Good older dslr to dedicate to MF lenses

**Another dyemention** · 10-28-2015, 10:59 AM

Hey, was just wondering which older model pentax dslr would be a good choice to dedicate to MF lenses. Something I can replace the VF screen in as I don't want to do that to my k50. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just something basic that captures nice images. I prefer using MF lenses from time to time. It's a really nice change of pace. And there is just so much affordable, nice, legacy glass out there that I'd love to mess around with. Sure it'll never be a set up that I use very often but I'd like the option to do so.

And cheaper the better as far as the camera goes. Thanks

link81 · 10-28-2015, 11:25 AM

I would seriously consider getting another K50 or a K30. and replacing the screen in it. I use the focus peaking quite often for MF, and i don't think it was available before this generation.

Although, if you don't use it at all, i'd be tempted to look into something with a CCD (K10D is the latest i believe) Just because it would provide a slightly different look then your K50.

pathdoc · 10-28-2015, 11:29 AM - **1 Like**

I would have used my *ist-DL for this, had it not been declared unrepairable when I finally submitted it to Pentax/Ricoh Canada. In fact, it was going to be not only my permanent MF lens camera but also my permanent Takumar camera. The only problem I would see with this is I'm not sure whether any of the aftermarket VF kits out there would be suited for it. It was a good platform while it lasted, and if it hadn't turned up toes just north of 10,000 clicks I'd probably still be using it.

**Another dyemention** · 10-28-2015, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by link81

I would seriously consider getting another K50 or a K30. and replacing the screen in it. I use the focus peaking quite often for MF, and i don't think it was available before this generation.

Although, if you don't use it at all, i'd be tempted to look into something with a CCD (K10D is the latest i believe) Just because it would provide a slightly different look then your K50.

I was kinda thinking this would be my best bet but I'd rather not spend that much. It's really just for fun. If I could find a used one for like $100 (doubtful) then sure. Though I will be buying a k3 early next year so maybe I'll just turn my k50 into a MF camera. But any excuse to buy more gear is a good excuse in my book

So I'm ok buying an older body.

---------- Post added 10-28-15 at 11:38 AM ----------

Originally posted by pathdoc

I would have used my *ist-DL for this, had it not been declared unrepairable when I finally submitted it to Pentax/Ricoh Canada. In fact, it was going to be not only my permanent MF lens camera but also my permanent Takumar camera. The only problem I would see with this is I'm not sure whether any of the aftermarket VF kits out there would be suited for it. It was a good platform while it lasted, and if it hadn't turned up toes just north of 10,000 clicks I'd probably still be using it.

I also kinda figured there wouldn't be much in the way of aftermarket screens for older stuff. But ill have to look into that.

stevebrot · 10-28-2015, 11:49 AM

In some ways, this is an easy question. In other ways, not so easy, but here goes!

...thinking, thinking, thinking...

Assuming you are wanting to include non-A-contact lenses in the mix: K-7 or K-5 or (ideally) K-3

Rational:

Non-flagship models have the highest incidence of strange behaviors when not mated to A-contact glass
Models prior to the K-7, with the possible exception of the *istD series, have very flaky stop-down metering. As a former K10D owner, I cannot emphasize this point too much. The price point for a K-7 vs. a K20D is not much, but worth every penny.
Flagship models have a straightforward M mode implementation where auto-iso is never part of the mix.
The inclusion of the K-3 is based on addition of f/2.8 center column sensors in the AF array and availability of magnified live view with focus peaking. All of these make fine focus with fast manual focus lenses easier. I know the K-3 is hardly "older", but I would be amiss if I did not point out its advantages. I might also add that my vintage lenses do quite well with the 24 Mpx sensor.

Steve

**jatrax** · 10-28-2015, 11:59 AM

You might want to look at the k-01. Mirrorless, but with fairly good focus peaking. Dirt cheap right now. I used mine with manual M42 lenses for some time before I got the k-3.

stevebrot · 10-28-2015, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by Another dyemention

so maybe I'll just turn my k50 into a MF camera

If you have a trouble-free K-50, that is your obvious answer. You will already be familiar with how it behaves with manual focus glass and it has a great sensor.

Originally posted by Another dyemention

I also kinda figured there wouldn't be much in the way of aftermarket screens for older stuff. But ill have to look into that.

There are only a few variants of Pentax dSLR focus screens and all are pretty well-supported by the vendors, though your best bet would be bodies using the current screen (models K-7 and newer).

Steve

Fenwoodian · 10-28-2015, 12:04 PM

I shoot mostly manual lenses (Zeiss ZK and Voightlander). I get a much higher percentage of keepers with them on my K3 then I do with my K-01.

DHA · 10-28-2015, 12:35 PM

I think the first one to reply mentioned the look of the K10D. FWIIW, this is a wonderful camera with probably Sony's best 10mp sensor. It's rugged, provides SR and is super cheap on Ebay these days. I'd recommend that old reliable. Don

jkomp316 · 10-28-2015, 02:44 PM

imho sony's 6.1mp ccd was an effort that was unrivaled until their 16mp cmos.

