Shopping for old lenses in and around Edinburgh

Hi everyone.

I'm interested in exploring the old manual lenses (Ks and M42s), some are said to be really good.
I've been looking at ebay, and at the adverts here. But I'd also like to know if anyone can point me to any shop in Edinburgh or other towns, preferably close by where I can find some old glassy treasures.

BTW, does anyone know where I can find the M42 to K adaptor from Pentax, without ordering from the States? I dont want to spend a lot of money for shipping on something that costs $30.

Cheers

There are always some on Ebay.

G

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pentax-M42-Screw-to-Pentax-K-Mount-Lens-Adapter_W0QQitemZ3...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M42-Lens-to-Pentax-PK-K-Mount-Camera-Adapter_W0QQitemZ1902...

both located in UK
there are many in Hong Kong shops too, but the postage is more and there is a risk of tax (though on a £2 item, it would be minimal)

I'm not very keen on buyin the adaptors from ebay because the copies, even the good ones, dont pop in and out as well as the original.

But I'll take a look, thanks for the links.

Genuine Pentax ones appear regularly too.

G

Importing goods from outside the EU into the UK via the post: NO tax is payable if your total purchase is less than £18 (including postage), or £36 if it is a gift. For items above this limit, Duty + VAT + handling charge is payable. The Royal Mail's handling charge is a flat £8.

I often find Hong and Chinese eBay sellers very competitve for small cheap accessories, even with postage taken into account. Some American ones too.

M42 to K: Make sure it is a type that provides infinity focus.

SRS seem to have the Pentax K mount adapter in stick for £19.99:
http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/ProductID/156/GroupID/10/Cat...

I'm going to have a look at an adaptor from ebay, see if I nail a cheap one. If it turns out to be rubbish, I'll be going for the SRS one.

Can someone explain how to tell whether an M42 to K adapter provides infinity focus?

(I don't know).

Pete,

I have both kinds.

The ones that add thickness to the whole set-up by covering the body flange act as a bit of a macro ring and you lose infinity. They are inexpensive.

The one(s) that sit inside the body flange (flush) don't affect infinity focus, are much harder to make and cost more.

I'd always go for the Pentax-made ones of the second type.

re shops in edinburgh, try Cameratiks - 122 morningside road. They tend to have piles of old stuff. Theres a shop just down the road (near holy corner with the four churches) that has a second hand cabinet, but I can't remember its name. It has a white front I think.

I think the "other one" is a branch of Edinburgh Cameras, if my memory serves me well. They had some M series lenses but it was 3 years ago when I last visited !

Thanks for the replys.
I'll drop by those shops as soon as I have some spare time.

They're somewhat pricey however they do have a pretty good range of stuff in stock, including K and M42 mount lenses.

You went there yesterday. They are pricey... I think I'll keep looking at ebay for deals. But the lenses seemed in pretty good shape. It might be a good idea if theres a specific lens your really interested in.
Nikon an canon lenses are waaayyy more abundant.