6X7 lens on a K10D

mstolt · 04-06-2009, 06:55 AM

I know from reviewing the Medium Format threads that it is possible to use 6X7 lenses on a K10D with the proper adapter. I have also tried to get through the lengthy thread on the technical aspects on the subject, but admittedly, I'm just not that technical.

I am looking into various options to get a 400mm or 500mm MF lens for "shooting" birds (even looking at old "screw-mount" lenses). Best f-stop seems to be at 5.6.

A friend has offered to let me have first look at his aunt's 6X7 lenses from an upcoming estate sale. I won't have an opportunity to look at the collection for another week or two.

Based on what I'm looking to shoot, what primes might I be looking for? what kind of results might I get? is it even worth going down the path?

Thanks in advance for your input!
Mark

Jewelltrail · 04-06-2009, 08:35 AM

Mark:

There is some great information here Antique and Classic Cameras which you can use to help make your decision--all lenses are rated. You do not mention your budget, but clearly the SMC Pentax-M* 67 400mm f/4 ED is a fantastic lens. There are 3 reviews of it in our database: Pentax Lens Review Database - 400mm F4 ED [IF] Just keep in mind how very heavy the 67 long glass is. For example even though the above glass is rated as "stunning," it weighs in at just over 8 pounds. Note the difference in the 6 X 7 lenses and the 67 lenses, the latter of which denote later model lenses.

This 6 X 7 400 Pentax Lens Review Database - 400mm F4 is a less expensive model. As usual, Ebay sometimes offers great pricing in these areas: just know what you want and set a price limit.

I would try to find one of the older, Super Takumar 6X7 400mm f/4s. They are a lighter and more apt to sell for an affordable price.

As for results, check out some of the shots in this thread--there is one shot in there with a 6 x 7 300mm---a bird shot. All of my pics are from 200mm & 55mm 67s. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/49428-medium-f...-sensor-9.html Best of Luck.

mstolt · 04-17-2009, 01:18 PM

Thanks for the information Jewelltrail! Ubfortunatley, my friends lens were in pretty bad shape. I'll keep an eye out though.

PS: I saw in a different post that you won the "sticky" Sigma 400. I finished 3rd in the bidding - darn! Hope it cleans up well for you!
Any pictures yet?
Mark

Jewelltrail · 04-18-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Thanks for the information Jewelltrail! Ubfortunatley, my friends lens were in pretty bad shape. I'll keep an eye out though.

PS: I saw in a different post that you won the "sticky" Sigma 400. I finished 3rd in the bidding - darn! Hope it cleans up well for you!
Any pictures yet?
Mark

Mark, the lens was a disaster--produced the worst images I have ever seen. I had to return it. Pictures were void of contrast and were very hazy. This lens is known for this problem.

The stickiness was not a problem at all.

mstolt · 04-18-2009, 05:47 AM

Jewelltrail,
Sorry to hear the lens didn't work out. Maybe we can "arm wrestle" over another one soon!
Mark

K-9 · 05-06-2009, 11:25 AM

What focal length do these lenses become on the K10D or K20D. For instance, do you take the 35mm focal equivalent of the medium format lens and times that by 1.5 or the medium format focal length?

So, would the 165mm 67 lens be a 247.5mm (165 x 1.5) or a 124mm (82.5 x 1.5) on a Pentax DSLR?

surfotog · 05-06-2009, 01:21 PM

A 165mm lens ia always that, regardless of the format it is used on. What changes is the field of view. Your 165/2.8 Pentax 67 lens on an APS-C digital camera will yield the equivalent field of view of a 247.5 mm lens on a 35mm camera.

An easy way to visualize this is to draw rectangles the size of the format used. Start with the 55mm x 70mm frame of the 67 cameras. Inside that, in the center, draw the 24mm x 36mm frame of a 35mm camera. Inside that, draw the dimensions of the APS-C frame, approx. 15.6mm x23.6mm. This will give you a good visual representation of how different formats "see" .

K-9 · 05-07-2009, 09:40 AM

That's pretty crazy to be able to have a 247.5 f2.8 for a digital camera. Does anyone know what brand makes a good 67 to K mount converter that syncs up with DSLR's? I've seen one on ebay from a seller in Asia, but it seems like a generic issued adaptor.

