M42 adapter
6,751 posts
Link
Posted 19/07/2019 - 13:22
I've got two, the Pentax made one and a cheap copy. The Pentax just works better, though I have never had the cheap one stick.
Barrie
Too Old To Die Young
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/barrieforbes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189482630@N03/
Helpful
Barrie
Too Old To Die Young
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/barrieforbes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189482630@N03/
Helpful 
Link
Posted 19/07/2019 - 14:05
There's two types, the first one allows for infinity focus and sits inside the K mount of the camera, and is released by pulling back a little spring.
The second (cheap) adapter is about 1mm thick and covers the k mount contacts, this version restricts focusing to infinity.
The first option is the better choice, but costs more, a genuine Pentax Adapter can be £30. Before getting my hands on a genuine one, I did have a non-branded one, which fitted fine... just one major bugbear, is that when screwed on the M42 lenses didn't line up with the top, so aperture markings etc were down the side, which I found annoying, With the genuine Pentax one, they lined up perfectly.
Helpful
The second (cheap) adapter is about 1mm thick and covers the k mount contacts, this version restricts focusing to infinity.
The first option is the better choice, but costs more, a genuine Pentax Adapter can be £30. Before getting my hands on a genuine one, I did have a non-branded one, which fitted fine... just one major bugbear, is that when screwed on the M42 lenses didn't line up with the top, so aperture markings etc were down the side, which I found annoying, With the genuine Pentax one, they lined up perfectly.
Helpful 
Link
Posted 19/07/2019 - 14:15
This will be for use with a asahi pentax m42 microscope adapter
I dont know if that makes any difference or not,
To be honest , I'm not sure if the adapter is meant to attach to a microscope or a microscope objective
Just thought I'd give it a try.
I know what i like, If not always why.
I dont know if that makes any difference or not,
To be honest , I'm not sure if the adapter is meant to attach to a microscope or a microscope objective
Just thought I'd give it a try.
I know what i like, If not always why.
Last Edited by derek897 on 19/07/2019 - 14:19
Link
Posted 19/07/2019 - 14:19
I know what i like, If not always why.
Link
Posted 19/07/2019 - 14:27
If you're not mounting a normal lens, then I wouldn't worry about it lining up, since it doesn't matter so much.
However, I'm not sure what the impact would be of using the cheaper option adapter that's 1mm thick and covers the contacts, whether you'd still be able to achieve focus. May be someone else can answer this, since I've no experience of using an adapted microscope.
The ones that are 1mm thick are only a few of quid off eBay, so wouldn't be too much of a gamble.
Helpful
However, I'm not sure what the impact would be of using the cheaper option adapter that's 1mm thick and covers the contacts, whether you'd still be able to achieve focus. May be someone else can answer this, since I've no experience of using an adapted microscope.
The ones that are 1mm thick are only a few of quid off eBay, so wouldn't be too much of a gamble.
Helpful
Link
Posted 19/07/2019 - 14:39
Thanks for the advice and links guys.
Lots to look up now
I know what i like, If not always why.
Lots to look up now
I know what i like, If not always why.
Link
Posted 19/07/2019 - 15:01
Get the genuine version. They work well and don't cause problems, especially not getting stuck on your camera rendering it permanently M42-only.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Helpful
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Helpful 
Link
Posted 20/07/2019 - 11:50
I've just read the comments about, cheap adaptors with protruding flange. Mine is a cheap version but still sits inside the body. Originally it belonged to my father, so it's at least 30 years old, and it looks like he has removed something from between the top and bottom flanges. Could that be the offending part that sticks it to the camera. Unfortunately I can not find any sign of a maker on the box or mount.
Barrie
Too Old To Die Young
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/barrieforbes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189482630@N03/
Helpful
Barrie
Too Old To Die Young
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/barrieforbes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189482630@N03/
Helpful
Link
Posted 20/07/2019 - 22:38
As much as I read comments about cheap adapters providing infinity focus, I'd be more concerned about getting the adapter stuck on the camera. Not too bad if it's an old 'cheap' film body, not so great if it's an expensive DSLR.
The genuine Pentax one is the only one I'd use, irrespective of the cost difference, admittedly I have one for sale but I'm rethinking that as they're always useful to have.
PPG Flickr
Helpful
The genuine Pentax one is the only one I'd use, irrespective of the cost difference, admittedly I have one for sale but I'm rethinking that as they're always useful to have.
PPG Flickr
Helpful
Link
Posted 21/07/2019 - 00:12
johnha wrote:
As much as I read comments about cheap adapters providing infinity focus, I'd be more concerned about getting the adapter stuck on the camera. Not too bad if it's an old 'cheap' film body, not so great if it's an expensive DSLR.
The genuine Pentax one is the only one I'd use, irrespective of the cost difference, admittedly I have one for sale but I'm rethinking that as they're always useful to have.
As much as I read comments about cheap adapters providing infinity focus, I'd be more concerned about getting the adapter stuck on the camera. Not too bad if it's an old 'cheap' film body, not so great if it's an expensive DSLR.
The genuine Pentax one is the only one I'd use, irrespective of the cost difference, admittedly I have one for sale but I'm rethinking that as they're always useful to have.
Cheers John, I get what you're saying, completely
It's like spending 1200 quid on a lens a d putting a cheap resin filter in front of it.
I have seen your ad, and was sorely tempted,
I think I'll hold fire for now, this microscope thing may turn into a winter project, so I am in no hurry.
Thanks for all the advice guys.
I know what i like, If not always why.
Link
Posted 21/07/2019 - 10:09
I've been happily using 3rd party ones for a while - just ensure that you remove the small metal spring/screw to prevent the mechanism locking up.
You can then put the adapter on the lens before mounting, then use it like a normal bayonet (of course with a little bit more risk since it can dismount more easily).
I've also used the genuine one but that's a bit more annoying to use - only a minute extra but I'm impatient.
All the gear with no idea
Helpful
You can then put the adapter on the lens before mounting, then use it like a normal bayonet (of course with a little bit more risk since it can dismount more easily).
I've also used the genuine one but that's a bit more annoying to use - only a minute extra but I'm impatient.
All the gear with no idea
Helpful Add a Comment
You must be registered or logged-in to comment.
derek897
Member
Wicklow Ireland
I dont want anything that might or can get stuck on the camera.
Cheers
I know what i like, If not always why.