DSLR recommendation to use M42 50mm Super Takumar?

Viernes · 02-22-2017, 03:30 PM

I'want to to buy an old (in technology years) Pentax DSLR to use my old M42 50mm Super Takumar (it's from a Spotmatic, the very first camera I ever had).

I only need one dial to control the shutter speed, as I'll control the aperture right from the lens. I was thinking something along the lines of the Kr or Kx. Is there any limitation regardless metering, or something?

I already have a high end Pentax, but I want the "new-old one" to be attached to the Super Takumar all the time.

So the question is: do you have any special advice?

Thank you all!!
Regards,
Vier

Adam · 02-22-2017, 03:38 PM

Originally posted by Viernes

I'want to to buy an old (in technology years) Pentax DSLR to use my old M42 50mm Super Takumar (it's from a Spotmatic, the very first camera I ever had).

I only need one dial to control the shutter speed, as I'll control the aperture right from the lens. I was thinking something along the lines of the Kr or Kx. Is there any limitation regardless metering, or something?

I already have a high end Pentax, but I want the "new-old one" to be attached to the Super Takumar all the time.

So the question is: do you have any special advice?

Thank you all!!
Regards,
Vier

The K-x and K-r have been pretty reliable, but you might not like the small / dark viewfinder or basic live view support.

My recommendation would be a K-30, K-50, or K-5. These will also give you image quality that's comparable to modern cameras.

HarisF1 · 02-22-2017, 04:00 PM - **1 Like**

In addition to what Adam said, I have a little suggestion that might be amazing. You might be able to save a lot of money by buying a K30 with an aperture issue. You can use all the manual aperture lenses perfectly on them. Auto-aperture lenses will not work.

Buy from a trusted seller and make sure that it isn't a shutter fault (possible). If it's just the aperture block then you've got a cut price camera with no problems for your shooting.

Adam · 02-22-2017, 04:04 PM

Great suggestion! I'd you post in the wanted section, I'm sure there are plenty of users here who want to offload theirs.

Adam
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Viernes · 02-22-2017, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The K-x and K-r have been pretty reliable, but you might not like the small / dark viewfinder or basic live view support.

My recommendation would be a K-30, K-50, or K-5. These will also give you image quality that's comparable to modern cameras.

I already have a K3 with a couple of autofocus lenses. I was looking for something more of a "old cheap reliable workhorse" to leave the Super Tak always on. But thanks!

Not a Number · 02-22-2017, 04:53 PM

Get a K-30/50. If it develops the aperture stop-down problem it won't matter. You'll have to use green button metering in manual mode though. Stop-down metering via the DOF preview is a feature found only on the "flagships" - K-5,K-3 or K-1.

**Ian.morgan** · 02-22-2017, 05:21 PM

If you post in the K-30 wanted section, I have one ready and waiting to go (aperture block failure).

Ian.

pinholecam · 02-22-2017, 07:02 PM

Loyalty aside, the best camera to mount this if you want DSLR style of usage will be a used Canon 5D with EES precision focusing screen.
The SMC Takumar 55/1.8 almost lived on it when I had the camera.
To be fair, the adapter is also less fiddly than the Pentax one since it makes the lens a EOS bayonet mount.
FF is a big plus too.

VoiceOfReason · 02-22-2017, 07:44 PM

K30 with aperture issue, live view with focus peaking.

**Knock** · 02-22-2017, 07:50 PM

I've had the kx and k30. I think I liked the kx better. I had metering trouble with m42s on my k30. It would not meter properly while in M. I had to keep it in Av all the time. I also had that aperture failure which limited it to only m42s. I did most of my learning on the kx, so I will always love it. I also had great experience with the K10D while using m42s.

**psoo** · 03-01-2017, 08:21 AM

I have a K50 that recently developed the aperture block problem. I thought that instead of having it repaired, I should use it with my manual Takumars, and use my back-up Kx with my auto lenses. However, am I not sacrificing image quality by using the Kx? I actually bought the K50 in the belief that it would give better picture quality. Through a Pentaxian in these Forums I found a repair shop that will repair the aperture problem for $100 and give a guarantee as well. I think I will go ahead and get the repair done. Is this a good plan?

