GWH

I got into photography in early 60s. I started out using a Pentax ME. I liked SLR Cameron's but it is now just about impossible to get 35 mm film. I have about 15 different lenses for my camera ranging from 28mm to a 1500mm. Would say a have a lot of money in lenses. Is there a DSLR camera that I can use my current lenses? Or do I have a expensive paperweight?

Vector

The last time I was researching lens compatibility, I remember hearing that Pentax had one of the best records with backwards compatibility. There are Pentax forms where you can probably search and find the answers to those questions.

Good luck.

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

I have to differ with your assertion that 35mm film is hard to come by. Check out B&H, Adorama, Cameta Camera, Amazon, etc. and you will find as many film choices as ever. Yes, certain old familiar films have been discontinued, but Kodak, Fuji, Agfa, Ilford, and several other newer manufacturers are producing familiar films and newer ones to satisfy the needs of the resurrecting film photo genre.

So load up that Pentax and go out and shoot away!

GWH

Will try it. Thanks

GreenEggsnHam Loc: Washington State

Check out this link for lots of info on Pentax lenses and compatibility.

HTTPS://www.mosphotos.com

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Pentax has retained s bayonet mount to this day.
If you have Pentax bayonet mount lenses, they will fit
all of the Pentax bodies to date. The Pentax K3 for an example
is a first class camera and the Pentax K1 is full frame, Ideal for
all you 35mm bayonet lenses.

modunk

If they came out you can use them on any Pentax camera it's a screw Mount well just get an adapter.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

If not all then nearly all Pentax lenses ever made will fit modern K mount cameras. Even the old M42 screw mount lenses will with an inexpensive adapter although they are then manual.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Yes, they can probably all be used on Pentax digital cameras. I have Pentax lenses ranging from Screw Mount Takumar Lenses to smc-Pentax FA lenses, plus "digital" DA & DA* lenses. I don't yet have and new DFA or newer lenses. All Pentax lenses but one old Fish-eye can be used on all their digital cameras (accounting for FF vs CF issues).

I find the most convenient ones to use on today's digital cameras are the -A series, -F series, - FA series, and of course any newer digital models. The older -K, -M, and Screw Mount M-42 lenses can be used but everything is manual and the poor camera has no idea of the lens settings. So on Semi-automatic Av (aperture priority) mode you have to be careful and check what the camera is doing or it may give you a "correct" exposure but possibly an "inappropriate" exposure. For example in low light f/8 @ 1/10 s, on say Av. A correctly exposed image with tons of camera shake. So using any pre-A series lenses takes much more thinking. Using older lenses on Pentax cameras gives you far more flexibility than using "film" lenses on Nikon, which can also certainly be done. By-the-way, I know all this and more from experience and not just reading. Interested in selling anything? Thanks for reading.

Alex A

I've got Pentax kit as well. The lens mount is unchanged in shape from the ME and Super A days, so the lenses will fit the new Pentax DSLRs. The film plane may not be in the same position as the digital sensor, so there may be an issue with older autofocus lenses, but all the manual focus lenses should be fine.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

"so there may be an issue with older autofocus lenses". Nope they all work fine.

Alex A

There is an issue on my K5.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I second that, I can find film, just not at Walmart. Yes, load up your ME Super and shoot film too. I still have a Pentax K2 DMD, K1000, and Spotmatic, plus a Sears Pentax-compatible SLRs. Sure some lenses are more convenient than others to use film vs digital.

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

I don't know the situation where you are, But in the Pittsburgh area 35mm film can be had at most supermarkets and drug stores. Granted they don't have the selection that a photo store would, but for the most common speeds it's there. P.S. If you go DSLR, your lens collection is usable if you stay with Pentax.

ctsteps5

your pentax K mount lenses will work with Pentax DSLR's I use them with my K10d. Remember, you would still need to use manual focus. But, you could buy AF lenses when you can afford to. I have a K100d I am selling in great condition with all accessories. LOVE MY PENTAX

Marty Stepalavich ctsteps5@yahoo.com