Got a Pentax ME, have a K-30. I'm thinking FA lenses for both but don't know

Bootleg · 12-03-2013, 02:00 PM

I got an ME, already have a k1000 and k-30. I've been collecting old k-mount lenses for a while and I'm wondering how advanced the lenses can get before they won't work on my ME. I'm worried about the ME's mirror hitting the FA lenses. I'm also thinking about FA*, D FA lenses with aperture rings.

If this sounds crazy let me know if I should just get DA Limited lenses for the DSLR and just treat them like different systems. Any advice?

**jatrax** · 12-03-2013, 02:04 PM

FA lens were designed for film cameras so not a problem.

**gofour3** · 12-03-2013, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

FA lens were designed for film cameras so not a problem.

+1

Originally posted by Bootleg

I got an ME, already have a k1000 and k-30. I've been collecting old k-mount lenses for a while and I'm wondering how advanced the lenses can get before they won't work on my ME. I'm worried about the ME's mirror hitting the FA lenses. I'm also thinking about FA*, D FA lenses with aperture rings.

I use FA lenses on my "K" Series film bodies with no issues. The only thing you cannot use is the "A" setting on the aperture ring. Also stay away from the FA J zooms as they do not have an aperture ring and will not work on your ME & K1000.

Phil.

DavidSKAF3 · 12-03-2013, 02:53 PM

I've been looking at F and FA lenses to use with my K5, are there any compatibility heads ups that I need to know?

**jatrax** · 12-03-2013, 03:38 PM

None. Maybe a little more purple fringing than modern lenses but everything else works fine.

Bootleg · 12-03-2013, 04:09 PM

awesome, thanks so much guys.

stevebrot · 12-03-2013, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by Bootleg

I'm worried about the ME's mirror hitting the FA lenses.

As noted above, there should be no problem. I use my FAs on all of my K-mount gear and the only problem I might note is that the manual focus is not as silky as with my non-AF glass.

Steve

Jamey777 · 12-03-2013, 05:02 PM

I can't stand the focus throw and feel of the modern lenses (the DA etc) on film.

I love the feel of the manual focus on digital, however.

You should get some FA Limiteds :-) Work great on both!

johnha · 12-03-2013, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by davids8560

I've been looking at F and FA lenses to use with my K5, are there any compatibility heads ups that I need to know?

The only tip is that as the K-5 has the crippled mount, it will only open-aperture meter when the aperture ring is set to 'A', if not set to 'A' you need to use the green button to perform stop-down metering (most film cameras would open-aperture meter with the aperture ring set off 'A'). This isn't a limitation as all exposure modes are available on the K-5 with the lens on 'A' (unlike many film cameras).

12-03-2013, 02:00 PM	#1
Bootleg New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 20	Got a Pentax ME, have a K-30. I'm thinking FA lenses for both but don't know I got an ME, already have a k1000 and k-30. I've been collecting old k-mount lenses for a while and I'm wondering how advanced the lenses can get before they won't work on my ME. I'm worried about the ME's mirror hitting the FA lenses. I'm also thinking about FA*, D FA lenses with aperture rings. If this sounds crazy let me know if I should just get DA Limited lenses for the DSLR and just treat them like different systems. Any advice?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
I really don't have a clue	Dave W	Pentax DSLR Discussion	4	06-13-2013 06:03 PM
Thinking of trading a K-5 II for a K-30	memo90061	Pentax K-30 & K-50	36	05-19-2013 10:12 AM
I have a Pentax k-x but am thinking of getting a k-7 but worried about ISO performanc	crossover37	Pentax DSLR Discussion	19	09-10-2010 04:36 AM
I'm thinking about selling some of my lenses, but can't decide...	NorthPentax	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	11-24-2008 01:02 AM
Don't shoot me but I have a question on "future" products	BeerCan	Pentax News and Rumors	16	06-08-2008 01:04 PM

12-03-2013, 02:04 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	FA lens were designed for film cameras so not a problem.

12-03-2013, 02:40 PM	#3
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Originally posted by jatrax FA lens were designed for film cameras so not a problem. +1 Originally posted by Bootleg I got an ME, already have a k1000 and k-30. I've been collecting old k-mount lenses for a while and I'm wondering how advanced the lenses can get before they won't work on my ME. I'm worried about the ME's mirror hitting the FA lenses. I'm also thinking about FA*, D FA lenses with aperture rings. I use FA lenses on my "K" Series film bodies with no issues. The only thing you cannot use is the "A" setting on the aperture ring. Also stay away from the FA J zooms as they do not have an aperture ring and will not work on your ME & K1000. Phil.

12-03-2013, 02:53 PM	#4
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546	I've been looking at F and FA lenses to use with my K5, are there any compatibility heads ups that I need to know?

12-03-2013, 03:38 PM	#5
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	None. Maybe a little more purple fringing than modern lenses but everything else works fine.

12-03-2013, 04:09 PM	#6
Bootleg New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 20 Original Poster	awesome, thanks so much guys.

12-03-2013, 04:13 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Bootleg I'm worried about the ME's mirror hitting the FA lenses. As noted above, there should be no problem. I use my FAs on all of my K-mount gear and the only problem I might note is that the manual focus is not as silky as with my non-AF glass. Steve

12-03-2013, 05:02 PM	#8
Jamey777 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 426	I can't stand the focus throw and feel of the modern lenses (the DA etc) on film. I love the feel of the manual focus on digital, however. You should get some FA Limiteds :-) Work great on both!

12-03-2013, 05:22 PM	#9
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	Originally posted by davids8560 I've been looking at F and FA lenses to use with my K5, are there any compatibility heads ups that I need to know? The only tip is that as the K-5 has the crippled mount, it will only open-aperture meter when the aperture ring is set to 'A', if not set to 'A' you need to use the green button to perform stop-down metering (most film cameras would open-aperture meter with the aperture ring set off 'A'). This isn't a limitation as all exposure modes are available on the K-5 with the lens on 'A' (unlike many film cameras).