Pentax SMC P FA-Zoom 80-320mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens

TGoode · 12-31-2012, 01:13 PM

Hi everyone,
Advice please!
I have just bought a Pentax K-30 and have the offer of a Pentax SMC P FA-Zoom 80-320mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens, would this be compatible please?
Thanks
Tom

hypernotactive · 12-31-2012, 01:17 PM

It should work fine. But there is some kind of contact problem with the fa 80-320 so try it on the k30 before buying

**jatrax** · 12-31-2012, 01:20 PM

Yes, completely. You should check the lens for function if possible and if you have the chance to examine it take along a flashlight (torch) and check carefully for any fungus on the elements. But if the lens is in good shape it work just fine.

Look here for the lens review: SMC Pentax-FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

TGoode · 12-31-2012, 01:22 PM

Not local to me so would be posting to me to try. Thanks for your help.

bluestringer · 12-31-2012, 04:06 PM

I'm not aware of any contact problem. It works fine on my K200 and K10, should work fine on the K30 also.

snostorm · 12-31-2012, 08:36 PM

I had one for 7 years and had no problems with it, except for tight spot in the zoom ring rotation that really didn't matter since I mostly used it at 320. I gave it a friend, and he's happily using it now.

For years, this lens was known on DPR as the Bejersey (?) zoom named after a member who was getting incredibly good birding results with it. I still think of it by that name. . .

Scott

shark7 · 07-22-2013, 06:45 PM

Hi all.

Just got a 2nd lens for my K-5.. decided to try this lens SMC Pentax-FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 (silver) for my first Pentax zoom, in great condition, the seller included an oem pentax pouch and 3 really nice filters.. the lens is very clean, perfect glass.

Attached it, powered on the camera.. noticed immediately a flashing F-- flashing ISO... i can't change iso, can't start live view, AF does not work, lens is unresponsive to pressing shutter 1/2, so i am a little surprised and confused by this experience.

Tried searching the forums and was led to this thread. I have not yet read the manual admittedly on my camera yet but every review that i read about this lens said that it has autofocus (although it's only rated at 6.6) the general consensus is that it works fairly well.. well enough for what i want right now, was my thinking... and for 129 bucks, it was worth a try to me.

So i'm a little confused and a little disappointed, did i not do enough research? Maybe this is a bad copy of lens?

Maybe this is not compatible with my body.. i don't know but i haven't seen any compatibility charts (do they exist?) but believe me i'm looking for one now.. lol ...

Thanks for any advice.

Last edited by shark7; 07-22-2013 at 06:54 PM. Reason: re-worded some of it

**jatrax** · 07-22-2013, 06:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by shark7

Maybe this is not compatible with my body.. i don't know but i haven't seen any compatibility charts (do they exist?)

They exist, but you don't need one. That lens is 100% compatible.

On the aperture ring your should have various numbers and the letter 'A' make sure the lens is in the 'A' position and it will work. if you take it off the 'A' then you have to enable "Allow aperture Ring" in the setting menu. In 'A' mode the camera wheel controls the aperture, when it is not in 'A' then the aperture ring on the lens controls the aperture.

shark7 · 07-22-2013, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

They exist, but you don't need one. That lens is 100% compatible.

On the aperture ring your should have various numbers and the letter 'A' make sure the lens is in the 'A' position and it will work. if you take it off the 'A' then you have to enable "Allow aperture Ring" in the setting menu. In 'A' mode the camera wheel controls the aperture, when it is not in 'A' then the aperture ring on the lens controls the aperture.

Genius! A thousand thanks to you.

i have much to learn.

12-31-2012, 01:13 PM	#1
TGoode Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 19	Pentax SMC P FA-Zoom 80-320mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens Hi everyone, Advice please! I have just bought a Pentax K-30 and have the offer of a Pentax SMC P FA-Zoom 80-320mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens, would this be compatible please? Thanks Tom

07-22-2013, 06:45 PM	#7
shark7 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Maryland Photos: Albums Posts: 46	contact problem with K-5? flashing F-- ,no AF, no live view, can't take photos Hi all. Just got a 2nd lens for my K-5.. decided to try this lens SMC Pentax-FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 (silver) for my first Pentax zoom, in great condition, the seller included an oem pentax pouch and 3 really nice filters.. the lens is very clean, perfect glass. Attached it, powered on the camera.. noticed immediately a flashing F-- flashing ISO... i can't change iso, can't start live view, AF does not work, lens is unresponsive to pressing shutter 1/2, so i am a little surprised and confused by this experience. Tried searching the forums and was led to this thread. I have not yet read the manual admittedly on my camera yet but every review that i read about this lens said that it has autofocus (although it's only rated at 6.6) the general consensus is that it works fairly well.. well enough for what i want right now, was my thinking... and for 129 bucks, it was worth a try to me. So i'm a little confused and a little disappointed, did i not do enough research? Maybe this is a bad copy of lens? Maybe this is not compatible with my body.. i don't know but i haven't seen any compatibility charts (do they exist?) but believe me i'm looking for one now.. lol ... Thanks for any advice. Last edited by shark7; 07-22-2013 at 06:54 PM. Reason: re-worded some of it

07-22-2013, 07:06 PM	#9
shark7 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Maryland Photos: Albums Posts: 46	Originally posted by jatrax They exist, but you don't need one. That lens is 100% compatible. On the aperture ring your should have various numbers and the letter 'A' make sure the lens is in the 'A' position and it will work. if you take it off the 'A' then you have to enable "Allow aperture Ring" in the setting menu. In 'A' mode the camera wheel controls the aperture, when it is not in 'A' then the aperture ring on the lens controls the aperture. Genius! A thousand thanks to you. i have much to learn. Last edited by shark7; 07-22-2013 at 07:26 PM.

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12-31-2012, 01:17 PM	#2
hypernotactive Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Moss Norway Photos: Gallery Posts: 180	It should work fine. But there is some kind of contact problem with the fa 80-320 so try it on the k30 before buying

12-31-2012, 01:20 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Yes, completely. You should check the lens for function if possible and if you have the chance to examine it take along a flashlight (torch) and check carefully for any fungus on the elements. But if the lens is in good shape it work just fine. Look here for the lens review: SMC Pentax-FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

12-31-2012, 01:22 PM	#4
TGoode Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 19 Original Poster	Not local to me so would be posting to me to try. Thanks for your help.

12-31-2012, 04:06 PM	#5
bluestringer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Cotton fields of South Georgia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,748	I'm not aware of any contact problem. It works fine on my K200 and K10, should work fine on the K30 also.

12-31-2012, 08:36 PM	#6
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	I had one for 7 years and had no problems with it, except for tight spot in the zoom ring rotation that really didn't matter since I mostly used it at 320. I gave it a friend, and he's happily using it now. For years, this lens was known on DPR as the Bejersey (?) zoom named after a member who was getting incredibly good birding results with it. I still think of it by that name. . . Scott

07-22-2013, 06:58 PM - 1 Like	#8
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by shark7 Maybe this is not compatible with my body.. i don't know but i haven't seen any compatibility charts (do they exist?) They exist, but you don't need one. That lens is 100% compatible. On the aperture ring your should have various numbers and the letter 'A' make sure the lens is in the 'A' position and it will work. if you take it off the 'A' then you have to enable "Allow aperture Ring" in the setting menu. In 'A' mode the camera wheel controls the aperture, when it is not in 'A' then the aperture ring on the lens controls the aperture.