Not really. Nikon claime that older lense can be mounted on new cameras, but metering options are limited or not available. Some of the older Nikons will not mount on newer cameras at all.

Canon has changed their mount, the older lenses are not usable on new cameras.

Olympus has gone to a totally new system (a very good one, in fact) but you'd have to buy ALL new lenses.

Pentax quietly managed to keep metering options (center-weighted only) with lenses so ancient they're older than most people on this board. A or later lenses retain full functionality and all metering options, M lenses must be used in Manual mode with center-weighted metering (they are manual lenses. DUH). And an adapter will let you use old screw-mount Takumar, Praktika, and even Leica lenses, with stop-down metering (which is how most of them were designed anyway).

The next version of the chip used in the Pentax and Nikon DSLR's is to have 12 megapiels. That ought to be enough to keep you going for a while!!

You will have to manually focus your A lenses just like you do now, but they will have full functionality with the DSLR.

Older M, K and m42 lenses can only be used in Manual exposure mode with a custom function set on the camera. It's like using them on a manual camera like the MX. They will also only use center-weighted metering.

But your A lenses will be able to meter in all modes. You use the focus confirmation function as if it were a microprisim or split-image spot.

If you're getting camera shake on a tripod, the tripod needs to be tightend up or you're using too small of a tripod. Make sure the tripod is resting on a firm surface if at all possible, putting a tripod on bouncy spongy grass will not do you a whole lot of good!

Aw, gee, I just got rid of a lot of Canon gear because it is so "clunky" and not especially responsive. Even doing events. Does this mean I have to sell the Pentax and buy more Canon so I can be a real "professional"? Do I give my clients back their money because I didn't have a Canon?

Get real!! '' Everyone finds the equipement that works best with their style and workflow. If we were all the same, life would be insufferably boring!!

As a working photographer, it gives me a kick to see the Nikon/Canon crew boasting about how superior their gear is, when the *st D puts most of them to shame.

Six megapixels is enough for full page ads, posters, or any other job I'm called on to do. I can still use my old M lenses or screw-mount Takukars and others the way they were meant to be used - in manual. Try putting an old FD (or whatever) lens on your new expensive toy! Not a chance!

Hopefully Pentax has learned from experience to use the full KAF mount in the next version of the *st D (the chip will have 12 megapixels, way more than anyone actually needs for commercial work).

My clients don't give a rat's posterior what I use to get the image, as long as it's quality. And Pentax, who makes pro-format cameras for 120 film, has the quality to deliver.

In the New York commercial world, of ad agencies and such, they've bought their own propaganda and are demanding 22 megapixel Leaf medium format backs for jobs they were happily using 6 megapixels for a couple of years ago. Talk about hoist on your own petard!!

Well, you're probably right, I have two MX cameras in excellent shape that I use for film. I can buy used MX cameras on ebay should I need parts. And no, I don't own any of the new cheapies, I don't need them.

I just think that taking the attitude of "old is no good" to an extrene is why Pentax ran into the M-lens fiasco with the *st D, which is a fine camara. Nice save with the firmware, but still.....

They have maintained customer loyalty, even among people who make our living with these cameras, partly by allowing really superior old lenses to work on modern cameras. Shouldn't the theory work the other way?

I coughed up for a 28-70mm FA AL lens, just to see what the advantage is. Apparently it's no longer made, but it has a good reputation. It will work on any body I own, even the old K-1000 on the shelf! That's what I like about Penatx, I can use it on the old camera or the new camera.

The lens is the key to the image. A camera body needs to be sturdy and well-made, but the lens is what makes the image!

So I suppose I agree, I wouldn't use the crappy varifocal pseudo-zoom lenses for a job. But if I want to take some snapshots on vacation....

Anyway, what is, is. We're both lucky to be using top of the line equipenent and not paying for a "status" name. I am selling off my Canon gear and I got rid of the Nikon F a long time ago. (anyone remember the F?)

So soldier on, and have fun!

Well, there are other lenses that do not have apeture rings and are meant for full frame cameras.

The Pentax SMC-FA-J 18-35mm f/4-5.6 AL - Auto Focus Zoom is listed as suitable for 35mm cameras, but what if I want to use it on my MX cameras? Just because I own a fancy digital pro camera doesn't mean that I'll never use Kodachrome again!!

It seems the time is not right for lenses that can be mounted on manual cameras to have no apeture ring. There's somehing to be said for backwards compatability. Just look at the howl that went up when the *st D wouldn't work with old M lenses. Pentax made a quick save with the firmware update, I don't wnat to replace seven old lenses to use them with the digital camera!




Perhaps they'll put the full KAF mount in the D2, along with the new 12 megapixel chip. That would be a camera suited to professional use, and pros can be sniffy about zoom lenses. We earn our living with this stuff, and will spend some bucks to get the tools of the trade!

Threre is a 10mm lens to be available soon, also meant for the APS-C sensor. I prefer Pentax brand lenses, but if this one turns out to be sharp and contrasty I just might get one.

Besides, I've earned the right to be a grumpy old man. I paid my dues!!

I wish Pentax would make a 12mm prime, to compliment the 16-45 the way the 14mm compliments the 18 to whatever zoom.

I like primes, zooms are handy but it seems pointless to have overlapping focal lengths. Besides, primes are cheaper and better!

If nothing shows up in the next six months or so, I'll have to go for the zoom or the 14mm. And what's with this business of no apeture ring? Some of us shoot in the studio and would like to set the shutter speed on the camera and the apeture on the lens, like normal people do!

As long as I'm griping, I might as well gripe about the "crippleed" FAF mount. what were they thinking? Good save with the firmware upedate, but please, Pentax, realize that not all Pentax pro users are tied to Medium Format. Some of us have stuck with the Pentax 35mm equipement, and compatability is what keeps us from jumping ship. My 50mm f/1.4 A makes a great protrait lens on the *st D, which is much more professional in features and ergonomics than the overpriced stuff from Nikon and Canon.

Wake up, Pentax, you have a great product with incredable compatability. Don't blow it!!

there's a 14mm 2.8 which will give you a very wide angle, kind of like 35mm on 645 or 20mm in 35mm.