lens compatability

I want to buy a secondhand 50mm fast lens for the K10D, have seen one locally : SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 lens , what would the compatability be with my camera, I am not sure about 'A' lenses.

Obviously it wd be manual focus, but what about exposure, etc..? compared to my existing lenses FA's which which are fully functional with the K10D.

Any tips on which ones to look out for?

Manual focus A lenses will be absolutely fine, when set to A.

All the metering modes are available, and work. I use an SMC A 50mm F1.7 with the K10D. I've had it for more than 20 years, and I wouldn't dream of selling it. I have three other A-series lenses and they're fine too.

There are exposure issues using A-lenses in manual mode (ie setting aperture on the lens rather than with the camera), but if you keep it set to A there's no problems.

Thank you Chris, that sounds great....will keep my eyes peeled now for Pentax 'A' lenses at hopefully bargain prices!

Damn! I meant to say, of course, no.. A lenses are dreadful, don't even think of buying any.... leave them all for meeeeeeee...

Joking apart, I doubt if there'll be many bargains to be had. With the new Pentax DSLRs getting more popular, and A lenses working so well with them, I expect their value will hold up well.

It's one of the most common Pentax lenses on eBay, and one of the best. Prices usually end up around £20 to £40. There is always at least one on eBay.co.uk at any one time, often several.

On a digital camera, there are some differences with the way the pop-up flash works when "A" (and older) lenses are used (and maybe with the Program mode as well*?) because the camera can't determine the focal length. Otherwise it's fully functional.

* re shutter speed selection to avoid camera shake (?)

Don't worry Chris i am sure there will be enough to go around, as they say what goes around ...comes around