Dartmoor Dave · 10-28-2015, 03:41 PM

I thought the 6MP and 10MP CCD sensors in the early Pentax DSLRs were Samsung devices, not Sony -- hence the Samsung branded versions that were also released.

I use the Samsung GX-10 branded version of the K10D with manual lenses exclusively, and love the film-like look delivered by that old CCD.

**boriscleto** · 10-28-2015, 03:44 PM - **1 Like**

After you put a focusing screen in it, swap the lens mount with an Adaptist Multi-Mount. Then you can really feed your manual focus LBA

Adaptist - Home

**paulh** · 10-28-2015, 04:09 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Dartmoor Dave

I thought the 6MP and 10MP CCD sensors in the early Pentax DSLRs were Samsung devices, not Sony -- hence the Samsung branded versions that were also released.

I use the Samsung GX-10 branded version of the K10D with manual lenses exclusively, and love the film-like look delivered by that old CCD.

Dave, IIRC the K20D and K7 were the only Pentax DSLRs to use Samsung sensors. The 6.1 and 10 mp CCD's were made by Sony, as are all CMOS sensors from the K-x forward (I think).

reeftool · 10-28-2015, 04:10 PM

I use a K10D with a Katz Eye screen. I bought the Katz Eye for my original K10D several years ago and I liked the results. The camera's card reader went bad and I bought a used K10D from KEH because it was cheaper than fixing my old one ($109 shipped). I stayed with another K10D because I already had the Katz Eye and also because I really like the ISO 100 IQ. A focusing screen is really useful if you use MF lenses a lot although Catch In Focus works very well and I use it a lot on my K5 which doesn't currently have a split focusing screen. I do have one for it but I never really got it shimmed right so I just kind of gave up on it.

I'm pretty certain that the 10 MP sensor in the K10D is Sony built and the same as the one in the Nikon D200. The Samsung sensors were in the K20D and K7.

pinholecam · 10-28-2015, 06:24 PM

I'd suggest a very cheap Canon 5D which you need to modify (mirror shave) for K mount lenses but can take most Nikon Ais (non-Ais) and M42 lenses with simple adapter.
Or a used A7.

If you intend to only use a Pentax DSLR, then anything within budget will do actually.
K30 and up will be 100% view and pentaprism

10-28-2015, 10:59 AM	#1
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432	Good older dslr to dedicate to MF lenses Hey, was just wondering which older model pentax dslr would be a good choice to dedicate to MF lenses. Something I can replace the VF screen in as I don't want to do that to my k50. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just something basic that captures nice images. I prefer using MF lenses from time to time. It's a really nice change of pace. And there is just so much affordable, nice, legacy glass out there that I'd love to mess around with. Sure it'll never be a set up that I use very often but I'd like the option to do so. And cheaper the better as far as the camera goes. Thanks

10-28-2015, 11:49 AM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	In some ways, this is an easy question. In other ways, not so easy, but here goes! ...thinking, thinking, thinking... Assuming you are wanting to include non-A-contact lenses in the mix: K-7 or K-5 or (ideally) K-3 Rational: Non-flagship models have the highest incidence of strange behaviors when not mated to A-contact glass Models prior to the K-7, with the possible exception of the *istD series, have very flaky stop-down metering. As a former K10D owner, I cannot emphasize this point too much. The price point for a K-7 vs. a K20D is not much, but worth every penny. Flagship models have a straightforward M mode implementation where auto-iso is never part of the mix. The inclusion of the K-3 is based on addition of f/2.8 center column sensors in the AF array and availability of magnified live view with focus peaking. All of these make fine focus with fast manual focus lenses easier. I know the K-3 is hardly "older", but I would be amiss if I did not point out its advantages. I might also add that my vintage lenses do quite well with the 24 Mpx sensor. Steve

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10-28-2015, 11:25 AM	#2
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459	I would seriously consider getting another K50 or a K30. and replacing the screen in it. I use the focus peaking quite often for MF, and i don't think it was available before this generation. Although, if you don't use it at all, i'd be tempted to look into something with a CCD (K10D is the latest i believe) Just because it would provide a slightly different look then your K50.

10-28-2015, 11:29 AM - 1 Like	#3
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	I would have used my *ist-DL for this, had it not been declared unrepairable when I finally submitted it to Pentax/Ricoh Canada. In fact, it was going to be not only my permanent MF lens camera but also my permanent Takumar camera. The only problem I would see with this is I'm not sure whether any of the aftermarket VF kits out there would be suited for it. It was a good platform while it lasted, and if it hadn't turned up toes just north of 10,000 clicks I'd probably still be using it.

