Lense Issues

Hey All, Im a new pentax user having just baught an *ist dl. I previously used a canon A1 film and want to try and get the old lenses on the new camera. Howeer when i went into my local jessops today they told me there was absolultly no way i could get the two to fit! Surly there is somthing that i can use, iv been scowering ebay but not really sure what im looking for yet, and help would be hugly appreciated, thanks

If you mean: get your old Canon lenses fitted - the answer is no way.

If you mean: get old M42 screw thread lenses fitted - you can with a Pentax K-M42 adaptor. Cost around £15

If you mean: get old Pentax K-mount lenses fitted - no problem. (Although the ones with a green "A" on the aperture ring are much easier to use)

Let us know more details
Matt

hey, thanks for the reply. Im wanting to get the old canon lenses to fit my new pentax. Surly theres a way?

You might be able to fashion a crude adaptor using a Pentax body cap, a Canon back cap and some determination. Unfortunately this will act as an extension tube and you will loose infinity focus. Might be worth a try if you are feeling practical and have a good macro lens in Canon mount, otherwise more or less pointless.


It is also technically possible that someone could make an adaptor involving optical elements to correct the focus problem. As far as I know no one has made such a thing for Pentax to Canon FD, you could possibly get one made but it would probably cost more than replacing your lens collection. Also this type of adaptor always acts as a short teleconverter, loosing you light and image quality along the way.

Even if you do one of the above you will still only have preset stop down metering available to you.

Really your best bet is to take a trip over to eBay and check out the Pentax lens section. There are some very fine old lenses in K bayonet fit which will work wonders on your DL. Anything with an A setting on its aperture ring will work great, lenses without this must be used stop down but on the DL this works rather well (the infamous K10D exposure problems do not apply to you).

sell canon stuff on Ebay
buy pentax stuff on ebay
be happier in the long run.

Usually people want to fit Pentax lenses on Canon cameras, thus adding superior glass to a sophisticated body.

It doesn't work the other way around because the Canon lens mount is wider than the Pentax K lens mount. You could bodge it, but the lens will be too far forward, and infinity focus will not be possible. You would end up with a soft-focus macro with a brown tint (have you noticed how so many Canon lenses have a slightly brown colour cast? It's so that you can shoot a model in Wolverhampton and pretend it's the Caribbean.).

Also, you'll be adding inferior glass to a nice body.

So follow Don's advice!

G

Hey thanks allot for the great response. Dont think bodging its going to happen cos i recon there worth more as they are so i might go ahead and have a look at ebaying them, cheers

If you're looking to replace any this is a good site
https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm

I ordered a second hand lens from them Monday pm and it arrived today (Wed) pm.

It cost two thirds the price of a new one and looks / behaves like new.

Other good second user gear:
www.mxv.co.uk
www.lcegroup.co.uk
Matt