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SMC Pentax 500mm f/4.5

womble
Posted 04/06/2023 - 12:07 Link
After languishing a a friend's house in Ohio for close to four years thanks to the pandemic, I now have my hands on this lens. A couple of questions if anyone has had one in the past.

The tripod mount has a large knurled knob on the right hand side. I assumed that undoing this would allow the lens to rotate in the mount, or to remove the mount? At the moment, it doesn't appear to do anything (and I'd rather not force it not knowing what it is supposed to do).

Nearer to the lens mount is a small silver knob. I assumed that this would allow me to rotate the camera on the lens to change from landscape to portrait format. Again, undoing this doesn't seem to do anything.

Any info / advice welcome.

Thanks, Kris.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
K10D
Posted 04/06/2023 - 14:02 Link
Congrats on the lens.

From on line manuals Kris, the the rear small silver knob is the "camera Position Shift Lock Screw". That allows landscape/portrait views. If the lens barrel does not turn, it's dry seized. Try a single drop of WD40 and allow it to soak. The plastic "grip" cushions inside the clamp barrel may have "set"over time. It will loosen.

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The large knurled knob is the mount release as the mount is interchangeable.

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Don't blame you for being cautious/concerned, always a good approach.

Best regards
pixels don't make pictures
womble
Posted 04/06/2023 - 17:25 Link
Thanks. I'll try a gentle drop of WD40 and some careful wiggling!

I'm only two lenses short of completing my K-series (non-mirror) prime collection now. The 100mm macro is surprising hard to find, and often in bad condition when I do find one.

I like the fact that the manual doesn't recommend using the tripod foot with the Reflex 2000mm as if we all have one of those under the bed!

Best wishes, Kris.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
LongTimeLurker
Posted 04/06/2023 - 21:04 Link
As a fellow owner of an SMC 500mm f/4.5, I'm happy to help by checking my copy if you have any other questions Kris.

I too am surprised that the 'K' series 100 macro is elusive: I don't recall it being particularly scarce when I purchased mine approximately 10 years ago, and I'm sure I've seen a few for sale each year since then. It's a good performer and, touch wood, hasn't been affected by the balsam separation issue that can be seen with the 'M' series equivalent.

Good luck completing the collection.
Nigel.

Getting older and grumpier. Taking longer to decide which lens to use today.

K5 with auto-everything lenses
A collection of manual primes to keep me in touch with the pleasures of doing it old-school.
womble
Posted 05/06/2023 - 00:50 Link
Thanks Nigel. I have managed to get the tripod collar to move now, but not the "camera position shift". I'll try the WD40 tomorrow.

Best wishes, Kris.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
kea828
Posted 05/06/2023 - 11:58 Link
A word of caution.

If the plastic 'grip' cushions are made of nylon, applying oil to them can cause the plastic to expand, which might then make them seize permanently. I found this out the hard way on a motorbike clutch cable.

A silicon lubricant would be safer.
Regards,
Kea828
K10D
Posted 05/06/2023 - 15:09 Link
kea828 wrote:
A word of caution.

If the plastic 'grip' cushions are made of nylon, applying oil to them can cause the plastic to expand, which might then make them seize permanently. I found this out the hard way on a motorbike clutch cable.

A silicon lubricant would be safer.

Yes, worth considering. WD40 will affect polyethylene so just in case the plastic "slipper shims" are polythene, silicone may be a safer choice.

I've used WD40 on my lens tripod mounts without issue but the lenses were not as old as the 500mm Pentax.

Best regards
pixels don't make pictures

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