SLR to DSLR, can I use my existing lenses?

[Project 644]

I need some advice from the PH Toggers.

I did an evening class a few years ago and bought a basic SLR camera. It is a Pentax ME Super. I then bought a few lenses, extension tubes etc. I haven't used the kit for ages, but new projects mean that it is needed. When I bought the camera digital was still in it's infancy and with my break away from photography, I know nothing. Obviously I don't want to have to buy new kit if at all possible, so is there a DSLR camera that these lenses will work with? Or have things moved on?

I haven't done any research into this yet as the experience of PH is normally quicker than my poor googling skills.

Thanks in advance.

[beano500]

In short, yes.


But you probably won't want to - unless it's some incredibly brilliant glass.


Long story - long answer due along any minute.

[Simpo Two]

Your camera has a Pentax K-bayonet mount, which AFAIK is still unchanged although modern Pentaxes/Pentai will have lots of electrical contacts for metering, focus etc.

So physically I think any Pentax DSLR will fit your lenses, but suspect many of the functions will be limited or not work - or worst case, the camera may just go 'Error' because it can't talk to the old lenses. If you want to enjoy the full benefits of a new camera then you should consider eBaying the lot and starting from scratch - and that of means that you're not tied to Pentax...

[Project 644]

A couple are decent enough to want to keep.
What are the standard lenses like that you get with the DSLRs? Or am I opening a can of worms?

[Simpo Two]

Project 644 said:

What are the standard lenses like that you get with the DSLRs? Or am I opening a can of worms?

Well here's a list of lenses that fit Pentax:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/category/basecateg...

What you choose is up to what you want to photograph.

I don't know anything about Pentax DSLR bodies other than to say you will probably hit the 'crop factor' - ie your trusty old 50mm lens now has the field of view more like 70mm and all your beloved lenses seem longer than before - so suddenly they may not be suitable.

[Project 644]

Simpo Two said:

Project 644 said:

What are the standard lenses like that you get with the DSLRs? Or am I opening a can of worms?

Well here's a list of lenses that fit Pentax:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/category/basecateg...

What you choose is up to what you want to photograph.

I don't know anything about Pentax DSLR bodies other than to say you will probably hit the 'crop factor' - ie your trusty old 50mm lens now has the field of view more like 70mm and all your beloved lenses seem longer than before - so suddenly they may not be suitable.

Aaah, I see. OK, cheers for that.

[Vipers]

Tried my old screw lens Pentax on my Canon, (Pentax vintage 1969), works fine with the adaptor of course, but you have to shoot on manual, as the apature is manual.

For the cost of a new lense, I would recommend just buying a new lense. Good luck with your new camera.

[racing green]

I had an ME Super (and a K2 before that) and then moved on to an MZ5N. This had the advantage of autofocus lenses which the ME doesn't. Although the lenses would work they are probably worth chopping in for new. Also older lenses on DSLR's have increased focal lenghth of about one and half times ie a 50mm old lens on a DSLR would come out at about 75mm. This is great for my 80-300mm lens which is now approimatley a 120-450mm. There are plenty of second hand autofocus lens from the MZ range which are cheaper but still very useful, though you will need a dedicated digital lens for wide angle which works out at about 18mm. The problem is getting hold of new Pentax DSLR's as Pentax have stopped selling directly in the UK and so getting them via third parties isn't easy. London Camera Exchange and Park Camera's have been stocking them which is good and the newest evolution Pentax is really good. The only other problem is that there is no back up repair service from Pentax without sending them back to Japan. I already have two Pentax DSLR'S and will probably have to find an independant repairer if they go wrong. The advice from me then is probably to sell the old kit and go for a Canon or Nikon if you can though the Sony's are good and basically Minolta's (who they bought a while back). This means if you can find some good second hand Minolta lenses then that may save you some wonga! Other good lenses are also available from Sigma and Tamron. Good Luck. Mark

[Project 644]

Thanks for the replies. I've got a bit of an idea in my head now.

[Thunderace]

racing green said:

Also older lenses on DSLR's have increased focal lenghth of about one and half times ie a 50mm old lens on a DSLR would come out at about 75mm.

The focal length of the lens doesn't ever change no matter what body it's mounted on or even if it's left in the box. A 50mm is always 50mm. The amount of the projected image used reduces with a cropped sensor to simulate the angle of view of longer lens (75mm in the case of a 1.5 crop). This is the same for older or new lenses.

[racing green]

A point well made Sir, in my haste to answer I neglected to make this apparent. However the 'effect' is the same and this is often not apparent to new DSLR user's and this is very revelant when considering a wide angle lens which on old equippment was generally a 24mm or 28mm (36mm - 42mm approx on new) Cheers

[DiscoColin]

And to finish off - modern DSLRs do not usually have a split prism to aid focusing either (and as far as I am aware, you can generally only change the focusing screen on high end bodies too. Just something to add as an addendum if you were still thinking about using old manual focus lenses with a DSLR.

[Simpo Two]

And so yet another load of trusty old kit from the '70s finds itself in a hessian sack heading towards a fast-flowing river in the hours of darkness...

[bobda]

racing green said:

The problem is getting hold of new Pentax DSLR's as Pentax have stopped selling directly in the UK and so getting them via third parties isn't easy. London Camera Exchange and Park Camera's have been stocking them which is good and the newest evolution Pentax is really good. The only other problem is that there is no back up repair service from Pentax without sending them back to Japan. I already have two Pentax DSLR'S and will probably have to find an independant repairer if they go wrong.

Any more info on this?

[crolandc]

Simpo Two said:

And so yet another load of trusty old kit from the '70s finds itself in a hessian sack heading towards a fast-flowing river in the hours of darkness...