Viernes · 03-05-2017, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The K-x and K-r have been pretty reliable, but you might not like the small / dark viewfinder or basic live view support.

My recommendation would be a K-30, K-50, or K-5. These will also give you image quality that's comparable to modern cameras.

I read somewhere that all Pentax DSLR have focus confirmation when used with manual lenses, is that really so???

Adam · 03-05-2017, 05:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Viernes

I read somewhere that all Pentax DSLR have focus confirmation when used with manual lenses, is that really so???

Yes, and also catch-in-focus.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-06-2017, 04:43 AM

For me, I would go with an *istD

No joke

It offers reliable metering with legacy lenses, and a dual flash system TTL, and P-TTL

This means you can do flash photography too with your legacy lenses. In fact the *istD has the most sophisticated flash system of any Pentax DSLR with the ability also to use high speed sync HSS with the in body flash as the master.

Ok it's old and clunky but they still work and 6mP is enough to print 11x17

**niceshot** · 03-06-2017, 04:50 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Get a K-30/50. If it develops the aperture stop-down problem it won't matter. You'll have to use green button metering in manual mode though. Stop-down metering via the DOF preview is a feature found only on the "flagships" - K-5,K-3 or K-1.

with m-42 you can leave it in AV MODE at all times .It will meter perfect, you might have to adjust the exposure dial a little.

---------- Post added 03-06-17 at 06:51 AM ----------

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

For me, I would go with an *istD

No joke

It offers reliable metering with legacy lenses, and a dual flash system TTL, and P-TTL

This means you can do flash photography too with your legacy lenses. In fact the *istD has the most sophisticated flash system of any Pentax DSLR with the ability also to use high speed sync HSS with the in body flash as the master.

Ok it's old and clunky but they still work and 6mP is enough to print 11x17

I agree, and you can get them cheap

02-22-2017, 03:30 PM	#1
Viernes Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 30	DSLR recommendation to use M42 50mm Super Takumar? I'want to to buy an old (in technology years) Pentax DSLR to use my old M42 50mm Super Takumar (it's from a Spotmatic, the very first camera I ever had). I only need one dial to control the shutter speed, as I'll control the aperture right from the lens. I was thinking something along the lines of the Kr or Kx. Is there any limitation regardless metering, or something? I already have a high end Pentax, but I want the "new-old one" to be attached to the Super Takumar all the time. So the question is: do you have any special advice? Thank you all!! Regards, Vier

02-22-2017, 03:38 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Viernes I'want to to buy an old (in technology years) Pentax DSLR to use my old M42 50mm Super Takumar (it's from a Spotmatic, the very first camera I ever had). I only need one dial to control the shutter speed, as I'll control the aperture right from the lens. I was thinking something along the lines of the Kr or Kx. Is there any limitation regardless metering, or something? I already have a high end Pentax, but I want the "new-old one" to be attached to the Super Takumar all the time. So the question is: do you have any special advice? Thank you all!! Regards, Vier The K-x and K-r have been pretty reliable, but you might not like the small / dark viewfinder or basic live view support. My recommendation would be a K-30, K-50, or K-5. These will also give you image quality that's comparable to modern cameras. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-05-2017, 05:37 PM - 1 Like	#13
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Viernes I read somewhere that all Pentax DSLR have focus confirmation when used with manual lenses, is that really so??? Yes, and also catch-in-focus. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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02-22-2017, 04:00 PM - 1 Like	#3
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	In addition to what Adam said, I have a little suggestion that might be amazing. You might be able to save a lot of money by buying a K30 with an aperture issue. You can use all the manual aperture lenses perfectly on them. Auto-aperture lenses will not work. Buy from a trusted seller and make sure that it isn't a shutter fault (possible). If it's just the aperture block then you've got a cut price camera with no problems for your shooting.

