Can old Pentax film-era lenses be used on modern Pentax DSLRs?
Asked 8/8/2010
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I have some older Pentax lenses from the film era and want to know whether they will work on newer Pentax DSLRs. Which lens mounts are directly compatible, and what functions are retained or lost? Are there any important caveats, such as metering limitations, adapter needs, or mounts to avoid?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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Yes, all Pentax DSLRs accept all K-mount lenses. This includes autofocusing (if applicable), focus confirmation, metering, IS, etc.
The oldest two series, K and M series (database), do not have aperture contacts, and thus do not work with Av and Tv mode. Instead, you'll have to use M mode, but you will get meter readings. It can also suggest a shutter speed if you push the +/- or green button (depending on camera model and settings). Metering on these digital SLRs tends to be noticeably more inconsistent than on on the film SLRs they were designed for. These two series do not get matrix metering, just center-weighted and spot, but do get focus-trap.
There is a rare breed of K-mount that Ricoh used, called "KR" mount. They have an extra pin which will get stuck if it is not removed.
You can also get a M42-PK adapter and use the endless supply of great cheap screwmount lenses available at ebay, pawnshops, etc. They will have focus confirmation, IS, center/spot metering, and can actually use Av mode as they will stop down with the aperture ring.
Originally by user389. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user389
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—Pentax DSLRs are notably compatible with older K-mount lenses. Standard K-mount film-era lenses generally mount directly, and many functions can still work, including focus confirmation and in-body stabilization on compatible bodies.
Main caveats:
- Older K and M series lenses lack aperture contacts, so they typically must be used in Manual mode rather than Av/Tv. The camera can still meter, often using the green button or similar stop-down metering function.
- Metering with these older manual lenses can be less consistent than it was on film bodies, and matrix/evaluative metering may not be available.
- Ricoh KR-mount lenses are a special caution: some have an extra pin that can jam on Pentax bodies unless modified/removed.
- M42 screw-mount Pentax-era lenses can also be used, but require an adapter. A proper thin adapter is important if you want infinity focus.
- Pentax 645 and 67 lenses are different medium-format mounts, so they need adapters and are much less straightforward.
So: K-mount lenses are usually the easiest direct fit; M42 can work with an adapter; other Pentax mounts are not direct-fit.
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AI16y ago
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