D W · 05-08-2009, 06:04 AM

Pentax made adapters for 67 lenses to 645 and K cameras. I personally prefer Pentax brand for the better manufacturing tolerance.due to the

surfotog · 05-08-2009, 07:37 PM

I second D W's suggestion to get the Pentax made adapter. I bought a Cirrus adapter on ebay to allow me to use my 67 lenses on my Sony digital. It works , but the first one was defective, and the second is not a smooth connection. I was lucky to find an old Pentax P67 to M42 adapter. I can now get a chipped M42 to Sony adapter, and I'll be able to use my 300 & 400mm 67 lenses on my A900 with in-body stabilization! The Pentax is much higher quality than the Cirrus. The 67 to K-mount adapters can often be found at KEH at decent prices.

Jewelltrail · 05-08-2009, 11:52 PM

I bought mine at an Ebay "Buy it Now Best Offer" auction. It was $50, plus $20 shipping. I can't imagine the original Pentax adapter working any better. Here is a shot with the 67 200mm @ 5.6 on the K20.

D W · 05-09-2009, 11:03 AM

The reason why the Pentax adapter works better is they are made to factory specification and tighter tolerance. The knockoffs are made using measurements taken from Pentax lenses, bodies and adapters. YMMV

Jewelltrail · 05-09-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

DW: The reason why the Pentax adapter works better is they are made to factory specification and tighter tolerance. The knockoffs are made using measurements taken from Pentax lenses, bodies and adapters. YMMV

I hear what you are saying, but the tolerances on my adapter seem perfect--all my 67 lenses slip nicely in and out of the adapter and the adapter goes nicely into the K20 body. Also, the locking mechanism is smooth--no complaints.

I'm not sure who makes this one, but it does have Pentax67-PK etched nicely on it. It has a fine finish and blends nicely with the 67 lenses--whoever designed it had a plan.

04-06-2009, 06:55 AM	#1
mstolt Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 64	6X7 lens on a K10D I know from reviewing the Medium Format threads that it is possible to use 6X7 lenses on a K10D with the proper adapter. I have also tried to get through the lengthy thread on the technical aspects on the subject, but admittedly, I'm just not that technical. I am looking into various options to get a 400mm or 500mm MF lens for "shooting" birds (even looking at old "screw-mount" lenses). Best f-stop seems to be at 5.6. A friend has offered to let me have first look at his aunt's 6X7 lenses from an upcoming estate sale. I won't have an opportunity to look at the collection for another week or two. Based on what I'm looking to shoot, what primes might I be looking for? what kind of results might I get? is it even worth going down the path? Thanks in advance for your input! Mark

04-06-2009, 08:35 AM	#2
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Mark: There is some great information here Antique and Classic Cameras which you can use to help make your decision--all lenses are rated. You do not mention your budget, but clearly the SMC Pentax-M* 67 400mm f/4 ED is a fantastic lens. There are 3 reviews of it in our database: Pentax Lens Review Database - 400mm F4 ED [IF] Just keep in mind how very heavy the 67 long glass is. For example even though the above glass is rated as "stunning," it weighs in at just over 8 pounds. Note the difference in the 6 X 7 lenses and the 67 lenses, the latter of which denote later model lenses. This 6 X 7 400 Pentax Lens Review Database - 400mm F4 is a less expensive model. As usual, Ebay sometimes offers great pricing in these areas: just know what you want and set a price limit. I would try to find one of the older, Super Takumar 6X7 400mm f/4s. They are a lighter and more apt to sell for an affordable price. As for results, check out some of the shots in this thread--there is one shot in there with a 6 x 7 300mm---a bird shot. All of my pics are from 200mm & 55mm 67s. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/49428-medium-f...-sensor-9.html Best of Luck. Last edited by Jewelltrail; 04-06-2009 at 08:40 AM.

05-08-2009, 11:52 PM	#11
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	I bought mine at an Ebay "Buy it Now Best Offer" auction. It was $50, plus $20 shipping. I can't imagine the original Pentax adapter working any better. Here is a shot with the 67 200mm @ 5.6 on the K20. Last edited by Jewelltrail; 09-25-2009 at 09:09 AM.

