If you could only have one?

RR84 · 06-21-2016, 02:12 PM

I'm surprised there aren't many mentions of M42 bodies and lenses. For me, that's where it's at.

I'd either have to go with a SP + ST50/1.4 (8), or a K + 58/2. If it must be just one, I'd go the SP/50 with a supply of Delta 400.

SpartanD63 · 06-21-2016, 07:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by RR84

I'm surprised there aren't many mentions of M42 bodies and lenses. For me, that's where it's at.

I'd either have to go with a SP + ST50/1.4 (8), or a K + 58/2. If it must be just one, I'd go the SP/50 with a supply of Delta 400.

Can't fault the M42 bodies. Or the lenses. Both are great, yet many discount them just because they're older, or because they "lack" automatic features. I've got a Spotmatic SP I need to restore that I'll never sell. (My media production teacher gave it to me, with a bunch of lenses, for free, purely because he knew I liked Pentax. Best teacher ever?

) Anyway, it's a lovely camera.

cieslikowski · 06-23-2016, 12:41 AM

M42 bodies - Porst Compact Reflex SP aka Cosina CSR or CSM. One of the best in M42 because have a spot metering, is small. This camera have a one of the best mechanic. But this have a one problem. Switch of DOF and exposure. This switch be blocked with exactly Auto Rikenon 55mm f/1.4 ... Lens for this camera :Super Takumar 50mm 8 elements or SMC Tak 35mm f/3.5

K mount body : Z1 or K2DMD. Z1 have a 1/8000, good metering, AF. But someone say about a power (F**** battery C2...) I have a handmade powergrip with 4xAA battery and focusing screen from LX for MF

K2DMD because this camera is a tank ! Lenses : Planar T* 50mm f/1.7 (C/Y mod for PK) or SMC-K 35mm f/3.5

Film - Extar 100 or Pan-F 50.

hoopsontoast · 06-23-2016, 12:59 AM

For me, the MZ-S and FA43. Perfect.

SpartanD63 · 06-23-2016, 01:30 AM

Originally posted by cieslikowski

M42 bodies - Porst Compact Reflex SP aka Cosina CSR or CSM. One of the best in M42 because have a spot metering, is small. This camera have a one of the best mechanic. But this have a one problem. Switch of DOF and exposure. This switch be blocked with exactly Auto Rikenon 55mm f/1.4 ... Lens for this camera :Super Takumar 50mm 8 elements or SMC Tak 35mm f/3.5

K mount body : Z1 or K2DMD. Z1 have a 1/8000, good metering, AF. But someone say about a power (F**** battery C2...) I have a handmade powergrip with 4xAA battery and focusing screen from LX for MF

K2DMD because this camera is a tank ! Lenses : Planar T* 50mm f/1.7 (C/Y mod for PK) or SMC-K 35mm f/3.5

Film - Extar 100 or Pan-F 50.

I hadn't ever even thought of the Z-1, but it does sound pretty good on paper. Do you have any pictures or info on your powergrip?

Originally posted by hoopsontoast

For me, the MZ-S and FA43. Perfect.

Every time I see the MZ-S, I can't help but respect its design. It's a gorgeous tanky looking camera. Definitely on the wishlist.

cieslikowski · 06-23-2016, 05:21 AM

Originally posted by SpartanD63

I hadn't ever even thought of the Z-1, but it does sound pretty good on paper. Do you have any pictures or info on your powergrip?

@SpartanD63 This is made from ME grip. Like a original grip for Z1. I can make better pict's later.

ownCloud

**gofour3** · 06-23-2016, 10:07 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by RR84

I'm surprised there aren't many mentions of M42 bodies

Originally posted by SpartanD63

Can't fault the M42 bodies.

The issue with M42 bodies is that you can't use any of the great Pentax K-Mount lenses made over the years. If you want that Spotmatic feel then a K1000 or KM will suffice for most folks and you can use any M42 or K-Mount lens with them.

Phil.

bertwert · 06-23-2016, 10:10 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

The issue with M42 bodies is that you can't use any of the great Pentax K-Mount lenses made over the years. If you want that Spotmatic feel then a K1000 or KM will suffice for most folks and you can use any M42 or K-Mount lens with them.

But in this case you are only allowed one lens anyways...

**gofour3** · 06-23-2016, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

But in this case you are only allowed one lens anyways...

Correct with one film body. My above reply was why not many M42 film bodies were mentioned.

Phil.

tuco · 06-23-2016, 12:13 PM

With such narrow constraints, I'd just go simple with a fixed lens camera like my Fuji GSW690III. A simple travel camera that's pretty light for a medium format with a good lens and yields much higher quality than small format cameras.

**TwoUptons** · 07-21-2016, 09:41 PM

Wow, so divided...

Part of me jumps at a Leica, with a 50 or 35...

If it were a SLR, I don't even know if I would go modern with a 28-105 zoom and something with z in the name, or classic, with a MX (smoothest action of any SLR I've ever used) or super program and a simpler optic...

If it were medium format, I think a Rolleiflex would beat out a 67, but it would be close because of that wooden grip and ridiculous noise from the Pentax...

