Modern lenses on old bodies!

I was wondering if it is safe to use modern DA lenses on early K mount 35mm bodies such as the ME, MX, P30 etc?

I appreciate that some may not be fully compatible especially if they lack an aperture ring, some may not fill the frame, but would there be any fitting or electrical issues as to regards, for instance, their electrical contacts or other couplings? And would they safely function the same way as, say, a T2 mount mirror lens with a fixed aperture?

Thanks,

John

I think they'd be ok, aside from the fact that you won't be able to adjust the aperture (which will be stuck at the smallest setting). I know the DA 35/2.4 and 40/2.8 are full frame as I've tried one and seen images taken with the other.

The P30 would be able to operate the aperture, although you wouldn't have any readout of what aperture it had picked. A body with shutter priority mode would give you some form of control as changing the shutter speed would force the aperture to change, a bit clumsy but workable.

Thanks, yes I can see that would be an issue. I was thinking they'd be fully open by default like the older lenses. I guess lenses like the 100mm DFA Macro which has an aperture ring would work normally by setting the aperture just the same as an M lens or would something still not be quite right?! Perhaps the only way is to try buy I'd hate to get a new lens stuck on an old body.

John

As far as I know those lenses with aperture rings will be fine, just unlock it from "A". I did read about a 28-90mm zoom suffering damage when used on a K1000 (the user reckoned the camera was a bit rough on the mostly-plastic lens) but I haven't read any other similar reports elsewhere.

There are no issues if the lens has an aperture ring. If not, then you need a body that has Tv or P modes available, otherwise it's not possible to set the aperture.

There are no physical reasons why you can't use a new lens on an old (bayonet of course) body.

Thank you all for your replies tonight.

Regards,

John

i use a 40/2.8 DA on an MZ5 and just picked up an MZ6 for aperture control as well. Both are a pleasure to use with this lens - focusing is lightning fast and accurate.

I've just tried my 18-55mm DA lens in my old P50 and it puts the camera into auto mode so will work in Action and Depth of field modes only.

The other thing to bear in mind with most of the DA zooms is that they will vignette somewhere in their range (usually at the shorter end) if used on film.

I was pleased to see that my Sigma 10-20mm appeared not to vignette after about 15mm! Should be getting my shots back soon to confirm.

The 18-55 seemed OK after about 24mm.

My Tamron 17-50 vignettes with excatly the same image circle at any focal length

I'm surprised nobody mentioned this thread.

The best answer is give your lenses a go, as John said earlier you'll need a body which can set the aperture, so the 'P' series on will be best.