What can I expect from a K-1 and legacy lenses?
Posted 03/11/2024 - 18:40 - Helpful Comment
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All three lenses are outstanding, even today.
The Pentax K-1 (either model) will a really good upgrade over the crop cameras. If there's something that Pentax have done well, it's ensuring that the K-mount has remained the constant of their DSLR offerings.
The latest lenses might look fancy but you'll find that many of the good people on these forums spend a LOT more time with the classic glass.
The Pentax K-1 (either model) will a really good upgrade over the crop cameras. If there's something that Pentax have done well, it's ensuring that the K-mount has remained the constant of their DSLR offerings.
The latest lenses might look fancy but you'll find that many of the good people on these forums spend a LOT more time with the classic glass.
All the gear with no idea
Posted 03/11/2024 - 20:51 - Helpful Comment
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Wouldn't worry about it too much, the legacy lens perform great on the K1, particularly primes and a select few zooms from the A series.
Yes the sensor out resolves the lens, as I have read so many times but not as much as one would think as to interfere with the final image after post processing a raw file.
Contrast might be lacking a tad but its easy to make it work in edit.
I was in the same boat and hadn't a clue how to edit digital properly, probably still don't:roll
The K1iii is in production 61 mega pixels and to be released early next year according to insiders. My computer can barley handle the 36 that the k1 currently has. Lots of hidden expenses with the new model.
The price tag is rumoured to be in the 4 grand plus range.
It won't tempt me at that price and others I suspect, but It might mean that a few used K1 are well priced currently.
Best of luck and go for it, you won't be disappointed with the quality.
Yes the sensor out resolves the lens, as I have read so many times but not as much as one would think as to interfere with the final image after post processing a raw file.
Contrast might be lacking a tad but its easy to make it work in edit.
I was in the same boat and hadn't a clue how to edit digital properly, probably still don't:roll
The K1iii is in production 61 mega pixels and to be released early next year according to insiders. My computer can barley handle the 36 that the k1 currently has. Lots of hidden expenses with the new model.
The price tag is rumoured to be in the 4 grand plus range.
It won't tempt me at that price and others I suspect, but It might mean that a few used K1 are well priced currently.
Best of luck and go for it, you won't be disappointed with the quality.
Posted 03/11/2024 - 22:42 - Helpful Comment
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I love the FA 50mm f1.4 on full frame, also the FA 50mm f2.8 macro which is a fantistic lens, it's so sharp!
M and K manual prime lens are very nice to, and even M42 Pentax or even Russian Helios 58mm show all their film charm. You can't really go wrong, they may not be perfect but I don't mind that.
M and K manual prime lens are very nice to, and even M42 Pentax or even Russian Helios 58mm show all their film charm. You can't really go wrong, they may not be perfect but I don't mind that.
Posted 03/11/2024 - 23:39 - Helpful Comment
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I can't speak to the 50mm/1,2 but I was disappointed with the 1.7A when comparing it to the Takumar 55/1.8 - there is no comparison. But here you will find the beauty of vintage FF glass. Superb lenses are there for the having! People are so hung up on the latest mega whatsit thingies that 'old glass' is completely ignored. ...
Their loss, your gain! You buy an M42 for £10 and you don't like it? Resell it. You find a wonderful copy? Great! The K1 was made for these so do take the plunge. You won't be disappointed.
The Tamron 90 will produce stunning macros too but there is a (slight) caveat. The older, adaptall version was never intended for digital use and can leave an annoying purple circle in the middle of the image at times due to internal reflection off the rear element. Those with an 'A' setting won't do this and can produce absolutely stunning images. I often take my Tamron 90 and a K1 on holiday, knowing that my entire needs will be met.
So, "Yes". Go for it but do invest in the fun of experimenting with old glass.
Their loss, your gain! You buy an M42 for £10 and you don't like it? Resell it. You find a wonderful copy? Great! The K1 was made for these so do take the plunge. You won't be disappointed.
