RE: What series lens do I have?
Some (if not all) of the M42 lenses had the description Super-Takumar, Pentax and Asahi Opt. Co. written at the front of the lens. Since the K-mount lenses were introduced, the lenses were called SMC Pentax (SMCP for short) and then the letter, describing the bayonet version: SMC Pentax-M, SMC Pentax-A, SMC Pentax-F, SMC Pentax-FA etc. The pre M lenses are often called SMC Pentax-K, even though this was not written on the lens. Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Steve Pearson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 27. november 2004 05:02 Til: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Emne: RE: What series lens do I have? If that's the case, then why do I see people refer to this: SMCP-A 50/1.4? I did not think this was a K series lens, but rather an A series lens? --- J. C. O'Connell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: FYI, The first series of Pentax K mount lenses are often designated SMCK or SMCP by pentax usersboth mean same thing. The P is for Pentax in that case, not programmed because these lenses don't even support programmed exposure modes JCO -Original Message- From: Steve Pearson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 10:40 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? JOOC, why do I see some lenses identified as SMCP-A, or SMCP-M, etc.? What does the P stand for, program? So, do you not identify the K lenses with a P? Just wondering... --- Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
Re: What series lens do I have?
On Nov 27, 2004, at 5:07 AM, Paul Stenquist wrote: The K designation was unofficial. I think Pentax users just invented that to distinguish that first series of lens options from the later ones. Oh, I thought the K series matched the fact that they came out with the K cameras, and the M series came out with the M series cameras, and the A series came out with the A series cameras??? At least, that is my interpretation, based on the K-Mount Page... -- -Jon Glass Krakow, Poland [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: What series lens do I have?
You got a K there. Jack Davis wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com
Re: What series lens do I have?
You're correct. But the K designation never appeared on the lenses, whereas M and A lenses were identified with the series letter. Paul On Nov 27, 2004, at 5:25 AM, Jon Glass wrote: On Nov 27, 2004, at 5:07 AM, Paul Stenquist wrote: The K designation was unofficial. I think Pentax users just invented that to distinguish that first series of lens options from the later ones. Oh, I thought the K series matched the fact that they came out with the K cameras, and the M series came out with the M series cameras, and the A series came out with the A series cameras??? At least, that is my interpretation, based on the K-Mount Page... -- -Jon Glass Krakow, Poland [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: What series lens do I have?
The K designation was unofficial. I think Pentax users just invented that to distinguish that first series of lens options from the later ones. Oh, I thought the K series matched the fact that they came out with the K cameras, and the M series came out with the M series cameras, and the A series came out with the A series cameras??? At least, that is my interpretation, based on the K-Mount Page... This is basically true. However, just remember that the K designation is an unofficial (user-invented) designation. In addition, the distinctions between each series is not always correctly applied by sellers (and I'm not just picking on eBay here, either) - it is not uncommon for some sellers to refer to ~any~ pre-A K-mount lens as an M lens, even if sometimes, of course, a particular pre-A lens might actually be a K lens. So it can be a case of buyer be aware. Fred
Re: What series lens do I have?
- Original Message - From: Jon Glass Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? On Nov 27, 2004, at 5:07 AM, Paul Stenquist wrote: The K designation was unofficial. I think Pentax users just invented that to distinguish that first series of lens options from the later ones. Oh, I thought the K series matched the fact that they came out with the K cameras, and the M series came out with the M series cameras, and the A series came out with the A series cameras??? At least, that is my interpretation, based on the K-Mount Page... Thats more or less correct, the different lens versions are/were contemporaneous with different camera lines, however, there are significant differences between the different lines. The K lenses are somewhat larger, and most people seem to think they are better lenses overall than the smaller M lenses. The A series lenses and all later lenses have electrical contacts on the mount, and the A position on the aperture ring that allows the camera to control the aperture. note; since the FAJ lenses don't have an aperture ring, they are locked in permanent A position. William Robb
Re: What series lens do I have?
In addition, the distinctions between each series is not always correctly applied by sellers (and I'm not just picking on eBay here, either) - it is not uncommon for some sellers to refer to ~any~ pre-A K-mount lens as an M lens, even if sometimes, of course, a particular pre-A lens might actually be a K lens. So it can be a case of buyer be aware. Just another thought on this: Often the incorrect distinction is easily spotted (and only merits a cognoscenti chuckle or two g) - there are no M versions of certain lenses (e.g., 15/3.5, 85/1.8, etc.) - but sometimes there is indeed a chance of confusion (e.g., with the 50/1.4's, certainly). Fred
RE: What series lens do I have?
