New to Pentax DSLR - Screw mount adapter question?

**UncleVanya** · 01-22-2016, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by ohaya

Thanks. Now, all I gotta do is to wait for the camera to arrive

!!

---------- Post added 01-22-16 at 01:24 PM ----------

Ok, I just put the adapter on the MX and was able to take it off without any "drama".

Then you are good to go I think.
Be aware that with M42 lenses the "easiest" way to use them appears to be to set the camera on Av mode and toggle the aperture from auto to manual on the lens (focus on auto, meter on manual).

ohaya · 01-22-2016, 03:17 PM

boriscleto,

Thanks for the links! I'm going through them and trying to figure out if there is one lens that would be "normal" for the K-r. As I said in the OP, I had a ton of old screw mount manual lenses to play with, but I figured that it'd be good to have one for the K-r that I could use "most of the time", i.e., something like a zoom that would automatically with the Z-r?

I know that this is taking thread a little off-topic

...

Jim

pathdoc · 01-22-2016, 03:40 PM

If I had to have just one AF lens for a Pentax APS-C DSLR, alongside a bunch of screwmounts, it would be a superzoom - used 18-250 would be my first recommendation as I have positive experience with this lens and I know it is universally compatible across Pentax APS-C DSLRs. 18-135 is good and quiet, but I cannot remember if the K-r has the right power contacts and firmware capability to drive its AF motor.

In an AF-only world I might recommend other things. But it appears OP has a range of old and very good glass for specialist use, and in that context I have no hesitation recommending a general purpose lens that can go all places and do all things, albeit not always at the highest level or in the lowest light.

ohaya · 01-22-2016, 04:07 PM

pathdoc,

I know I am not being precise, but I am thinking of an "everyday" lens, if that makes any sense. Also, something not too expensive (yet) as getting the K-r was just to get my feet "wet" and see if I really would actually find use for it with the old lenses I have. Does that help?

pentasonic49 · 01-22-2016, 04:24 PM

Get one that fits flush with the lens mount, the K and M42 register are the same. The genuine one has a little locking spring that you have to push back with a tool to unlock it from the camera, I used a watchmakers screwdriver. The lenses with a manual-auto diaphragm switch will be easier to use as the others will be fully open unless modified.

**Just1MoreDave** · 01-22-2016, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by ohaya

pathdoc,

I know I am not being precise, but I am thinking of an "everyday" lens, if that makes any sense. Also, something not too expensive (yet) as getting the K-r was just to get my feet "wet" and see if I really would actually find use for it with the old lenses I have. Does that help?

The basic lens sold with most K-r cameras was a DA-L 18-55mm f3.5-5.6. They are really cheap used, they work with all the camera functions, aren't too big or heavy, and quality is decent. It's a cheap way to get wide angle. Old lenses get expensive below 24mm, or aren't that great. It's a minimal investment if you're not sure. The risk is you might get so into the hobby, it never gets used later.

There are a raft of other possibilities. I suggest getting something that starts at 16-17-18mm to cover the wide angle range at least.

pentasonic49 · 01-23-2016, 11:35 AM

The kit lens is quite good and is equivalent to 27-80 on a film camera, if you want a little more length at the expense of wide angle, then got an F 28-80 from the late film era, they are cheap and pretty good on digital.

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01-22-2016, 01:28 PM	#16
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by ohaya Thanks. Now, all I gotta do is to wait for the camera to arrive !! ---------- Post added 01-22-16 at 01:24 PM ---------- Ok, I just put the adapter on the MX and was able to take it off without any "drama". Then you are good to go I think. Be aware that with M42 lenses the "easiest" way to use them appears to be to set the camera on Av mode and toggle the aperture from auto to manual on the lens (focus on auto, meter on manual).

01-22-2016, 03:17 PM	#17
ohaya Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 242 Original Poster	boriscleto, Thanks for the links! I'm going through them and trying to figure out if there is one lens that would be "normal" for the K-r. As I said in the OP, I had a ton of old screw mount manual lenses to play with, but I figured that it'd be good to have one for the K-r that I could use "most of the time", i.e., something like a zoom that would automatically with the Z-r? I know that this is taking thread a little off-topic ... Jim

01-22-2016, 03:40 PM	#18
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	If I had to have just one AF lens for a Pentax APS-C DSLR, alongside a bunch of screwmounts, it would be a superzoom - used 18-250 would be my first recommendation as I have positive experience with this lens and I know it is universally compatible across Pentax APS-C DSLRs. 18-135 is good and quiet, but I cannot remember if the K-r has the right power contacts and firmware capability to drive its AF motor. In an AF-only world I might recommend other things. But it appears OP has a range of old and very good glass for specialist use, and in that context I have no hesitation recommending a general purpose lens that can go all places and do all things, albeit not always at the highest level or in the lowest light.

01-22-2016, 04:07 PM	#19
ohaya Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 242 Original Poster	pathdoc, I know I am not being precise, but I am thinking of an "everyday" lens, if that makes any sense. Also, something not too expensive (yet) as getting the K-r was just to get my feet "wet" and see if I really would actually find use for it with the old lenses I have. Does that help?

01-22-2016, 04:24 PM	#20
pentasonic49 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 395	Get one that fits flush with the lens mount, the K and M42 register are the same. The genuine one has a little locking spring that you have to push back with a tool to unlock it from the camera, I used a watchmakers screwdriver. The lenses with a manual-auto diaphragm switch will be easier to use as the others will be fully open unless modified.

01-22-2016, 07:50 PM	#21
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by ohaya pathdoc, I know I am not being precise, but I am thinking of an "everyday" lens, if that makes any sense. Also, something not too expensive (yet) as getting the K-r was just to get my feet "wet" and see if I really would actually find use for it with the old lenses I have. Does that help? The basic lens sold with most K-r cameras was a DA-L 18-55mm f3.5-5.6. They are really cheap used, they work with all the camera functions, aren't too big or heavy, and quality is decent. It's a cheap way to get wide angle. Old lenses get expensive below 24mm, or aren't that great. It's a minimal investment if you're not sure. The risk is you might get so into the hobby, it never gets used later. There are a raft of other possibilities. I suggest getting something that starts at 16-17-18mm to cover the wide angle range at least.

01-23-2016, 11:35 AM	#22
pentasonic49 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 395	The kit lens is quite good and is equivalent to 27-80 on a film camera, if you want a little more length at the expense of wide angle, then got an F 28-80 from the late film era, they are cheap and pretty good on digital.