using screw mount lenses on a pentax *ist?

[einolu]

Just wondering if there is an adapter out there that lets one due this. Not really rangefinder related, but kind of. I am just craving a digital camera and want to keep using my 35mm skopar. Life is hard when you can't afford a R-D1.

[physiognomy]

Isn't there a m39-m42 adapter... Then you'd have to use an m42-pentax (K?) adapter... Maybe it would work?

[ChrisN]

I've done this, but it only gives you a macro capability. Rangefinder lenses are designed to work much closer to the film plane, whereas SLR lenses have to be spaced further out, to make room for the mirror. So while you can mount these up, they won't focus further than about 200mm.

But you can get a M39 to M42 adapter, and then a M42 to K-mount adapter. If you do this with the CV35/2.5, the rear lens element is too close, and the mirror hits it! But my other M39 lenses work ok.

Mind you the *istDS works really well with all the old K-mount glass, especially the Pentax-A line. You can also use M42 screw mount SLR lenses, but you need to stop down the aperture manually.

I'll post some photos when I get home.

[einolu]

Well as long as I can use some inexpensive and compact prime lenses I should be okay. I am thinking of getting their new K110 digital camera at some point in the near future. Do you know of any good 28-35mm lenses that wouldnt be too expensive on the ebay?

[ChrisN]

I've recently bought:
Pentax-A 28/2.8 - up to about $115
Pentax-A 50/1.7 - approx $50-$70. These are both very sharp!

There is also
Pentax-A 35/2.8 - ?
Pentax-A 50/1.5 - more desirable, maybe $150? and many more. Keep in mind the crop factor - a 50mm gives you the same field of view as a 75mm.

The -A lenses (with an "A" setting on the aperture ring) automatically stop down the shutter, and the camera meters correctly with the aperture wide open.

You can also use the Pentax-M lenses; they're a little cheaper but you have to press a button on the camera to make the aperture stop down for metering (stop-down metering).

[ampguy]

you'll get better lens quality and infinity focus with m42 lens. and there are 24 million of them or so.


Just wondering if there is an adapter out there that lets one due this. Not really rangefinder related, but kind of. I am just craving a digital camera and want to keep using my 35mm skopar. Life is hard when you can't afford a R-D1.

[ChrisN]

Now I know Einolu was actually interested in a normal lens for the Pentax, but I mentioned I'd get some pics of a LTM lens fitted up, so here it is.

Canon 50/1.8 with adapter rings, and fitted to the camera.

[ChrisN]

And here's what you can do with it. The fun really starts when you bring the M42 extension tubes into play!

[charjohncarter]

Only macro, but ther other way around: http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4316552

It's a m39 to m42 adapter plus a number one (9.5mm) extension ring from PENTAX, might be hard to find. And I only get scale focus.