Manual lens on K20D

MarkJ · 11-14-2021, 12:29 PM

I purchased a used K20D camera body in what was supposed to be perfect condition, when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen. The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops. When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black. It will shoot with no lens at all, but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually.

Does anyone know of a way to remedy this? I am not finding anything in the operators manual.

pschlute · 11-14-2021, 12:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MarkJ

The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops

My first reaction is to ask if you have set the menu to "Aperture ring Enabled" ?

Not a Number · 11-14-2021, 12:49 PM

Review the following threads/articles:

How to use/meter Manual & M42 Lenses on all Pentax DSLRs (K-1, K-3, K-5, K-30, etc) - PentaxForums.com
Manual Metering on Pentax DSLRs with Manual and Automatic Lenses - PentaxForums.com

Ausable · 11-14-2021, 03:19 PM

What you want on the K20D is Custom Setting menu "36.Using aperture ring: Permitted." That will enable you to take pictures with the ring set to something other than A.

I don't know what is causing the rear screen to go black after 1 to 2 seconds. Check that the Set-up menu "Guide display" is set to 10 sec or 30 sec rather than Off or 3 sec.

**mikesbike** · 11-14-2021, 04:21 PM

Always a good idea when acquiring a used DSLR to perform a reset to factory-setting of all functions, then go from there with your own adjustments.

**dms** · 11-14-2021, 05:02 PM

Except I believe the default (factory reset) is to not allow aperture ring use. Not that it isn't a good idea, just not to assume it must be/should be allow aperture ring.

**photogem** · 11-14-2021, 09:01 PM

Originally posted by MarkJ

I purchased a used K20D camera body in what was supposed to be perfect condition, when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen. The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops. When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black. It will shoot with no lens at all, but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually.

Does anyone know of a way to remedy this? I am not finding anything in the operators manual.

You asked about the LCD repair before.
You planned to check inside if connections are alright. Did you get any further?

Without being able to see the menu on the screen no chance to change anything which you have to to make the use of manual lenses possible.

But maybe if you connect the K20D to your computer via PK-Tether!
The other possibility would be to connect an external LCD.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/54137-how-do-i-...-k20d-lcd.html

Last edited by photogem; 11-15-2021 at 12:47 AM.

**mikesbike** · 11-15-2021, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by dms

Except I believe the default (factory reset) is to not allow aperture ring use. Not that it isn't a good idea, just not to assume it must be/should be allow aperture ring.

Right- first get rid of any previous odd settings, then go from there with your own settings, which of course would include use of the lens aperture ring.

AfterPentax Mark II · 11-15-2021, 02:10 AM

Originally posted by MarkJ

When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black.

I guess that it is nothing alarming, the follow up K-7 does exactly the same, so perhaps it is for saving battery power. When I bought the K-3 II I wondered why it did not turn off.

**photogem** · 11-15-2021, 03:14 AM

Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II

I guess that it is nothing alarming, the follow up K-7 does exactly the same, so perhaps it is for saving battery power. When I bought the K-3 II I wondered why it did not turn off.

Really?
One switches a K-7 on and the LCD goes off just to save battery power?

**photogem** · 11-15-2021, 03:16 AM

Originally posted by mikesbike

Right- first get rid of any previous odd settings, then go from there with your own settings, which of course would include use of the lens aperture ring.

And how is he going to do that if:

Originally posted by MarkJ

When I turn it on, the screen comes ON for a second or 2 and then goes black.

2 sec. are not enough to do any setting in the menu.

That's the main problem.

AfterPentax Mark II · 11-15-2021, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by photogem

2 sec. are not enough to do any setting in the menu.

That's the main problem.

Usually you press the menu button to get to the menu's. The OP describes what happens if he turns it on. And that is normal behaviour.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-15-2021, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by MarkJ

I purchased a used K20D camera body in what was supposed to be perfect condition, when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen. The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops. When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black. It will shoot with no lens at all, but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually.

Does anyone know of a way to remedy this? I am not finding anything in the operators manual.

lets go back one step. does the camera work with AF lenses?

when using a NON AF lens when you turn it on, it should prompt for focal length, does it do this?

**photogem** · 11-15-2021, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II

Usually you press the menu button to get to the menu's. The OP describes what happens if he turns it on. And that is normal behaviour.

No, he describes that the LCD does go on and 2 sec. later goes off. He has no access to the menu.

Best to read the whole story:
K20D screen failure - PentaxForums.com

and then again his first post in this thread.

Understand the meaning of:
"when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen."
Unless he has repaired it (I asked how far he got with that or if anything was done") there is
ZERO possibility to get into the menu and follow this advice:
"Ensure that the "Using Aperture Ring" custom function is set to "2 (allowed)"

**mikesbike** · 11-15-2021, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by MarkJ

The New-to-me camera works fine on most things,

Under what condition and lenses does it work fine?

---------- Post added 11-15-21 at 11:56 AM ----------

Originally posted by MarkJ

but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually.

No problem with other lenses?

11-14-2021, 12:29 PM	#1
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9	Manual lens on K20D I purchased a used K20D camera body in what was supposed to be perfect condition, when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen. The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops. When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black. It will shoot with no lens at all, but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually. Does anyone know of a way to remedy this? I am not finding anything in the operators manual.

