Thanks
I knew I would get an answer here!
I will try that.
one of them is the helios but curiously this works without the pin depressed!
where have you get good qaulity kit to take lenses apart from? ie small posi screwdrivers/lens spanners,etc
I have tried with what must have been a cheap screwdriver size 00 ,but it sheared off

Dear all
I have picked up a few cheap m42 praktica lenses with a pin in the base.push the pin in and the lens will shut down to whichever stop you pick.Without pushing pin the lens is wide open and cannot adjust the stop.I was thinking of pushing pin down and glueing or soldering in place so that I can use all of the f stops.
Anyone have any experience of doing this or any other way around this.
Replies much appreciated
thanks

Hi Marky
I have just taken the plunge and ordered one from amazon for £453
not sure will get cashback ,but if I do will be a bargain

I recently bought a Pentax A 24mm 2.8 wide angle from a car boot sale for £10,which has a fungal infection of both front/rear elements and the results are excellent.It is now my favourite lens.I too was worried re qaurantine etc ,but after much research decided not to bother as I keep all my gear out of damp conditions etc.Just enjoy using it sounds like you got a bargain

Thanks
yes works when I press depth of field lever but overexposes by 2 or 3 stops.
Still that gives me a rough indication

Its a 300mm f4 pentax smc .I think this was the lens before the M series
will try your suggestion
Thanks

Hello
have just bought a pentax 300mm k fit lens not A or M as my other lenses.
I have altered the k10d to allow aperture ring however it works in aperture priority mode,but in manual it will not give me the meter reading in either screen.Is this normal? or is there a way to enable the meter to show.currently I am having a guess seeing the result and compensate manually
What are your experiences
Thanks