02-22-2017, 04:04 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Great suggestion! I'd you post in the wanted section, I'm sure there are plenty of users here who want to offload theirs. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

02-22-2017, 04:43 PM	#5
Viernes Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 30 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The K-x and K-r have been pretty reliable, but you might not like the small / dark viewfinder or basic live view support. My recommendation would be a K-30, K-50, or K-5. These will also give you image quality that's comparable to modern cameras. I already have a K3 with a couple of autofocus lenses. I was looking for something more of a "old cheap reliable workhorse" to leave the Super Tak always on. But thanks!

02-22-2017, 04:53 PM	#6
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Get a K-30/50. If it develops the aperture stop-down problem it won't matter. You'll have to use green button metering in manual mode though. Stop-down metering via the DOF preview is a feature found only on the "flagships" - K-5,K-3 or K-1.

02-22-2017, 05:21 PM	#7
Ian.morgan Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 152	If you post in the K-30 wanted section, I have one ready and waiting to go (aperture block failure). Ian.

02-22-2017, 07:02 PM	#8
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Loyalty aside, the best camera to mount this if you want DSLR style of usage will be a used Canon 5D with EES precision focusing screen. The SMC Takumar 55/1.8 almost lived on it when I had the camera. To be fair, the adapter is also less fiddly than the Pentax one since it makes the lens a EOS bayonet mount. FF is a big plus too.

02-22-2017, 07:44 PM	#9
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	K30 with aperture issue, live view with focus peaking.

02-22-2017, 07:50 PM	#10
Knock Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 467	I've had the kx and k30. I think I liked the kx better. I had metering trouble with m42s on my k30. It would not meter properly while in M. I had to keep it in Av all the time. I also had that aperture failure which limited it to only m42s. I did most of my learning on the kx, so I will always love it. I also had great experience with the K10D while using m42s.

03-01-2017, 08:21 AM	#11
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485	I have a K50 that recently developed the aperture block problem. I thought that instead of having it repaired, I should use it with my manual Takumars, and use my back-up Kx with my auto lenses. However, am I not sacrificing image quality by using the Kx? I actually bought the K50 in the belief that it would give better picture quality. Through a Pentaxian in these Forums I found a repair shop that will repair the aperture problem for $100 and give a guarantee as well. I think I will go ahead and get the repair done. Is this a good plan?

03-05-2017, 05:31 PM	#12
Viernes Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 30 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The K-x and K-r have been pretty reliable, but you might not like the small / dark viewfinder or basic live view support. My recommendation would be a K-30, K-50, or K-5. These will also give you image quality that's comparable to modern cameras. I read somewhere that all Pentax DSLR have focus confirmation when used with manual lenses, is that really so???

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03-06-2017, 04:43 AM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	For me, I would go with an istD No joke It offers reliable metering with legacy lenses, and a dual flash system TTL, and P-TTL This means you can do flash photography too with your legacy lenses. In fact the istD has the most sophisticated flash system of any Pentax DSLR with the ability also to use high speed sync HSS with the in body flash as the master. Ok it's old and clunky but they still work and 6mP is enough to print 11x17

03-06-2017, 04:50 AM	#15
niceshot Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,564	Originally posted by Not a Number Get a K-30/50. If it develops the aperture stop-down problem it won't matter. You'll have to use green button metering in manual mode though. Stop-down metering via the DOF preview is a feature found only on the "flagships" - K-5,K-3 or K-1. with m-42 you can leave it in AV MODE at all times .It will meter perfect, you might have to adjust the exposure dial a little. ---------- Post added 03-06-17 at 06:51 AM ---------- Originally posted by Lowell Goudge For me, I would go with an istD No joke It offers reliable metering with legacy lenses, and a dual flash system TTL, and P-TTL This means you can do flash photography too with your legacy lenses. In fact the istD has the most sophisticated flash system of any Pentax DSLR with the ability also to use high speed sync HSS with the in body flash as the master. Ok it's old and clunky but they still work and 6mP is enough to print 11x17 I agree, and you can get them cheap