Here's a prime example of that by Adorama, who should know better: http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20146759.html AFAIK the 55/1.8 didn't come in an M. (This is a pretty good deal on the K though, they seem to be getting pretty hard to find.) Don -Original Message- From: Fred [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 7:37 AM To: Fred Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? In addition, the distinctions between each series is not always correctly applied by sellers (and I'm not just picking on eBay here, either) - it is not uncommon for some sellers to refer to ~any~ pre-A K-mount lens as an M lens, even if sometimes, of course, a particular pre-A lens might actually be a K lens. So it can be a case of buyer be aware. Just another thought on this: Often the incorrect distinction is easily spotted (and only merits a cognoscenti chuckle or two g) - there are no M versions of certain lenses (e.g., 15/3.5, 85/1.8, etc.) - but sometimes there is indeed a chance of confusion (e.g., with the 50/1.4's, certainly). Fred
RE: What series lens do I have?
It didn't. I think some people consider M to mean manual as in manual focusing. Just a guess Shel [Original Message] From: Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here's a prime example of that by Adorama, who should know better: http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20146759.html AFAIK the 55/1.8 didn't come in an M. (This is a pretty good deal on the K though, they seem to be getting pretty hard to find.) Don
Re: What series lens do I have?
Here's a prime example of that by Adorama, who should know better: http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20146759.html Yes, Adorama should know better - g. I think that, to some sellers, if it's a manual focus Pentax K-mount lens and it has electrical contacts, then it's an A lens, but if it has no contacts, then it's an M lens. Part of the problem is that the commonly used PDML - but unofficial - designation of a K lens is not as well known in the outside world - the guy at Adorama is presented with a 55/1.8 lens to describe, and it doesn't say M or A on it, or anything other than the usual (and thank God it is indeed usual) SMC designation (which is also found on the M and A lenses, of course), and he/she really doesn't want to just call it an SMC Pentax lens (which is, of course, exactly what it is). Part of the problem goes back to 1975, when Pentax came out with the K-mount bodies and lenses. Pentax made a switch in nomenclature from SMC Takumar to SMC Pentax (as if all future Pentax lenses could simply be called SMC Pentax - as if there would be only one lens series in the future), without envisioning that there might very soon - 1976 or 1977 - be a reason to be more descriptive in describing SMC Pentax lens series). Fred
RE: What series lens do I have?
AFAI can see, this is a brilliant, short and informative desciption, Don! I'll keep it. Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Don Sanderson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 27. november 2004 04:18 Til: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Emne: RE: What series lens do I have? The first of the Pentax bayonet lenses were not given a letter designation, they are commonly refered to as K lenses after the mount type. (As opposed to M42 screw mount)If you have a good imagination the one long and two short flanges on the mount form the letter K if connected by lines. ;-/ The M series was next and was known for being lighter and smaller than their predecessors. Then came the A or KA lenses, these have the A setting and contacts to allow them to work in Program mode on cameras so equipped, such as the Super Program and on up to the ist D/DS. Then came the KAF and KAF2 which added autofocus. These are given the F, FA and FAJ letters. FAJ's have no aperture ring and aperture must be set on the camera. Now we have the DA lenses with a smaller image circle to match the the APS size sensor in the ist D and ist DS. They are KAF2 mount. The neat thing is all K mount lenses are Backward Compatible. (Except for the DA and FAJ) And more letters to follow...(We all hope!) ;-) Don -Original Message- From: Jack Davis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 8:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: What series lens do I have? Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com
RE: What series lens do I have?
I agree Fred, the problem with Adorama is they list third party lenses as px/k or pentax-k, now one has no clue whether they are M or A type. I've talked with them and they say *someday* they will start designating by mount. (ie:K,KA,KAF,etc) That would help a lot. Don -Original Message- From: Fred [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 8:13 AM To: Don Sanderson Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? Here's a prime example of that by Adorama, who should know better: http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20146759.html Yes, Adorama should know better - g. I think that, to some sellers, if it's a manual focus Pentax K-mount lens and it has electrical contacts, then it's an A lens, but if it has no contacts, then it's an M lens. Part of the problem is that the commonly used PDML - but unofficial - designation of a K lens is not as well known in the outside world - the guy at Adorama is presented with a 55/1.8 lens to describe, and it doesn't say M or A on it, or anything other than the usual (and thank God it is indeed usual) SMC designation (which is also found on the M and A lenses, of course), and he/she really doesn't want to just call it an SMC Pentax lens (which is, of course, exactly what it is). Part of the problem goes back to 1975, when Pentax came out with the K-mount bodies and lenses. Pentax made a switch in nomenclature from SMC Takumar to SMC Pentax (as if all future Pentax lenses could simply be called SMC Pentax - as if there would be only one lens series in the future), without envisioning that there might very soon - 1976 or 1977 - be a reason to be more descriptive in describing SMC Pentax lens series). Fred
RE: What series lens do I have?