10-28-2015, 11:37 AM	#4
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432 Original Poster	Originally posted by link81 I would seriously consider getting another K50 or a K30. and replacing the screen in it. I use the focus peaking quite often for MF, and i don't think it was available before this generation. Although, if you don't use it at all, i'd be tempted to look into something with a CCD (K10D is the latest i believe) Just because it would provide a slightly different look then your K50. I was kinda thinking this would be my best bet but I'd rather not spend that much. It's really just for fun. If I could find a used one for like $100 (doubtful) then sure. Though I will be buying a k3 early next year so maybe I'll just turn my k50 into a MF camera. But any excuse to buy more gear is a good excuse in my book So I'm ok buying an older body. ---------- Post added 10-28-15 at 11:38 AM ---------- Originally posted by pathdoc I would have used my *ist-DL for this, had it not been declared unrepairable when I finally submitted it to Pentax/Ricoh Canada. In fact, it was going to be not only my permanent MF lens camera but also my permanent Takumar camera. The only problem I would see with this is I'm not sure whether any of the aftermarket VF kits out there would be suited for it. It was a good platform while it lasted, and if it hadn't turned up toes just north of 10,000 clicks I'd probably still be using it. I also kinda figured there wouldn't be much in the way of aftermarket screens for older stuff. But ill have to look into that.

10-28-2015, 11:59 AM	#6
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	You might want to look at the k-01. Mirrorless, but with fairly good focus peaking. Dirt cheap right now. I used mine with manual M42 lenses for some time before I got the k-3.

10-28-2015, 12:01 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Another dyemention so maybe I'll just turn my k50 into a MF camera If you have a trouble-free K-50, that is your obvious answer. You will already be familiar with how it behaves with manual focus glass and it has a great sensor. Originally posted by Another dyemention I also kinda figured there wouldn't be much in the way of aftermarket screens for older stuff. But ill have to look into that. There are only a few variants of Pentax dSLR focus screens and all are pretty well-supported by the vendors, though your best bet would be bodies using the current screen (models K-7 and newer). Steve

10-28-2015, 12:04 PM	#8
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,874	I shoot mostly manual lenses (Zeiss ZK and Voightlander). I get a much higher percentage of keepers with them on my K3 then I do with my K-01.

10-28-2015, 12:35 PM	#9
DHA Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: The Tarheel State, North Carolina Posts: 91	I think the first one to reply mentioned the look of the K10D. FWIIW, this is a wonderful camera with probably Sony's best 10mp sensor. It's rugged, provides SR and is super cheap on Ebay these days. I'd recommend that old reliable. Don

10-28-2015, 02:44 PM	#10
jkomp316 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 227	imho sony's 6.1mp ccd was an effort that was unrivaled until their 16mp cmos.

10-28-2015, 03:41 PM	#11
Dartmoor Dave Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Dartmoor, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,882	I thought the 6MP and 10MP CCD sensors in the early Pentax DSLRs were Samsung devices, not Sony -- hence the Samsung branded versions that were also released. I use the Samsung GX-10 branded version of the K10D with manual lenses exclusively, and love the film-like look delivered by that old CCD.

10-28-2015, 03:44 PM - 1 Like	#12
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	After you put a focusing screen in it, swap the lens mount with an Adaptist Multi-Mount. Then you can really feed your manual focus LBA Adaptist - Home

10-28-2015, 04:09 PM - 1 Like	#13
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,262	Originally posted by Dartmoor Dave I thought the 6MP and 10MP CCD sensors in the early Pentax DSLRs were Samsung devices, not Sony -- hence the Samsung branded versions that were also released. I use the Samsung GX-10 branded version of the K10D with manual lenses exclusively, and love the film-like look delivered by that old CCD. Dave, IIRC the K20D and K7 were the only Pentax DSLRs to use Samsung sensors. The 6.1 and 10 mp CCD's were made by Sony, as are all CMOS sensors from the K-x forward (I think).

10-28-2015, 04:10 PM	#14
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	I use a K10D with a Katz Eye screen. I bought the Katz Eye for my original K10D several years ago and I liked the results. The camera's card reader went bad and I bought a used K10D from KEH because it was cheaper than fixing my old one ($109 shipped). I stayed with another K10D because I already had the Katz Eye and also because I really like the ISO 100 IQ. A focusing screen is really useful if you use MF lenses a lot although Catch In Focus works very well and I use it a lot on my K5 which doesn't currently have a split focusing screen. I do have one for it but I never really got it shimmed right so I just kind of gave up on it. I'm pretty certain that the 10 MP sensor in the K10D is Sony built and the same as the one in the Nikon D200. The Samsung sensors were in the K20D and K7.

10-28-2015, 06:24 PM	#15
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	I'd suggest a very cheap Canon 5D which you need to modify (mirror shave) for K mount lenses but can take most Nikon Ais (non-Ais) and M42 lenses with simple adapter. Or a used A7. If you intend to only use a Pentax DSLR, then anything within budget will do actually. K30 and up will be 100% view and pentaprism