*ist DS and K range Lens

My partner has an MZ-30 with a couple of compatible lens. I've developed an interest and just ordered an *ist DS, naively thinking we could pool lens resources. Reading some excellent strings here and equally well presented e-links giving the history of K, I am left wondering if I've done the right thing. I didn't realise what a minefield the K range is !
I'd be glad of views.
Many thanks,
Colin

Hi Colin,
The MZ30 has a "crippled" mount which means that for the lenses to work correctly, they must have the A setting. The only slight problem with the DS and D comes when you use lenses that don't have this. So, any lenses that work on the MZ30 will work with no problem on the DS. Go ahead and Pool

Kim

I'm sure you've done the right thing, and it isn't such a minefield once you realise that you can happily use any Pentax lens from the manual focus A range onwards, through all the autofocus lenses!

The only difficulties, if they are difficulties, lie with earlier K and M lenses that do not have a "A" setting on the aperture ring, and they require that you set one of the *istDS parameters accordingly, and then follow a simple but slightly less convenient method of working.

If you are using Pentax autofocus lenses, don't worry about it at all. If you want to use earlier manual focus lenses, my advice is stick to the "A" series for convenience.

Kim and John,
Thank you both for taking the time to reply. Hopefully my new toys will arrive next week. I really do have a lot to learn and am looking forward to the challenge(s). This site looks like a great resource.
Once again, many thanks. ....... to quote Arnie, "I'll be back "

Just spotted that I was a "guest". I'm now registered and paid-up subs to magazine. : ... Doh, Where's the Any key

Bon Weekend

Welcome!

It's very easy to use older lenses on the Pentax DSLRs, and very similar to using a manual metering camera like the MX or LX.

Once the camera has been set up (which you do once, then forget for ever more), you simply have to choose manual exposure mode, and then press a button which causes the camera to meter the light and set the speed and aperture.

That's it.

If the light changes, press the button again.

G

Thanks George,

I suppose RTFM is a good place to start; something I often leave as a last resort !
No idea about MX & LX bodies, but useful info all the same.
Regards,
Colin