K Mount?

skamalpreet · 08-02-2009, 09:51 PM

HI Guys,
I have been looking up ebay and gum tree for an older prime. Some of them say that the lens has a K-mount. I have a K200
Will the K-Mount work with the K200 as is or do I need an adaptor for it? These are manual focus lenses so I know the autofocus will not work with them
Any thoughts?

KP

Damn Brit · 08-02-2009, 09:56 PM

There are a couple of third party brands I believe that need modifying because they were designed for film cameras and there is less clearance in a digital camera. If you get Pentax lenses in K mount, there will be no problem.

res3567 · 08-02-2009, 10:39 PM

Originally posted by skamalpreet

HI Guys,
I have been looking up ebay and gum tree for an older prime. Some of them say that the lens has a K-mount. I have a K200
Will the K-Mount work with the K200 as is or do I need an adaptor for it? These are manual focus lenses so I know the autofocus will not work with them
Any thoughts?

KP

All bayonet K-mount lenses should work on the K200D ( at least the Pentax ones will fit perfectly).

The older M42 screw mount lenses are the ones you will need an adapter for.

Scott_the_Artist · 08-03-2009, 02:06 AM

It sure seems wierd that they'd change from screw mount to a K mount. What's the rationale behind that? Are there any advantages a K mount has over a screw mount?
(I'm talking about way back when, in the late 60's or whenever it was that they changed mounting systems)

Scott

Last edited by Scott_the_Artist; 08-03-2009 at 02:07 AM. Reason: clarification

Daveinozbikes · 08-03-2009, 06:05 AM

Well.I suppose a bayonet is quicker to mount and dismount plus with the advent of electric contacts with a screw mount they would wear out pretty quickly. Oh Yeah..and everyone else was doing it

raymeedc · 08-03-2009, 07:09 AM

Originally posted by Scott_the_Artist

It sure seems wierd that they'd change from screw mount to a K mount. What's the rationale behind that? Are there any advantages a K mount has over a screw mount?
(I'm talking about way back when, in the late 60's or whenever it was that they changed mounting systems)

Scott

Every other company had by that time switched to a Bayonet mount. Not only was it quicker for lens changing, but kept the lens in exactly the same position each time, offering better & more consistent adaptation & registration for the newly developing lens contacts required or more flexible metering options.

noblepa · 08-03-2009, 07:11 AM

In its later years, Ricoh used a slight variant of the k-mount. The lenses are mostly interchangeable, with a little caution.

Some of the Ricoh lenses have an extra pin that can get hung up in the Pentax AF screw drive. If this happens, either the lens or the camera must be partially dismantled. Search for "Ricoh pin".

I'm not an expert, but apparently there are two types of Ricoh pin. One is a spring loaded ball-bearing type, which does not cause a problem. The other is a straight steel pin that DOES get caught.

So, be careful of any Ricoh branded lens, or any lens that claims to be a PK-R or P/K/R mount. There are several posts that explain how to remove the dreaded Ricoh pin, to make it safe to use on a Pentax camera.

stevebrot · 08-06-2009, 12:29 PM

Originally posted by Scott_the_Artist

It sure seems wierd that they'd change from screw mount to a K mount. What's the rationale behind that? Are there any advantages a K mount has over a screw mount?
(I'm talking about way back when, in the late 60's or whenever it was that they changed mounting systems)

Scott

"Way back when..." when I was a boy...

Actually, it was when I was about 13 years old that I asked a photographer friend the bayonet vs. screw question. The answer?

Advantages to bayonet:

Quick and easy

Disadvantages to bayonet:

Potential for laxness in the mount with age. The breech-lock variants (Canon and others) were designed to address this issue.
Often proprietary...might limit third-party lens options

Advantages to screw mount:

Does not loosen with age
Non-proprietary
Uses more accurate stop-down metering

Disadvantages to screw mount:

Cross-threading (yes...it can happen)
Slow to mount
Required stop-down metering (at the time)

So...There is the old guy's explanation.

Steve

stevebrot · 08-06-2009, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by noblepa

So, be careful of any Ricoh branded lens...

Whoa! Yes, take care, but be aware that of the hundreds of Ricoh lens models out there, the only ones with the infamous pin are those with a green "P" on the aperture ring. If a Rikenon, the lens face will also be marked as Rikenon-P.

