Using vintage manual lens with K-3ii

**tduell** · 06-27-2015, 06:29 PM

Hello All,
I have an old manual lens from way back, a Meyer f1.8 50mm, which I used on a Practica.
Some info on the lens can be found here Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 1.8 50 | Vintage Camera Lenses.
This lens uses preset aperture, which can be stopped down via the button on the side, and via the rear pin which was actuated by the Practica when shutter button was pushed.
My question is essentially how one would use the lens with my K-3ii, assuming an M42 to K-mount adaptor.
I am guessing I would have to test exposure by adjusting the aperture ring and pressing the stop-down button on the side of the lens, whilst also half pressing the K-3ii shutter button. This sounds a bit complicated, but may not be in practice.
Anyone have any experience using this type of lens with a modern Pentax DSLR?

Cheers,
Terry

**jatrax** · 06-27-2015, 06:37 PM

Here you go:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/110658-u...x-dslrs-f.html

---------- Post added 06-27-15 at 06:37 PM ----------

And welcome to the forums, by the way!

stevebrot · 06-27-2015, 09:46 PM

Originally posted by tduell

This sounds a bit complicated, but may not be in practice.
Anyone have any experience using this type of lens with a modern Pentax DSLR?

Yes, my Jupiter-9 has a pre-set aperture. Probably the easiest approach is to put your camera in Av mode. When you stop down using the button, the camera will choose an appropriate shutter speed according to the light reaching the meter sensor. You can then use the EV compensation to fine tune.

Edit: The lens you linked to is a standard auto-aperture M42 lens and does not have a pre-set aperture. The button on the side is not a preset button, it is the M/A switch. The M/A switch does pretty much the same thing, though on most cameras it stays in either the M or the A state. I can see what Arjay means by wedging the lever down. That should work, either that or surgery on the aperture pin.

Steve

Arjay Bee · 06-27-2015, 10:02 PM

Zeiss 50mm 2.8 zebra had the same arrangement. At one point I wedged the lever button down with a nub of nylon/plastic. . But it was possible to do the three finger button press as you describe.

06-27-2015, 06:29 PM	#1
tduell Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,514	Using vintage manual lens with K-3ii Hello All, I have an old manual lens from way back, a Meyer f1.8 50mm, which I used on a Practica. Some info on the lens can be found here Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 1.8 50 \| Vintage Camera Lenses. This lens uses preset aperture, which can be stopped down via the button on the side, and via the rear pin which was actuated by the Practica when shutter button was pushed. My question is essentially how one would use the lens with my K-3ii, assuming an M42 to K-mount adaptor. I am guessing I would have to test exposure by adjusting the aperture ring and pressing the stop-down button on the side of the lens, whilst also half pressing the K-3ii shutter button. This sounds a bit complicated, but may not be in practice. Anyone have any experience using this type of lens with a modern Pentax DSLR? Cheers, Terry

06-27-2015, 09:46 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by tduell This sounds a bit complicated, but may not be in practice. Anyone have any experience using this type of lens with a modern Pentax DSLR? Yes, my Jupiter-9 has a pre-set aperture. Probably the easiest approach is to put your camera in Av mode. When you stop down using the button, the camera will choose an appropriate shutter speed according to the light reaching the meter sensor. You can then use the EV compensation to fine tune. Edit: The lens you linked to is a standard auto-aperture M42 lens and does not have a pre-set aperture. The button on the side is not a preset button, it is the M/A switch. The M/A switch does pretty much the same thing, though on most cameras it stays in either the M or the A state. I can see what Arjay means by wedging the lever down. That should work, either that or surgery on the aperture pin. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 06-27-2015 at 10:40 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Using the K-500 and looking at the K-3II - Is it worth the upgrade price?	Rayn	Pentax DSLR Discussion	13	05-23-2015 08:39 PM
pentax k-x using ring flash on manual lens	Wendy	Visitors' Center	3	05-02-2015 03:32 PM
K-3 Retaining (incorrect) Lens Data Using Manual Lenses?	Sagitta	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	14	04-16-2015 10:24 AM
Using K Mount Manual Lens on K-30, K-50?	Relativity	Pentax K-30 & K-50	11	07-08-2014 04:05 PM
Using a Manual Focus lens with a Pentax K-3	DawnHoweth	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	06-22-2014 02:13 PM

06-27-2015, 06:37 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Here you go: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/110658-u...x-dslrs-f.html ---------- Post added 06-27-15 at 06:37 PM ---------- And welcome to the forums, by the way!

06-27-2015, 10:02 PM	#4
Arjay Bee Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Horn Island, Torres Straits, Q Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,715	Zeiss 50mm 2.8 zebra had the same arrangement. At one point I wedged the lever button down with a nub of nylon/plastic. . But it was possible to do the three finger button press as you describe.