When lenses are not that bad - the A/M switch

uimike · 08-16-2021, 10:17 PM - **4 Likes**

K3-III

Well, just a small anecdote (and maybe some small public service to relieve my embarassment).

I got a 2nd M42 adapter (the cheap Bower one) because I thought there was something wrong with my original Pentax adapter.
My SMC Tak 55/1.8 was unacceptably blurry at f/5.6 and f/8.
Well, AFTER I bought the new adapter, I found out that I had completely forgotten about the A/M switch, which in the 55 is fairly discreet.

Ha Ha.

Long story short, the lens came off the Bower one, I am lucky I caught it - and when attached back to the camera this time with the original Pentax adapter, and the A/M switch to M, at f/5.6 and f/8 the lens is as great I always knew it to be.

Feel stupid but feel happy

**GUB** · 08-17-2021, 01:58 AM

Originally posted by uimike

K3-III

Well, just a small anecdote (and maybe some small public service to relieve my embarassment).

I got a 2nd M42 adapter (the cheap Bower one) because I thought there was something wrong with my original Pentax adapter.
My SMC Tak 55/1.8 was unacceptably blurry at f/5.6 and f/8.
Well, AFTER I bought the new adapter, I found out that I had completely forgotten about the A/M switch, which in the 55 is fairly discreet.

Ha Ha.

Long story short, the lens came off the Bower one, I am lucky I caught it - and when attached back to the camera this time with the original Pentax adapter, and the A/M switch to M, at f/5.6 and f/8 the lens is as great I always knew it to be.

Feel stupid but feel happy

Been using old lenses for years now and still doing that!

uimike · 08-17-2021, 08:30 PM

Now I am a bit sad for the M42 lenses I have that do NOT have the switch ;-)

**GUB** · 08-18-2021, 01:34 AM

Originally posted by uimike

Now I am a bit sad for the M42 lenses I have that do NOT have the switch ;-)

Can be reversibly rectified. You need to dismantle behind the pin enough to slip a section of tubing from a cotton bud over the pin on the inside to stop it protruding.

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-18-2021, 03:46 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by GUB

Can be reversibly rectified. You need to dismantle behind the pin enough to slip a section of tubing from a cotton bud over the pin on the inside to stop it protruding.

No need to disassemble, normally the pin is exposed enough that if you slit the tube, you can place it over the pin from the mount side.

08-16-2021, 10:17 PM - 4 Likes	#1
uimike New Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 9	When lenses are not that bad - the A/M switch K3-III Well, just a small anecdote (and maybe some small public service to relieve my embarassment). I got a 2nd M42 adapter (the cheap Bower one) because I thought there was something wrong with my original Pentax adapter. My SMC Tak 55/1.8 was unacceptably blurry at f/5.6 and f/8. Well, AFTER I bought the new adapter, I found out that I had completely forgotten about the A/M switch, which in the 55 is fairly discreet. Ha Ha. Long story short, the lens came off the Bower one, I am lucky I caught it - and when attached back to the camera this time with the original Pentax adapter, and the A/M switch to M, at f/5.6 and f/8 the lens is as great I always knew it to be. Feel stupid but feel happy

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08-17-2021, 01:58 AM	#2
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,762	Originally posted by uimike K3-III Well, just a small anecdote (and maybe some small public service to relieve my embarassment). I got a 2nd M42 adapter (the cheap Bower one) because I thought there was something wrong with my original Pentax adapter. My SMC Tak 55/1.8 was unacceptably blurry at f/5.6 and f/8. Well, AFTER I bought the new adapter, I found out that I had completely forgotten about the A/M switch, which in the 55 is fairly discreet. Ha Ha. Long story short, the lens came off the Bower one, I am lucky I caught it - and when attached back to the camera this time with the original Pentax adapter, and the A/M switch to M, at f/5.6 and f/8 the lens is as great I always knew it to be. Feel stupid but feel happy Been using old lenses for years now and still doing that!

08-17-2021, 08:30 PM	#3
uimike New Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Now I am a bit sad for the M42 lenses I have that do NOT have the switch ;-)

08-18-2021, 01:34 AM	#4
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,762	Originally posted by uimike Now I am a bit sad for the M42 lenses I have that do NOT have the switch ;-) Can be reversibly rectified. You need to dismantle behind the pin enough to slip a section of tubing from a cotton bud over the pin on the inside to stop it protruding.

08-18-2021, 03:46 AM - 1 Like	#5
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by GUB Can be reversibly rectified. You need to dismantle behind the pin enough to slip a section of tubing from a cotton bud over the pin on the inside to stop it protruding. No need to disassemble, normally the pin is exposed enough that if you slit the tube, you can place it over the pin from the mount side.