Rikenon = OK
Auto-Rikenon = OK
XR Rikenon = OK

Rikenon P = NOT OK (in general...some have the ball-type pin...)

Even beyond the lens marking, detecting the hazardous mount is easy. If it is not a Pentax-brand lens, simply look/feel for any spring-loaded protrusion (the pin) that might drop into the AF drive slot. No pin...no problem.

Steve

stevebrot · 08-06-2009, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by Damn Brit

There are a couple of third party brands I believe that need modifying because they were designed for film cameras and there is less clearance in a digital camera. If you get Pentax lenses in K mount, there will be no problem.

This is true. Some Vivitars and a few others have a raised flange that must be shaved/cut down.

Steve

pbo · 08-06-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

This is true. Some Vivitars and a few others have a raised flange that must be shaved/cut down.

Steve

They actually can be screwed off - much easier than shaving. All of those flanges are held with 3 tiny screws, and taking the flange off doesn't really seem to affect anything - beside mountability

stevebrot · 08-06-2009, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by pbo

They actually can be screwed off - much easier than shaving. All of those flanges are held with 3 tiny screws, and taking the flange off doesn't really seem to affect anything - beside mountability

So true. The original purpose was to protect the aperture lever. The height is quite variable between brands with some mounts (PK Adaptall-2 for example) lacking it altogether.

GerryL · 08-06-2009, 01:49 PM

I tried to remove one flange once as I have read it wouldn't pose any problems.
Only thing was the flange was connected to the diaphragm spring.
Good thing the flange wasn't too raised that it didn't actually pose a problem without removal or shaving.

adriano210 · 08-06-2009, 03:52 PM

pk/r is making trouble (some hanimex lenses and some cosinas with it)

Marc Sabatella · 08-06-2009, 04:58 PM

Just to clarify one thing that might still not be clear - your DSLR uses K-mount. That's why K-mount lenses don't require an adapter - because that's exactly the right kind of lens. Oh, OK, your DSLR uses a specific variation of K-mount called KAF2 or something like that, but it is still generically referred to as K-mount. But usually if you see a lens sold as K-mount, that means the original K-mount - no auto exposure, no auto focus.

08-02-2009, 09:51 PM	#1
skamalpreet Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 150	K Mount? HI Guys, I have been looking up ebay and gum tree for an older prime. Some of them say that the lens has a K-mount. I have a K200 Will the K-Mount work with the K200 as is or do I need an adaptor for it? These are manual focus lenses so I know the autofocus will not work with them Any thoughts? KP

08-03-2009, 02:06 AM	#4
Scott_the_Artist Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 62	K mount vs. m42 It sure seems wierd that they'd change from screw mount to a K mount. What's the rationale behind that? Are there any advantages a K mount has over a screw mount? (I'm talking about way back when, in the late 60's or whenever it was that they changed mounting systems) Scott Last edited by Scott_the_Artist; 08-03-2009 at 02:07 AM. Reason: clarification

08-03-2009, 07:11 AM	#7
noblepa Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,142	Ricoh lenses In its later years, Ricoh used a slight variant of the k-mount. The lenses are mostly interchangeable, with a little caution. Some of the Ricoh lenses have an extra pin that can get hung up in the Pentax AF screw drive. If this happens, either the lens or the camera must be partially dismantled. Search for "Ricoh pin". I'm not an expert, but apparently there are two types of Ricoh pin. One is a spring loaded ball-bearing type, which does not cause a problem. The other is a straight steel pin that DOES get caught. So, be careful of any Ricoh branded lens, or any lens that claims to be a PK-R or P/K/R mount. There are several posts that explain how to remove the dreaded Ricoh pin, to make it safe to use on a Pentax camera.

08-06-2009, 12:29 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Scott_the_Artist It sure seems wierd that they'd change from screw mount to a K mount. What's the rationale behind that? Are there any advantages a K mount has over a screw mount? (I'm talking about way back when, in the late 60's or whenever it was that they changed mounting systems) Scott "Way back when..." when I was a boy... Actually, it was when I was about 13 years old that I asked a photographer friend the bayonet vs. screw question. The answer? Advantages to bayonet: Quick and easy Disadvantages to bayonet: Potential for laxness in the mount with age. The breech-lock variants (Canon and others) were designed to address this issue. Often proprietary...might limit third-party lens options Advantages to screw mount: Does not loosen with age Non-proprietary Uses more accurate stop-down metering Disadvantages to screw mount: Cross-threading (yes...it can happen) Slow to mount Required stop-down metering (at the time) So...There is the old guy's explanation. Steve

