[Alizarine]

Hello everyone! Been eyeing this mint ME Super selling locally for just around $50. Just curious though, as I read that it can support Aperture Priority... Does it mean I can use DA lenses on the ME Super? Sure they won't AF but I'm looking for at least adjusting the aperture in-camera. If not... well time to pump up the K/M/A LBA.

[Baard-Einar]

Hi there.

SMC Pentax-DA lenses are optimized for use with Pentax Digital SLRs. They cannot be used on film because they only cover the APS-C image circle. So no, you will get problems using a DA on the ME Super :-)

[Adam]

You can't really use DA lenses on a ME Super because they will always be set to their minimum aperture (F22 or F32) when shooting.

The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

Minimally, you'll need an A-series film SLR. Even then, you'd experience severe vignetting with most DA lenses- so classic lenses are the way to go

[Chuckie]

APS-C lenses generally dont go well on FF bodies, but you can get the odd paring which produces interesting results. The Sigma DC 10-20mm on a FF body without the lend hood on gives quite nice fish-eye effects at 10mm.

The major issue is the lack of aperture rings on most APS-C lenses (except for Sigma where many lenses still have them). Unless you have a camera like the PZ1 where you can control the aperture from the body, you have a problem.

The older film bodies are jewels and great fun to use and learn on.

[Alizarine]

Minimally, you'll need an A-series film SLR. Even then, you'd experience severe vignetting with most DA lenses- so classic lenses are the way to go

Ah, I was thinking on the line of like the DA 35 2.4 (which a lot say is compatible with the old 35mm). So even with such a lens, I'll only be able to shoot fully stopped down? btw, thanks for that chart. Kinda forgot about it

The major issue is the lack of aperture rings on most APS-C lenses (except for Sigma where many lenses still have them). Unless you have a camera like the PZ1 where you can control the aperture from the body, you have a problem.

This is what I'm afraid of - if I can't adjust aperture thru the camera, then even with FF-compatible DA lenses then I'm afraid only my FA's and M's will work on it.

[Adam]

So even with such a lens, I'll only be able to shoot fully stopped down?

Yup, that's right. No dice without an aperture ring on M and K bodies. The chart should indicate what lenses do and do not work with each camera

[Alizarine]

I see, got it. Thanks for the help!

[Hertizel]

As Adam sayd, you need a A-Series minimum body to be able to control aperture with lens with no aperture ring (like FAJ or DA series lens). Even then, some A-Series or later bodies won't allow all exposure modes. For instance, flagship MZ-S won't allow aperture priority mode (it will however allow shutter priority mode, so you can indirectly control aperture by controling shutter speed - that's what I do, with no problem). Z1-p (PZ-1p) in my opinion is the best option you have to use these lens, wich also include third party full frame capable modern lens with no aperture ring (like my Tamron 70-200/2.8) - since Pentax no longer produces any bodies that are unable to control aperture, third party manufacturers stoped producing lens with aperture ring.

Also, I find this topic extremely usefull to check full frame coverage of DA lens: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31629-da-lens...ts-thread.html