Ideal Pentax DSLR for Pentax SMC Lenses: I have a couple of SMC Lenses, one of them the 28mm f2 made by Zeiss, that I picked up at a charity thrift store. I've used the 28mm on my...

bw79st Loc: New York City

I have a couple of SMC Lenses, one of them the 28mm f2 made by Zeiss, that I picked up at a charity thrift store. I've used the 28mm on my Olympus m4/3 but would like to pick up a used Pentax K mount DSLR. Taking into account that some models do not auto-focus well, an unneeded feature, my question is which model might be best? I do need a focus confirm indicator and would prefer the largest sensor I can get. Obviously I'm not looking to spend much as I don't have plans to switch over to the Pentax system. Any suggestions? Maybe Samsung?

bw79st Loc: New York City

An afterthought: If my Olympus bodies acquire focus confirmation for manual lenses in the future, via a software update, then my need for a Pentax K body diminishes, although I would like to try them on a larger sensor camera. A Pentax full frame might change the whole situation.

Has anyone heard of focus confirmation for the Olympus E-M5 in the future? There was some speculation that Oly's deal with Sony might bring it in a future update.

alawry Loc: Timaru New Zealand

Any Pentax will do. My isT Dl has an indicator in the viewfinder to show when focus is achieved, can be set to not fire unless something is in focus. I went to Digital Pentax because I had a few "legacy" lenses, but in hindsight it was the wrong move. Auto focus is good, too good. My Legacy lenses ar languishing. Good luck, don't stop experimenting. Andrew.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

A used Pentax K-5 would work fine and you might even like it. No Pentax FF yet. But since I sense some maligning of Pentax, feel free to send all your Pentax lenses to me.

alfeng Loc: Out where the West commences ...

bw79st wrote:

An afterthought: If my Olympus bodies acquire focus confirmation for manual lenses in the future, via a software update, then my need for a Pentax K body diminishes, although I would like to try them on a larger sensor camera. A Pentax full frame might change the whole situation.

Has anyone heard of focus confirmation for the Olympus E-M5 in the future? There was some speculation that Oly's deal with Sony might bring it in a future update.

Have you taken advantage of the on-screen magnfication which is accessed via the "magnifying glass" button which will then allow you to focus on a specific SPOT within the frame that you are pointing the camera at?

While it may not be exactly what you want, it may satisfy your focusing needs when using your m4/3 camera body OR any other mirrorless camera body.

TomballLegend Loc: Tomball, Texas

bw79st wrote:

I have a couple of SMC Lenses, one of them the 28m... (show quote)

Who told you Pentax DSLR's won't auto focus? Sounds like the Canon/Nikon cabal is at it again! I own my second Pentax because I shot a Pentax auto body/film and I wasn't about to rid myself of perfectly good AF lenses for a different name. My first Pentax was their original and is still in use, by a friend to whom I gave it when I got my current K10d. Don't believe everything you hear and half of what you see. Hope you find something you enjoy.

Kuzano

What I have done on Olympus 4/3 DSLR's is to send the camera to Katzeye focus screen co. for one of their focus screens incorporating a split image center and prism surround on the center, and their OptiBrite coating. Get the same effect as using a film SLR with either a horizontal or 45 degree split image focus center.

Never had much luck with focus confirm adaptors, but I shot film OM's for years.

Katzeye makes focus screens for many makes and models of camera's and are user insertable for those camera's that have interchangeable focus screens. I sent mine in as that made Katzeye responsible for shimming the focus screen at the proper distance. The Optibrite coating brightened the view area somewhat. Nice system, good focus.

bw79st Loc: New York City

TomballLegend wrote:

Who told you Pentax DSLR's won't auto focus? Sounds like the Canon/Nikon cabal is at it again! I own my second Pentax because I shot a Pentax auto body/film and I wasn't about to rid myself of perfectly good AF lenses for a different name. My first Pentax was their original and is still in use, by a friend to whom I gave it when I got my current K10d. Don't believe everything you hear and half of what you see. Hope you find something you enjoy.

I have read reviews that newer Pentax models have improved auto focus. Since for my purposes auto focus is not a primary issue I didn't need anyone recommending a particular model because it has improved auto focus. That's all.

bw79st Loc: New York City

alawry wrote:

Any Pentax will do. My isT Dl has an indicator in the viewfinder to show when focus is achieved, can be set to not fire unless something is in focus. I went to Digital Pentax because I had a few "legacy" lenses, but in hindsight it was the wrong move. Auto focus is good, too good. My Legacy lenses ar languishing. Good luck, don't stop experimenting. Andrew.

This issue has been in the back of my mind through this whole exchange. I do find that using my auto focus lenses with my m4/3 equipment is really a joy. So I am a bit ambivalent about spending money for a Pentax body just to try out a couple of legacy lenses. Thanks for your input.

bw79st Loc: New York City

Kuzano wrote:

What I have done on Olympus 4/3 DSLR's is to send ... (show quote)

Good information! I was unaware that this could be done. Thanks for the tip.

bw79st Loc: New York City

alfeng wrote:

Have you taken advantage of the on-screen magnfication which is accessed via the "magnifying glass" button which will then allow you to focus on a specific SPOT within the frame that you are pointing the camera at?

While it may not be exactly what you want, it may satisfy your focusing needs when using your m4/3 camera body OR any other mirrorless camera body.

I have been using mostly the auto focus lenses for my m4/3 system consequently I have generally ignored the magnification feature. Thanks for the reminder, I'll have to practice with that.

bw79st Loc: New York City

lamiaceae wrote:

A used Pentax K-5 would work fine and you might even like it. No Pentax FF yet. But since I sense some maligning of Pentax, feel free to send all your Pentax lenses to me.

Fat chance, Mike! I think I'll keep them. But I do have a hankering for that K-5. If at any point I feel I would like to move to an APS-C camera I would probably go with Pentax rather than Nikon or Canon. Of course, if they do ever offer a FF model I might jump on it.

Kuzano

bw79st wrote:

Good information! I was unaware that this could be done. Thanks for the tip.

Here is the link to just the Pentax page of the Katzeye site:

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Pentax-DSLRs--cat_pentax.html

This is an excellent solution to manual focus of non autofocus lenses such as yours. And it's a reversible process when you get over the "thrill" and/or "disappointment" of using legacy manual lenses. In fact the Katzeye focus screens give you a better visual read on how accurate your autofocus system and lenses work with your DSLR lenses.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Focus peaking on my Olympus EM1 works great with my SMC lenses.

TomballLegend Loc: Tomball, Texas

bw79st wrote:

I have read reviews that newer Pentax models have improved auto focus. Since for my purposes auto focus is not a primary issue I didn't need anyone recommending a particular model because it has improved auto focus. That's all.

Oh contraire sir! My Pentax relationship has been fine as in personally and technically! Nor am I a cheerleader for anything made by man. I bought, before, and done it again, what I could and felt afford. If that's a crime, then I'm guilty! Just have a problem with unsupported propaganda.