Non-Autofocus lenses w/ *istd

Hello all,

I am considering the ":* ist d" mainly because I have a lot of Pentax gear.

All my lenses are "A" manual focus and am wondering how easy it will be to focus as there is no split nor microprism focusing collar screen available for this camera.

I am not too confident of just relying on either the focus indicator or focusing without the above mentioned focusing screen.

What kind of experiences have you all had ??

I live in India where Pentax cameras ( unlike Nikon which are easily available ) are not available to test in a shop - thus this question.

Thanks

Jai Vora

It's certainly true that manual focussing on the *ist D is not quite as easy as it is on a camera like the Super A, with it's screen designed for manual focussing.
However, the *ist D confirms correct focus by beeping and showing a green hexagonal symbol in the viewfinder. This works very well in my experience.
Most of my lenses are manual focus, and I am very happy using them on the *ist D.
Bear in mind that the focus confirmation facility uses the same system as that which focuses auto-focus lenses, and that seems to work!

Additionally, the focus screen in the *istD is amazingly bright and clear.

When using the Pentax 100mm/f2.8, I often switch to manual for macro and portraiture and it is really easy to focus (and I wear spectacles). The focus indicator is very useful, but I find I don't need to rely on it.

(And the beep can be disabled in the *istD menu - I don't like it )

Matt

I mainly use manual focus K and A series lenses without problems. The focus indicator is useful but the accuracy on wide angle and small aperture lenses can be lower. A focusing magnifier can be used for critical work. Leica and Minolta made an angle viewer which slides into the hot shoe and works on the ist*D as does the later Leica which slides over the viewfinder accessory slots (its a firm fit be careful).

Cheers Pierre

Hi jvora,

I know this has been covered in other threads, but you will need to download the firmware upgrade to get the most out of your manual lenses. Once you've done that, it works a treat.

Like you, I went for the istD specifically because I've got lots of pentax kit, and regularly use the following manual lenses with no problems (and great results!):

Pentax SMC 50mm f1.7
Pentax SMC 35-80mm
PK manual extension tubes with the above
Tamron SP 17mm
Tamron SP 500mm f8.0
Peleng 8mm fisheye (with M42-PK adaptor)

Bear in mind, however, that you can't use the modern 18-35mm FAJ lens that comes with the istD with your beloved Spotmatic or K1000, as it doesn't have a manual aperture ring . It might work in program modes with later semi-auto cameras like the ME, but don't quote me!. So I'd save your money and just get the body if I were you.

As for the pros and cons of the focus indicator light, I ignore it myself. I always keep my glasses on when I'm taking pictures, but the viewfinder does have built in dioptre correction if you need/want it. A split screen or microprism collar would be nice, but I get along fine without one.

Steve

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