Or what was the Fuji 645 with the zoom and built-in flash? That was fun...

It's a hard question ☺

-Eric

**RKKS08** · 07-22-2016, 12:47 AM

For me this would be the ME Super with a 1.4/50.

My start with Pentax had been a ME Super with the 2/50, and I later added the Super A with the A 1.4/50.
Of course the Super A offered more possibilities, but is completely depending on batteries.
As I once had to use my ME Super for a quarter of a year without battery (after a crash), I learned to appreciate the fully mechanical 1/125 sec exposure setting.

And with aperture priority and manual mode the ME Super is really fast, and also flexible. And the VF is a dream!
If there was an available Pentax M (or A) 2.8/35-70, I would probably think about it.
With my Super A, I often used the Tokina AT-X 2.8/35-70, just for the faster aperture. It was good, but at 2.8 quite soft (and big and heavy!).

kneemeister · 07-22-2016, 07:48 PM

For me it would be my Ricoh A-100 with my M 1.4/50 and If my K2 could go to Eric first it would be a toss up. I just prefer the two arms in the viewfinder meter over LEDs and the added bulk of those late 70's bodies verses the newer bodies.
If i were to keep an Auto Focus body it would be my EOS 620 and the EF 1.8/50. Its just works with out the added fluff or newer AF bodies.

Although I would have a hard time giving up my Super Program, CP7m or KR-30sp

For Film Kentmere 100 and Some TriX 400

johnpentax · 07-23-2016, 03:47 AM - **1 Like**

Without a single doubt it would be a K1000 SE in brown leatherette. An eye-catching design, simple manual functions, and you know you've taken a photo when you hear that delightful shutter action. For learner to professional I cannot imagine needing any more than this exceptional camera.

cieslikowski · 07-23-2016, 05:48 AM

Originally posted by johnpentax

Without a single doubt it would be a K1000 SE in brown leatherette. An eye-catching design, simple manual functions, and you know you've taken a photo when you hear that delightful shutter action. For learner to professional I cannot imagine needing any more than this exceptional camera.

Problem with K-3, main board faulty, make me wonder which is my best set. Really best set. I think about Z-1, SMC-K 35mm f/3.5 and Ektar's 100 or Fuji Press 400. I prefer Fuji because photography from this film have a specific characteristic. Some like a press photography with good characteristic for landscapes. Generaly Fuji Press is a better Superia 400.

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06-21-2016, 02:12 PM	#31
RR84 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 161	I'm surprised there aren't many mentions of M42 bodies and lenses. For me, that's where it's at. I'd either have to go with a SP + ST50/1.4 (8), or a K + 58/2. If it must be just one, I'd go the SP/50 with a supply of Delta 400.

06-21-2016, 07:42 PM - 1 Like	#32
SpartanD63 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 351 Original Poster	Originally posted by RR84 I'm surprised there aren't many mentions of M42 bodies and lenses. For me, that's where it's at. I'd either have to go with a SP + ST50/1.4 (8), or a K + 58/2. If it must be just one, I'd go the SP/50 with a supply of Delta 400. Can't fault the M42 bodies. Or the lenses. Both are great, yet many discount them just because they're older, or because they "lack" automatic features. I've got a Spotmatic SP I need to restore that I'll never sell. (My media production teacher gave it to me, with a bunch of lenses, for free, purely because he knew I liked Pentax. Best teacher ever? ) Anyway, it's a lovely camera.

06-23-2016, 12:41 AM	#33
cieslikowski Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 32	M42 bodies - Porst Compact Reflex SP aka Cosina CSR or CSM. One of the best in M42 because have a spot metering, is small. This camera have a one of the best mechanic. But this have a one problem. Switch of DOF and exposure. This switch be blocked with exactly Auto Rikenon 55mm f/1.4 ... Lens for this camera :Super Takumar 50mm 8 elements or SMC Tak 35mm f/3.5 K mount body : Z1 or K2DMD. Z1 have a 1/8000, good metering, AF. But someone say about a power (F**** battery C2...) I have a handmade powergrip with 4xAA battery and focusing screen from LX for MF K2DMD because this camera is a tank ! Lenses : Planar T* 50mm f/1.7 (C/Y mod for PK) or SMC-K 35mm f/3.5 Film - Extar 100 or Pan-F 50.

06-23-2016, 12:59 AM	#34
hoopsontoast Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 861	For me, the MZ-S and FA43. Perfect.