11-15-2021, 11:40 AM	#14
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,525	Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II Usually you press the menu button to get to the menu's. The OP describes what happens if he turns it on. And that is normal behaviour. No, he describes that the LCD does go on and 2 sec. later goes off. He has no access to the menu. Best to read the whole story: K20D screen failure - PentaxForums.com and then again his first post in this thread. Understand the meaning of: "when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen." Unless he has repaired it (I asked how far he got with that or if anything was done") there is ZERO possibility to get into the menu and follow this advice: "Ensure that the "Using Aperture Ring" custom function is set to "2 (allowed)" Last edited by photogem; 11-15-2021 at 11:53 AM.

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11-14-2021, 12:37 PM - 1 Like	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,219	Originally posted by MarkJ The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops My first reaction is to ask if you have set the menu to "Aperture ring Enabled" ?

11-14-2021, 12:49 PM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Review the following threads/articles: How to use/meter Manual & M42 Lenses on all Pentax DSLRs (K-1, K-3, K-5, K-30, etc) - PentaxForums.com Manual Metering on Pentax DSLRs with Manual and Automatic Lenses - PentaxForums.com

11-14-2021, 03:19 PM	#4
Ausable Senior Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 149	What you want on the K20D is Custom Setting menu "36.Using aperture ring: Permitted." That will enable you to take pictures with the ring set to something other than A. I don't know what is causing the rear screen to go black after 1 to 2 seconds. Check that the Set-up menu "Guide display" is set to 10 sec or 30 sec rather than Off or 3 sec.

11-14-2021, 04:21 PM	#5
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,565	Always a good idea when acquiring a used DSLR to perform a reset to factory-setting of all functions, then go from there with your own adjustments.

11-14-2021, 05:02 PM	#6
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	Except I believe the default (factory reset) is to not allow aperture ring use. Not that it isn't a good idea, just not to assume it must be/should be allow aperture ring.

11-14-2021, 09:01 PM	#7
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,525	Originally posted by MarkJ I purchased a used K20D camera body in what was supposed to be perfect condition, when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen. The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops. When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black. It will shoot with no lens at all, but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually. Does anyone know of a way to remedy this? I am not finding anything in the operators manual. You asked about the LCD repair before. You planned to check inside if connections are alright. Did you get any further? Without being able to see the menu on the screen no chance to change anything which you have to to make the use of manual lenses possible. But maybe if you connect the K20D to your computer via PK-Tether! The other possibility would be to connect an external LCD. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/54137-how-do-i-...-k20d-lcd.html Last edited by photogem; 11-15-2021 at 12:47 AM.

11-15-2021, 01:10 AM	#8
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,565	Originally posted by dms Except I believe the default (factory reset) is to not allow aperture ring use. Not that it isn't a good idea, just not to assume it must be/should be allow aperture ring. Right- first get rid of any previous odd settings, then go from there with your own settings, which of course would include use of the lens aperture ring.

11-15-2021, 02:10 AM	#9
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,467	Originally posted by MarkJ When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black. I guess that it is nothing alarming, the follow up K-7 does exactly the same, so perhaps it is for saving battery power. When I bought the K-3 II I wondered why it did not turn off.

11-15-2021, 03:14 AM	#10
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,525	Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II I guess that it is nothing alarming, the follow up K-7 does exactly the same, so perhaps it is for saving battery power. When I bought the K-3 II I wondered why it did not turn off. Really? One switches a K-7 on and the LCD goes off just to save battery power?

11-15-2021, 03:16 AM	#11
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,525	Originally posted by mikesbike Right- first get rid of any previous odd settings, then go from there with your own settings, which of course would include use of the lens aperture ring. And how is he going to do that if: Originally posted by MarkJ When I turn it on, the screen comes ON for a second or 2 and then goes black. 2 sec. are not enough to do any setting in the menu. That's the main problem.

11-15-2021, 07:21 AM	#12
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,467	Originally posted by photogem 2 sec. are not enough to do any setting in the menu. That's the main problem. Usually you press the menu button to get to the menu's. The OP describes what happens if he turns it on. And that is normal behaviour.

11-15-2021, 08:54 AM	#13
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by MarkJ I purchased a used K20D camera body in what was supposed to be perfect condition, when i found out how expensive the cheapest repair possibility would be for the repair of my old camera’s malfunctioning rear screen. The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, but it will not shoot with either my old manual SMC-Pentax-M 50mm nor my Macro Tamron AF 90mm when i put it in manual mode re F stops. When i turn it on, the screen comes on for a second or 2 and then goes black. It will shoot with no lens at all, but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually. Does anyone know of a way to remedy this? I am not finding anything in the operators manual. lets go back one step. does the camera work with AF lenses? when using a NON AF lens when you turn it on, it should prompt for focal length, does it do this?

11-15-2021, 11:53 AM	#15
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,565	Originally posted by MarkJ The New-to-me camera works fine on most things, Under what condition and lenses does it work fine? ---------- Post added 11-15-21 at 11:56 AM ---------- Originally posted by MarkJ but not with a manual lens in place, nor an automatic lens with F stop to be set manually. No problem with other lenses?