good responses already so I'll just welcome to the forum and to Pentax photography.

02-15-2017, 06:27 AM - 1 Like	#5
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	If you want to look for a good budget long zoom, look for a used DA 55-300. The DA-L will be the least expensive, but you'll need an aftermarket zoom. The standard first-generation DA 55-300 should sell for about $150 used now. That's going to do very well for you. To use the manual lenses, that tutorial is where you need to start. Then it's all about practice, and getting quick at managing the settings, zoom, and focus.

02-15-2017, 12:03 PM	#7
TheZuke New Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Southeastern, Minnesota Posts: 26 Original Poster	photolady95, No, the lens is a 75-200mm. I am checking out the link right now! Thanks! TheZuke!

02-15-2017, 01:23 PM - 1 Like	#8
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Originally posted by TheZuke photolady95, No, the lens is a 75-200mm. I am checking out the link right now! Thanks! TheZuke! Your lens wasn't listed but the one I asked about was and wasn't sure if you made a mistake in typing, some do. I see you got it to work and that's all that matters.

New here, noobie at this too!

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!