Old film AF lens works on new k-x DSLR?

Dairylander · 06-25-2011, 08:20 AM

I have an old film Pentax SLR from the late 90's.
Will the auto-focus lens from that camera work on a new k-x DSLR?
The old camera is in deep storage, so I don't know the exact model of the lens, I just want to know if this is remotely possible before I go digging through boxes.
I'm trying to go digital as cheaply as I can, so any other suggestions would be appreciated as well. Thanks.

**boriscleto** · 06-25-2011, 08:31 AM

Yes. It will work just fine. Just make sure it hasn't developed fungus.

Dairylander · 06-25-2011, 08:38 AM

Fungus? For real?
Will I be able to see it?
It was in a musty basement for a while, now you have me worried.
Does the k-x work with a wireless remote control?
If so, do I need a pentax brand remote or will any cheap one work?
Thanks a lot.

Docrwm · 06-25-2011, 08:43 AM

Yes, its really nice that Pentax has maintained this backward compatibility. Make sure you clean it prior to use.

Adam · 06-25-2011, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by Dairylander

If so, do I need a pentax brand remote or will any cheap one work?

You'll need this one if you want the IR remote: Pentax Remote Control F 37377 B&H Photo Video

I'm not sure about cheaper alternatives, but this one is only $19.95

Dairylander · 06-25-2011, 08:53 AM

Thanks a lot guys, super helpful.

**boriscleto** · 06-25-2011, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by Dairylander

Fungus? For real?
Will I be able to see it?
It was in a musty basement for a while, now you have me worried.

lens fungus - Google Search

Lens Fungus

All fungus needs to grow is darkness, moisture, and a food source. Dust provides all the food fungus needs.

Docrwm · 06-25-2011, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by Dairylander

Fungus? For real?
Will I be able to see it?
It was in a musty basement for a while, now you have me worried.
Does the k-x work with a wireless remote control?
If so, do I need a pentax brand remote or will any cheap one work?
Thanks a lot.

I buy from the Forum sponsors when they have things at reasonable prices. There are tons of less expensive wireless remotes for the K-x. I got mine for $3.50 shipped. You can do a search on eBay for K-X remote and see them. Mine works just fine. Some folks report even being able to use certain V remote buttons - seems silly to me when there is a sure fire $4 alternative, but its there as an option if you want to play with the ones you own. You have to turn the remote on through the timer button on the back of the K-x.

Mine looks like this one:

GerryL · 06-25-2011, 10:17 AM

Pentax lenses with the Pentax brand, you can be sure that it will work on Pentax DSLR's.
Even non-Pentax brand made for Pentax with the Pentax mount can be used on Pentax DSLR's.
Even M-42 or screw mount lenses can work for the Pentax DSLR's albeit with the appropriate M-42 adapter.
If using M-42, K, KA, or other manual focus lenses, make sure you read the manual or the sticky on the upper portion of the forums on how to make it work for your DSLR since you have to change a menu for it to work on your DSLR since Pentax made this a non-automatic feature that you must activate to make it work.
Check also our lens database to see how your particular lens model is rated in performance.

06-25-2011, 08:20 AM	#1
Dairylander New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 6	Old film AF lens works on new k-x DSLR? I have an old film Pentax SLR from the late 90's. Will the auto-focus lens from that camera work on a new k-x DSLR? The old camera is in deep storage, so I don't know the exact model of the lens, I just want to know if this is remotely possible before I go digging through boxes. I'm trying to go digital as cheaply as I can, so any other suggestions would be appreciated as well. Thanks.

06-25-2011, 08:48 AM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by Dairylander If so, do I need a pentax brand remote or will any cheap one work? You'll need this one if you want the IR remote: Pentax Remote Control F 37377 B&H Photo Video I'm not sure about cheaper alternatives, but this one is only $19.95 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:

06-25-2011, 09:20 AM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Dairylander Fungus? For real? Will I be able to see it? It was in a musty basement for a while, now you have me worried. Does the k-x work with a wireless remote control? If so, do I need a pentax brand remote or will any cheap one work? Thanks a lot. I buy from the Forum sponsors when they have things at reasonable prices. There are tons of less expensive wireless remotes for the K-x. I got mine for $3.50 shipped. You can do a search on eBay for K-X remote and see them. Mine works just fine. Some folks report even being able to use certain V remote buttons - seems silly to me when there is a sure fire $4 alternative, but its there as an option if you want to play with the ones you own. You have to turn the remote on through the timer button on the back of the K-x. Mine looks like this one: Last edited by Docrwm; 06-25-2011 at 10:31 AM.

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06-25-2011, 08:31 AM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Yes. It will work just fine. Just make sure it hasn't developed fungus.

06-25-2011, 08:38 AM	#3
Dairylander New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Fungus? For real? Will I be able to see it? It was in a musty basement for a while, now you have me worried. Does the k-x work with a wireless remote control? If so, do I need a pentax brand remote or will any cheap one work? Thanks a lot.

06-25-2011, 08:43 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Yes, its really nice that Pentax has maintained this backward compatibility. Make sure you clean it prior to use.

06-25-2011, 08:53 AM	#6
Dairylander New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Thanks a lot guys, super helpful.

06-25-2011, 09:04 AM	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by Dairylander Fungus? For real? Will I be able to see it? It was in a musty basement for a while, now you have me worried. lens fungus - Google Search Lens Fungus All fungus needs to grow is darkness, moisture, and a food source. Dust provides all the food fungus needs.

06-25-2011, 10:17 AM	#9
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Pentax lenses with the Pentax brand, you can be sure that it will work on Pentax DSLR's. Even non-Pentax brand made for Pentax with the Pentax mount can be used on Pentax DSLR's. Even M-42 or screw mount lenses can work for the Pentax DSLR's albeit with the appropriate M-42 adapter. If using M-42, K, KA, or other manual focus lenses, make sure you read the manual or the sticky on the upper portion of the forums on how to make it work for your DSLR since you have to change a menu for it to work on your DSLR since Pentax made this a non-automatic feature that you must activate to make it work. Check also our lens database to see how your particular lens model is rated in performance.