The Tamron 90 will produce stunning macros too but there is a (slight) caveat. The older, adaptall version was never intended for digital use and can leave an annoying purple circle in the middle of the image at times due to internal reflection off the rear element. Those with an 'A' setting won't do this and can produce absolutely stunning images. I often take my Tamron 90 and a K1 on holiday, knowing that my entire needs will be met.
So, "Yes". Go for it but do invest in the fun of experimenting with old glass.
Posted 04/11/2024 - 09:12 - Helpful Comment
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Vintage glass is really brought to life on full-frame when compared to APS-C. In my case I'm using a mirrorless camera but the same should apply to the K-1 - same field of view, same depth of field as originally on film.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Posted 04/11/2024 - 09:42 - Helpful Comment
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Good question.
I got the 1.2 50mm lens last week, so my experience is limited. But what I'm getting straight out of the Pentax K1 (mine is a mark I) looks very good.
I also got the 77mm 1.8 and macro, these work well too.
I've been wanting to do some structured comparisons up against older cameras, but haven't found the time / energy / final motivation yet.
I got the 1.2 50mm lens last week, so my experience is limited. But what I'm getting straight out of the Pentax K1 (mine is a mark I) looks very good.
I also got the 77mm 1.8 and macro, these work well too.
I've been wanting to do some structured comparisons up against older cameras, but haven't found the time / energy / final motivation yet.
-- Kasper Bergholt
Posted 04/11/2024 - 15:37 - Helpful Comment
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Thanks very much everyone. I'm really tempted to give it a try. I'll start looking out for one in a few weeks when I get the finances in order.
Posted 04/11/2024 - 17:48 - Helpful Comment
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If you haven't already, and I guess you have, check out the review section Reviews: Interchangeable Lenses.
A fair share of the reviews are of old lenses mounted on a K1.
A thing to consider is whether the lens 'communicates' with the camera, so that aperture mode and others work.
As far as I understand, and I could be wrong, lenses that have an 'A' in their name should work.
Non-A's would require doing all settings manually (I think).
For example, for me the 1.2 50mm SMC-A works in all modes, but focus is manual only.
The A versions are more expensive.
A fair share of the reviews are of old lenses mounted on a K1.
A thing to consider is whether the lens 'communicates' with the camera, so that aperture mode and others work.
As far as I understand, and I could be wrong, lenses that have an 'A' in their name should work.
Non-A's would require doing all settings manually (I think).
For example, for me the 1.2 50mm SMC-A works in all modes, but focus is manual only.
The A versions are more expensive.
-- Kasper Bergholt
Posted 07/11/2024 - 18:36
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Thanks for all the comments everyone. All the lenses I have, bar one, have at least ‘A’ contacts on the back so I should have some automation available. Actually, three of them are film era screw drive autofocus so that should make things easier. I am looking forward to seeing how they work though.
Thanks again.
Ade
Thanks again.
Ade
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80 posts
17 years
Romford,
Essex. UK
I'm a long-time member but not been on here for a while and looking for your wisdom and advice. I have a modest collection of legacy lenses from my early days in film photography. My favourites of the bunch are a 43mm ltd, a 50mm f1.2A and a Tamron 90mm macro lens. The 50mm in particular has sentimental value as it was a gift from my dad whilst he was still with us. All these were good performers on film but I struggled to find a place for them when I moved to APS-C digital. The performance is ok with my K-5 but the focal lengths on the cropped sensor just feel all wrong as opposed to how I used them on film. It's the nature of the cropped sensor beast, I guess.
I'm now in a position where I am nostalgic enough to consider looking for a full frame camera; probably a used K-1ii. So what kind of results can I reasonably expect from these, what, 30 or 40 year old lenses on a modern full frame digital camera? I guess they'll all have their own character but am I likely to end up regretting the whole thing as technology has just marched on too far in the intervening years?
Thanks
Ade