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04-17-2009, 01:18 PM	#3
mstolt Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 64 Original Poster	Thanks for the information Jewelltrail! Ubfortunatley, my friends lens were in pretty bad shape. I'll keep an eye out though. PS: I saw in a different post that you won the "sticky" Sigma 400. I finished 3rd in the bidding - darn! Hope it cleans up well for you! Any pictures yet? Mark

04-18-2009, 12:22 AM	#4
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Quote: Thanks for the information Jewelltrail! Ubfortunatley, my friends lens were in pretty bad shape. I'll keep an eye out though. PS: I saw in a different post that you won the "sticky" Sigma 400. I finished 3rd in the bidding - darn! Hope it cleans up well for you! Any pictures yet? Mark Mark, the lens was a disaster--produced the worst images I have ever seen. I had to return it. Pictures were void of contrast and were very hazy. This lens is known for this problem. The stickiness was not a problem at all.

04-18-2009, 05:47 AM	#5
mstolt Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 64 Original Poster	Jewelltrail, Sorry to hear the lens didn't work out. Maybe we can "arm wrestle" over another one soon! Mark

05-06-2009, 11:25 AM	#6
K-9 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,971	What focal length do these lenses become on the K10D or K20D. For instance, do you take the 35mm focal equivalent of the medium format lens and times that by 1.5 or the medium format focal length? So, would the 165mm 67 lens be a 247.5mm (165 x 1.5) or a 124mm (82.5 x 1.5) on a Pentax DSLR?

05-06-2009, 01:21 PM	#7
surfotog Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Honolulu Posts: 150	A 165mm lens ia always that, regardless of the format it is used on. What changes is the field of view. Your 165/2.8 Pentax 67 lens on an APS-C digital camera will yield the equivalent field of view of a 247.5 mm lens on a 35mm camera. An easy way to visualize this is to draw rectangles the size of the format used. Start with the 55mm x 70mm frame of the 67 cameras. Inside that, in the center, draw the 24mm x 36mm frame of a 35mm camera. Inside that, draw the dimensions of the APS-C frame, approx. 15.6mm x23.6mm. This will give you a good visual representation of how different formats "see" .

05-07-2009, 09:40 AM	#8
K-9 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,971	That's pretty crazy to be able to have a 247.5 f2.8 for a digital camera. Does anyone know what brand makes a good 67 to K mount converter that syncs up with DSLR's? I've seen one on ebay from a seller in Asia, but it seems like a generic issued adaptor.

05-08-2009, 06:04 AM	#9
D W Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hogtown, ON, Canada Posts: 329	Pentax made adapters for 67 lenses to 645 and K cameras. I personally prefer Pentax brand for the better manufacturing tolerance.due to the

05-08-2009, 07:37 PM	#10
surfotog Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Honolulu Posts: 150	I second D W's suggestion to get the Pentax made adapter. I bought a Cirrus adapter on ebay to allow me to use my 67 lenses on my Sony digital. It works , but the first one was defective, and the second is not a smooth connection. I was lucky to find an old Pentax P67 to M42 adapter. I can now get a chipped M42 to Sony adapter, and I'll be able to use my 300 & 400mm 67 lenses on my A900 with in-body stabilization! The Pentax is much higher quality than the Cirrus. The 67 to K-mount adapters can often be found at KEH at decent prices.

05-09-2009, 11:03 AM	#12
D W Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hogtown, ON, Canada Posts: 329	The reason why the Pentax adapter works better is they are made to factory specification and tighter tolerance. The knockoffs are made using measurements taken from Pentax lenses, bodies and adapters. YMMV

05-09-2009, 12:40 PM	#13
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Quote: DW: The reason why the Pentax adapter works better is they are made to factory specification and tighter tolerance. The knockoffs are made using measurements taken from Pentax lenses, bodies and adapters. YMMV I hear what you are saying, but the tolerances on my adapter seem perfect--all my 67 lenses slip nicely in and out of the adapter and the adapter goes nicely into the K20 body. Also, the locking mechanism is smooth--no complaints. I'm not sure who makes this one, but it does have Pentax67-PK etched nicely on it. It has a fine finish and blends nicely with the 67 lenses--whoever designed it had a plan.