Pentax screw lenses on Digital body - Advice Please

This has probably been asked many times before, but can I use my old Pentax 42mm screw lenses on my *istDL2 digital body?
They are the old Takumar lenses with the auto/manual switch on them.
The manual for the DL2 doesn't seem to touch on the old screw mount lens.
I know I'd need an adaptor, and the focal length of the lens will be different, but will the camera metering still work?
Thanks

The Pentax Adapter K will do the trick. I suggest you set the lens on M, open it up to focus and then close it down to the aperture you want to take the picture. Aperture priority will work fine.

The alternative is to set the switch on the lens to A to focus and then switch to M to stop it down, but the prism overhang may make it fiddly to do that.

Further to Dangie's query, I've just bought a Pentax / M42 adapter for my new *ist DL, so that I can use my beloved M42 screw thread Cosina macro lens on it (don't knock the Cosina lens, cos it's beautifully sharp, & don't knock it cos it will fall to pieces).

The adapter's made in Japan by Kood & I got it online from an extremely efficient supplier called Vintage Cameras.

However, it doesn't fit easily to my camera body, not like my Pentax lens does, & when I remove it the M42 lens tends to unscrew from the adapter leaving that in the body.

I'm tempted to put some Loctite on the thread to fix the adapter to the lens (semi)permanently. Has anyone tried this?

Hi itsme,

teh adaptor is working fine. It's supposed to stay in the body, AFAIK. This is because, on my adaptor anyway, you have the clip that locks it in place. If you locktite the lens to the adaptor, and the clip isn't released fully with the lens release button, you'll be stuck with that lens on the camera. Once the lens is removed you can always just pull back the sptring clip in the adaptor to release it.

Cheers

Liam

That's right. Screw the adapter to the lens and then fit into the camera body. Screw lenses can then be removed and fitted as though it were a screw thread body. To remove the adapter press the catch with a pen tip and carefully remove it.

As these are such low cost items I really recommend using the proper Pentax adapter to ensure proper fit.

Thanks for the replies.
Does anyone know where to get the genuine Pentax adaptor from?

Hi dangie,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PENTAX-K-to-M42-Adaptor-Ring-JAPAN-OEM-ITEM-Rare_W0QQitemZ...

can't vouch for the supplier etc. but 100% pos feedback, on 1000 items, is pretty safe.

Yay for me.. I got a techie question right..

I'm on a roll..

Now, to replace the main pc board on the *ist D (this also covers the DS and DL), first remove the widget cam from the...

Nope, I think I'll quit while I'm ahead..

Cheers

Liam

Thanks for all of the useful information, guys. I certainly don't want to end up with a M42 screw thread lens stuck on my camera!!!

My wife tried to order a Pentax one through our local Jessops, what a farce! She didn't hear from them for weeks, they never answered their phone, when she eventually got through & quoted her order no. the person on the other end was clueless. Jessops do the morons of this worls a good service by offering them employment.

Pentax themselves do sell an M42 adapter, but as usual they're talking Monopoly money figures. I quote them below:

The screw fit adapter is £19.99 including VAT, (ref 30120).
There would be an additional charge of £11.75 for post, packing and administrative costs. Send a cheque made payable to Pentax UK Limited or call with your credit card details on 01753 792 721.

The item is available to Pentax Club members with a 10% discount - see the latest copy of Pentax User magazine.

It is also available from any good camera store, amaybe from stock or maybe to special order, but it is available.

Alternatively, try an eBay search and you might find one for less money.

I finally got the real deal on eBay. (After a few miscues and OEM mistakes).

The Pentax one I have actually comes with a "key" for removal from the camera body. It is a VERY tight fit and good! Zero wobble.

I still take my hat off to Pentax re their forward - backward - sideways compatibility. They will have my loyalty as much for that as for thier superb quality.

Cheers

I bought 3 from a charity shop, 10p ea., if Dangie would like one (the previous owner removed the clips), I woild be happy to charitably post him one.name&adress by PM, please.

Harry

There's an eBay dealer called camera.japan who sometimes sells 'used' genuine Pentax M42 adaptors which appear to be new. Around £16.50 air mail via Buy It Now. Seems reliable and helpful. Keep an eye for him when searching eBay.

Michael

dear Dangie, Please mail me at [email protected] with yuou address & I will send the adapter by return. Apologies for the delay, blame mylack of computer know-how!
regards, harry

Can anyone tell me if there are differences between the diaphragms on the various f/1.4 Tak 50s? I've seen an SMC Tak 50/1.4 with 6 blades, but I'm sure I saw a Super Tak or Super Multi Coated Tak (again 50/1.4) with 8 blades. Did I imagine it?

I'm on the look out for a Super Multi Coated or SMC 1.4 to go on a K10 - does anyone have any recommendations?

cheers

The SMC Pentax-FA 50mm 1:1.4 (8 blades) would be ideal.

Full spec here