Pentax Lenses: Will They Fit Your New Camera?

Pentax cameras are renowned for their ability to accommodate older lenses, a feature that sets them apart from other camera brands. All Pentax DSLRs are compatible with K-mount lenses, including autofocusing, focus confirmation, metering, and IS. However, the two oldest series, K and M, lack aperture contacts, limiting their use to manual mode and requiring some adjustments for accurate metering. Additionally, these older lenses may require manual focusing, which can be challenging for certain types of photography.

When using older Pentax lenses, it's important to be aware of the crop factor, which affects the field of view. For example, a 50mm lens on a crop-sensor camera will have a similar field of view to a 75mm lens on a full-frame camera. This can impact the type of photography you do, especially if you prefer wide-angle shots.

While most Pentax lenses are compatible with most Pentax cameras, there are some exceptions and limitations. It's always recommended to check the compatibility of a specific lens with your camera model before purchasing. Additionally, there are adapters available for M42 screw-mount lenses, allowing you to use a wide range of older lenses with your Pentax DSLR.

Pentax K-30 and other Pentax bodies are compatible with old Pentax lenses

The Pentax K-30 is a 16.3-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera that was announced on May 21, 2012. It is compatible with old Pentax lenses, including those dating back to the 1970s. The K-30 features the Pentax K mount, which allows for the use of legacy lenses. Additionally, with an M42-mount adapter, the K-mount is also compatible with even older lenses.

The K-30's compatibility with old Pentax lenses is a significant advantage for photographers who have invested in Pentax glass over the years. It allows them to continue using their trusted lenses while upgrading to a newer camera body. This backward compatibility is a testament to Pentax's commitment to supporting its customers and their existing equipment.

When using old Pentax lenses with the K-30, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, older lenses may not autofocus or have auto-exposure capabilities, so manual adjustments will be necessary. Secondly, the image sensor in the K-30 is smaller than the 35mm film format, so lenses will have a narrower field of view. For example, a 50mm lens will act like a short telephoto lens, similar to a 75mm lens.

While the K-30 is a great option for using old Pentax lenses, other Pentax bodies also offer this compatibility. The Pentax K-5, K-5 II, and K-01 are all mentioned as being compatible with older lenses. Additionally, Pentax DSLR cameras, such as the K-50, K-3, and K-5 IIs, are known for their ability to work with legacy glass.

In summary, the Pentax K-30 and other Pentax DSLR bodies offer excellent compatibility with old Pentax lenses. This feature provides a cost-effective way for photographers to upgrade their camera bodies while continuing to use their trusted lenses, taking advantage of the plethora of great glass that Pentax has designed over the decades.

Older Pentax lenses may need to be manually stopped down

The Pentax mount is still the most backward-compatible mount on the market, which makes it easy to use inexpensive yet optically excellent old lenses. However, older Pentax lenses may need to be manually stopped down. This is because the camera doesn't know what the lens' aperture ring is set on. With those lenses, you press the "green button" (on the *ist D) or the AE-L button (on the *ist DS) which automatically stops down the aperture to the setting on the aperture ring, takes a meter reading, sets the shutter speed accordingly, and opens the lens' aperture back up for viewing and focusing. Then, you're free to manually adjust the shutter speed and/or aperture if desired before shooting. It sounds complicated, but it's very easy to get used to and in practice is a lot like shooting in either aperture-preferred mode or manual-exposure mode (whichever you prefer).

With bayonet-mount (K-mount) lenses that don't have an A or AE setting on the aperture ring, this procedure will be necessary. The generation of cameras introduced at the same time as the Super Program, such as the Super Program, could read the aperture setting either way -- mechanically or electronically. Recent cameras have dropped the old mechanical linkage, including the *ist D and *ist DS.

Although the loss of the mechanical linkage is annoying, it's a small price to pay for the ability to use older lenses.

Older Pentax lenses may not autofocus

While older Pentax lenses can be used with newer Pentax cameras, they may not autofocus. This is because the older lenses were designed to be manually focused, and the autofocus function on newer cameras may not be compatible with the older lenses.

Pentax cameras with autofocus capability will only autofocus with autofocus-capable lenses. Older Pentax lenses that are not autofocus-capable will need to be manually focused, even when used with a newer Pentax camera that has autofocus functionality.

Some newer Pentax cameras may have focus aids that can assist with manual focusing, such as a focus peaking feature or a beep that sounds when the lens is focused. However, manual focusing may not be as easy or precise as autofocus, especially for more demanding subjects or situations.

It is important to note that not all older Pentax lenses are completely manual. Some may have auto aperture functionality or other features that can be used with newer Pentax cameras. Additionally, adapters can be used with some older lenses to enable certain features, such as autofocus or auto aperture, on newer cameras.

When using older Pentax lenses with newer cameras, it is always a good idea to check the compatibility and any limitations beforehand.

Older Pentax lenses may not be as sharp as newer lenses

While older Pentax lenses will fit on newer Pentax cameras, they may not be as sharp as newer lenses. This is because older lenses were designed to cover full-frame 35mm film, while newer cameras use a smaller area for the chip. This means that an old standard 50mm lens will act like a lens about 1.5X as long – or like a short 75mm telephoto lens.

One user on Pentax Forums noted that their older Pentax lenses were not as sharp as their newer ones, and that the older lenses were soft at maximum aperture. They also noted that the older lenses were not as fast as the newer ones, and that the new lenses had better edge performance.

Another user on Amazon noted that their older Pentax lenses were not as sharp as their newer ones, and that the new lenses had "better edge performance". They also noted that the older lenses did not have the same "magic in its rendering" as the newer ones.

It is important to note that not all older Pentax lenses will be less sharp than newer lenses. Some users have found that their older Pentax lenses produced "fantastic results" and were "as sharp as any modern lens". Additionally, newer lenses may not always be sharper than older ones. One user on Amazon noted that their new lens was "not sharp at all wide open" and that they had to stop down to f/2.8 to get good sharpness.

Pentax K-mount lenses are compatible with all current Pentax DSLRs

If you're a Pentax user, you'll be pleased to know that Pentax K-mount lenses are compatible with all current Pentax DSLRs. This includes autofocusing, focus confirmation, metering, and IS.

However, it's worth noting that the two oldest series of K-mount lenses, the K and M series, do not have aperture contacts. This means that they won't work with Av and Tv modes, and you'll have to use manual mode instead. But don't worry, you'll still get meter readings, and the camera can suggest a shutter speed for you.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there was a rare type of K-mount called the "KR" mount used by Ricoh, which has an extra pin that will get stuck unless removed. So, if you have one of these lenses, you'll need to take care of that before using it with your current Pentax DSLR.

In addition to K-mount lenses, you can also use M42 screw-mount lenses with an adapter. These will give you focus confirmation, IS, and metering, and you can even use Av mode since they will stop down with the aperture ring.

So, if you have a collection of old Pentax lenses, don't hesitate to try them out on your new Pentax DSLR. Just be aware of the limitations of the older lenses and make any necessary adjustments, and you'll be able to create some fantastic images!

Frequently asked questions