08-06-2009, 12:38 PM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by noblepa So, be careful of any Ricoh branded lens... Whoa! Yes, take care, but be aware that of the hundreds of Ricoh lens models out there, the only ones with the infamous pin are those with a green "P" on the aperture ring. If a Rikenon, the lens face will also be marked as Rikenon-P. Rikenon = OK Auto-Rikenon = OK XR Rikenon = OK Rikenon P = NOT OK (in general...some have the ball-type pin...) Even beyond the lens marking, detecting the hazardous mount is easy. If it is not a Pentax-brand lens, simply look/feel for any spring-loaded protrusion (the pin) that might drop into the AF drive slot. No pin...no problem. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 08-06-2009 at 01:44 PM.

08-02-2009, 09:56 PM	#2
Damn Brit Guest	There are a couple of third party brands I believe that need modifying because they were designed for film cameras and there is less clearance in a digital camera. If you get Pentax lenses in K mount, there will be no problem.

08-02-2009, 10:39 PM	#3
res3567 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,876	Originally posted by skamalpreet HI Guys, I have been looking up ebay and gum tree for an older prime. Some of them say that the lens has a K-mount. I have a K200 Will the K-Mount work with the K200 as is or do I need an adaptor for it? These are manual focus lenses so I know the autofocus will not work with them Any thoughts? KP All bayonet K-mount lenses should work on the K200D ( at least the Pentax ones will fit perfectly). The older M42 screw mount lenses are the ones you will need an adapter for.

08-03-2009, 06:05 AM	#5
Daveinozbikes Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Dawesville,Western Australia. Photos: Gallery Posts: 128	Well.I suppose a bayonet is quicker to mount and dismount plus with the advent of electric contacts with a screw mount they would wear out pretty quickly. Oh Yeah..and everyone else was doing it

08-03-2009, 07:09 AM	#6
raymeedc Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 951	Originally posted by Scott_the_Artist It sure seems wierd that they'd change from screw mount to a K mount. What's the rationale behind that? Are there any advantages a K mount has over a screw mount? (I'm talking about way back when, in the late 60's or whenever it was that they changed mounting systems) Scott Every other company had by that time switched to a Bayonet mount. Not only was it quicker for lens changing, but kept the lens in exactly the same position each time, offering better & more consistent adaptation & registration for the newly developing lens contacts required or more flexible metering options.

08-06-2009, 12:40 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Damn Brit There are a couple of third party brands I believe that need modifying because they were designed for film cameras and there is less clearance in a digital camera. If you get Pentax lenses in K mount, there will be no problem. This is true. Some Vivitars and a few others have a raised flange that must be shaved/cut down. Steve

08-06-2009, 12:57 PM	#11
pbo Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 891	Quote: This is true. Some Vivitars and a few others have a raised flange that must be shaved/cut down. Steve They actually can be screwed off - much easier than shaving. All of those flanges are held with 3 tiny screws, and taking the flange off doesn't really seem to affect anything - beside mountability

08-06-2009, 01:41 PM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by pbo They actually can be screwed off - much easier than shaving. All of those flanges are held with 3 tiny screws, and taking the flange off doesn't really seem to affect anything - beside mountability So true. The original purpose was to protect the aperture lever. The height is quite variable between brands with some mounts (PK Adaptall-2 for example) lacking it altogether.

08-06-2009, 01:49 PM	#13
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	I tried to remove one flange once as I have read it wouldn't pose any problems. Only thing was the flange was connected to the diaphragm spring. Good thing the flange wasn't too raised that it didn't actually pose a problem without removal or shaving.

08-06-2009, 03:52 PM	#14
adriano210 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dublin Posts: 60	pk/r is making trouble (some hanimex lenses and some cosinas with it)

08-06-2009, 04:58 PM	#15
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Just to clarify one thing that might still not be clear - your DSLR uses K-mount. That's why K-mount lenses don't require an adapter - because that's exactly the right kind of lens. Oh, OK, your DSLR uses a specific variation of K-mount called KAF2 or something like that, but it is still generically referred to as K-mount. But usually if you see a lens sold as K-mount, that means the original K-mount - no auto exposure, no auto focus.

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