06-23-2016, 01:30 AM	#35
SpartanD63 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 351 Original Poster	Originally posted by cieslikowski M42 bodies - Porst Compact Reflex SP aka Cosina CSR or CSM. One of the best in M42 because have a spot metering, is small. This camera have a one of the best mechanic. But this have a one problem. Switch of DOF and exposure. This switch be blocked with exactly Auto Rikenon 55mm f/1.4 ... Lens for this camera :Super Takumar 50mm 8 elements or SMC Tak 35mm f/3.5 K mount body : Z1 or K2DMD. Z1 have a 1/8000, good metering, AF. But someone say about a power (F**** battery C2...) I have a handmade powergrip with 4xAA battery and focusing screen from LX for MF K2DMD because this camera is a tank ! Lenses : Planar T* 50mm f/1.7 (C/Y mod for PK) or SMC-K 35mm f/3.5 Film - Extar 100 or Pan-F 50. I hadn't ever even thought of the Z-1, but it does sound pretty good on paper. Do you have any pictures or info on your powergrip? Originally posted by hoopsontoast For me, the MZ-S and FA43. Perfect. Every time I see the MZ-S, I can't help but respect its design. It's a gorgeous tanky looking camera. Definitely on the wishlist.

06-23-2016, 05:21 AM	#36
cieslikowski Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 32	Originally posted by SpartanD63 I hadn't ever even thought of the Z-1, but it does sound pretty good on paper. Do you have any pictures or info on your powergrip? @SpartanD63 This is made from ME grip. Like a original grip for Z1. I can make better pict's later. ownCloud

06-23-2016, 10:07 AM - 1 Like	#37
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,088	Originally posted by RR84 I'm surprised there aren't many mentions of M42 bodies Originally posted by SpartanD63 Can't fault the M42 bodies. The issue with M42 bodies is that you can't use any of the great Pentax K-Mount lenses made over the years. If you want that Spotmatic feel then a K1000 or KM will suffice for most folks and you can use any M42 or K-Mount lens with them. Phil.

06-23-2016, 10:10 AM	#38
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by gofour3 The issue with M42 bodies is that you can't use any of the great Pentax K-Mount lenses made over the years. If you want that Spotmatic feel then a K1000 or KM will suffice for most folks and you can use any M42 or K-Mount lens with them. But in this case you are only allowed one lens anyways...

06-23-2016, 10:27 AM	#39
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,088	Originally posted by bertwert But in this case you are only allowed one lens anyways... Correct with one film body. My above reply was why not many M42 film bodies were mentioned. Phil.

06-23-2016, 12:13 PM	#40
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,019	With such narrow constraints, I'd just go simple with a fixed lens camera like my Fuji GSW690III. A simple travel camera that's pretty light for a medium format with a good lens and yields much higher quality than small format cameras.

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07-21-2016, 09:41 PM	#41
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,207	Wow, so divided... Part of me jumps at a Leica, with a 50 or 35... If it were a SLR, I don't even know if I would go modern with a 28-105 zoom and something with z in the name, or classic, with a MX (smoothest action of any SLR I've ever used) or super program and a simpler optic... If it were medium format, I think a Rolleiflex would beat out a 67, but it would be close because of that wooden grip and ridiculous noise from the Pentax... Or what was the Fuji 645 with the zoom and built-in flash? That was fun... It's a hard question ☺ -Eric

07-22-2016, 12:47 AM	#42
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	For me this would be the ME Super with a 1.4/50. My start with Pentax had been a ME Super with the 2/50, and I later added the Super A with the A 1.4/50. Of course the Super A offered more possibilities, but is completely depending on batteries. As I once had to use my ME Super for a quarter of a year without battery (after a crash), I learned to appreciate the fully mechanical 1/125 sec exposure setting. And with aperture priority and manual mode the ME Super is really fast, and also flexible. And the VF is a dream! If there was an available Pentax M (or A) 2.8/35-70, I would probably think about it. With my Super A, I often used the Tokina AT-X 2.8/35-70, just for the faster aperture. It was good, but at 2.8 quite soft (and big and heavy!).

07-22-2016, 07:48 PM	#43
kneemeister Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Pittsford, Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 89	For me it would be my Ricoh A-100 with my M 1.4/50 and If my K2 could go to Eric first it would be a toss up. I just prefer the two arms in the viewfinder meter over LEDs and the added bulk of those late 70's bodies verses the newer bodies. If i were to keep an Auto Focus body it would be my EOS 620 and the EF 1.8/50. Its just works with out the added fluff or newer AF bodies. Although I would have a hard time giving up my Super Program, CP7m or KR-30sp For Film Kentmere 100 and Some TriX 400

07-23-2016, 03:47 AM - 1 Like	#44
johnpentax Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Now in Victoria Posts: 29	Without a single doubt it would be a K1000 SE in brown leatherette. An eye-catching design, simple manual functions, and you know you've taken a photo when you hear that delightful shutter action. For learner to professional I cannot imagine needing any more than this exceptional camera.

07-23-2016, 05:48 AM	#45
cieslikowski Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 32	Originally posted by johnpentax Without a single doubt it would be a K1000 SE in brown leatherette. An eye-catching design, simple manual functions, and you know you've taken a photo when you hear that delightful shutter action. For learner to professional I cannot imagine needing any more than this exceptional camera. Problem with K-3, main board faulty, make me wonder which is my best set. Really best set. I think about Z-1, SMC-K 35mm f/3.5 and Ektar's 100 or Fuji Press 400. I prefer Fuji because photography from this film have a specific characteristic. Some like a press photography with good characteristic for landscapes. Generaly Fuji Press is a better Superia 400.