Pentax Lenses: Compatibility With Pentax Cameras

Pentax has a reputation for offering the best backward compatibility, with most Pentax lenses being compatible with most Pentax cameras. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including limitations with certain lenses. Older screw-mount lenses, also known as M-42 lenses, can be mounted with an optional adapter, but this will only allow for manual focus and manual or aperture-preferred exposure with stop-down metering. Pentax K-mount lenses can be mounted on Canon cameras, but an adapter is required.

Pentax K-mount lenses can be used with Canon cameras, but an adapter is needed

Most Pentax lenses are compatible with most Pentax cameras. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and it's always a good idea to check compatibility before buying a lens.

There are a variety of K-mount lenses available, including the SMC Pentax M 40mm F/2.8 MF Pancake Lens, the Pentax DA 35mm AL F/2.4 Lens, and the Pentax SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited Lens. These lenses offer different focal lengths and aperture sizes, allowing for versatile shooting options.

When using a Pentax K-mount lens with a Canon camera, it is important to ensure that the correct adapter is used and that it is properly attached to the camera body. This will ensure that the lens is secure and that the camera can properly control the aperture and focus.

In addition to the K-mount lenses, there are also other types of Pentax lenses available, such as the KA mount, KAF mount, and KAF2 mount. These different mounts may have specific compatibility requirements, so it is important to check the camera's user manual or consult with a photography specialist to ensure the correct setup.

Pentax lenses can be used with most Pentax cameras, but there are exceptions

Pentax bayonet lenses labelled "SMC Pentax" are referred to as "K" lenses. Other Pentax bayonet lenses have the lens designation as part of their name, as in "SMC Pentax-FA". "Star" lenses work like their "non-star" counterparts unless they are singled out in the table. So, for compatibility of a DA* lens that is not singled out, look under DA lenses.

Older screw-mount lenses, also known as "M-42" lenses, can be mounted with an optional adapter, but you will only get manual focus and manual or aperture-preferred exposure with stop-down metering.

Some lenses will not work with certain Pentax cameras. For example, the AF 35-70mm f/2.8 lens was only compatible with one camera, the short-lived ME-F. Sigma HSM lenses won't autofocus with any Pentax cameras that aren't SDM compatible, including the ist-D, ist-DS/DS2, ist-DL/DL2, K100D, K110D and all film cameras.

It is always a good idea to check compatibility before buying a lens.

Pentax lenses are known for their backward compatibility

Pentax bayonet lenses labelled "SMC Pentax" are referred to as "K" lenses. Other Pentax bayonet lenses have the lens designation as part of their name, e.g., "SMC Pentax-FA". "Star" lenses work like their "non-star" counterparts unless specified otherwise.

Older screw-mount lenses, also known as "M-42" lenses, can be mounted with an optional adapter, but you will only get manual focus and manual or aperture-preferred exposure with stop-down metering.

Most Pentax lenses are compatible with most Pentax cameras, but there are some exceptions and limitations with certain lenses. It is always a good idea to check compatibility before buying a lens.

Older screw-mount Pentax lenses can be mounted with an adapter

Older screw-mount Pentax lenses can be mounted on newer Pentax cameras with an adapter. The M42 screw mount was first used in 1949 with the Contax S 35mm SLR by the East German company VEB Zeiss Ikon. In the same year, the East German company KW also adopted the M42 screw mount for their Praktica range of cameras. The M42 screw mount was also used by the West German company Wirgin for their Edixa Reflex range of cameras in the early 1950s.

In 1957, Asahi Optical Co (later Pentax) adopted the M42 screw mount for their cameras, starting with the original AP. They continued to use the M42 screw mount until 1977 when the Spotmatic was retired and replaced by the Pentax K mount. Over the years, Asahi Optical/Pentax made four types of M42 screw-mount lenses under the name of Takumar:

• Type 0 (1957): Takumar-preset. Replaced the older 37mm version of the Takumar line for the original AP cameras.
• Type I (1959): Auto-Takumar. A lever was added to allow for full-aperture focusing before shooting, and the diaphragm remained closed after shooting. This type was made for the Pentax K camera.
• Type II (1962): Super-Takumar. This type features a fully automatic diaphragm and does not need to be cocked manually. It also has an Auto/Manual switch on the lens. These lenses were launched with the S/H camera line and became popular with the success of the Spotmatic cameras. The famous 50mm f/1.4 lens was introduced at this time.
• Type III (1971): Super-Multi-Coated Takumar. This type added a mechanism for open-aperture metering with the Spotmatic-F/ES/ES-II. The lenses are super multi-coated (7 layers), which was one of the best coatings at the time.
• Type IV: SMC Takumar (1974). This type is identical to Type III optically but uses a rubberized focusing ring instead of a metal one and has a different diaphragm ring as a prelude to the change of mount to K-Bayonet.

Due to the relatively long flange focal distance of the M42 screw mount (45.46mm), glassless adapters have been marketed that allow M42 lenses to be used on bodies with the Pentax K-mount, the Canon FD or EF mount, the Nikon F mount, the Minolta MD or α mount, the Olympus OM mount, the Konica AR mount, and other 35mm SLR mounts. Some manufacturers wanted to maintain continuity and offered user-friendly adapters with the ability to push the aperture pin automatically for stopping down. Those adapters were made for cameras with Fuji X-mount, for some cameras with Rollei QBM-mount (e.g. Rolleiflex SL35), and for the Mamiya NC1000(s). Adapters are also available to use M42-mount lenses on virtually all digital mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras as well.

Pentax K-mount lenses are compatible with digital SLRs

The Pentax K-mount lenses are also compatible with film cameras, but these were made with a wide variety of lens mount features, so there are myriad camera/lens combinations.

The Pentax K-mount lenses are not compatible with Canon cameras. You would need an adapter to mount Pentax K-mount lenses on any Canon camera body.

Frequently asked questions