Thanks Jens, it's incomplete but Boz's page has the rest for those who want to go real deep. I almost just referred to that page but I know for me it was (and sometimes still is!) TOO detailed to get a simple answer. For those who want to look at this great site, it's here: http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/ Don -Original Message- From: Jens Bladt [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 8:18 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: What series lens do I have? AFAI can see, this is a brilliant, short and informative desciption, Don! I'll keep it. Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Don Sanderson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 27. november 2004 04:18 Til: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Emne: RE: What series lens do I have? The first of the Pentax bayonet lenses were not given a letter designation, they are commonly refered to as K lenses after the mount type. (As opposed to M42 screw mount)If you have a good imagination the one long and two short flanges on the mount form the letter K if connected by lines. ;-/ The M series was next and was known for being lighter and smaller than their predecessors. Then came the A or KA lenses, these have the A setting and contacts to allow them to work in Program mode on cameras so equipped, such as the Super Program and on up to the ist D/DS. Then came the KAF and KAF2 which added autofocus. These are given the F, FA and FAJ letters. FAJ's have no aperture ring and aperture must be set on the camera. Now we have the DA lenses with a smaller image circle to match the the APS size sensor in the ist D and ist DS. They are KAF2 mount. The neat thing is all K mount lenses are Backward Compatible. (Except for the DA and FAJ) And more letters to follow...(We all hope!) ;-) Don -Original Message- From: Jack Davis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 8:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: What series lens do I have? Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com
Re: What series lens do I have?
- Original Message - From: Don Sanderson Subject: RE: What series lens do I have? Thanks Jens, it's incomplete but Boz's page has the rest for those who want to go real deep. I almost just referred to that page but I know for me it was (and sometimes still is!) TOO detailed to get a simple answer. For those who want to look at this great site, it's here: http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/ Quoted from Mike Johnston: I think I'll answer this, since it also caused me a good deal of confusion at first. Here's a brief history of the basic 35mm Asahi Pentax lens names. There are a number of specialty lenses with different designations that I've omitted for the sake of clarity. 1952: Takumar lenses. Allegedly named after a man named Takuma Kajiwara, who was either a Japanese painter [Comen], or a Japanese photographer who lived in New York in the 1950's [sic]...a personal friend of George Eastman, the founder of Eastman Kodak Co. It's reported Mr. Kajiwara designed the early Takumar lenses [Jonkman]. These were M42 screwmount lenses. The M42 screwmount was a German invention that came to be known as Pentax screwmount because Asahi made the most popular camera line to use it. It is distinct from the Leica screwmount, which Marc James Small dubbed LTM (Leica Thread Mount). Many enlarger lenses still use Leica screwmount, and recent years have seen the first new Leica screwmount lenses in decades, made by Cosina under the Voigtlaender name. There are no current-production M42 screwmount lenses that I know of. 1958: a series of semi-automatic lenses called Auto-Takumar. M42 screwmount. 1963: The Super-Takumar line. M42 screwmount. 1971: The Super-Multi-Coated Takumar line. M42 screwmount. Introduced with the Spotmatic SPII. These lenses had early multicoating nearly identical to Zeiss T* coating, and linkages for open-aperture metering with the Spotmatic F. Early versions had metal knurled focusing rings and the words Super-Multi-Coated spelled out on the front of the lens. Later versions switched to a rubberized focusing rings and were marked SMC Takumar. Note that both Super-Multi-Coated Takumar and SMC Takumar lenses are often both indiscriminately called SMCT and SMC Takumar. People should really be specific and either spell out the name of the earlier lenses or else abbreviate it S.-M.-C. Takumar to distinguish earlier from later versions. 1975: Pentax switched from M42 screwmount to the K bayonet mount. The Pentax screwmount had been universal, with many manufacturers making lenses that would fit any M42 camera; Pentax attempted to do the same with the K mount, leaving the patent open to anyone who wanted to use it--and bucking the trend towards proprietary bayonet mounts. Consequently, a number of smaller manufacturers also used the Pentax K-mount. Despite this, it never really achieved universal status. The early Pentax K-mount lenses are called SMC Pentax lenses and are briefly referred to as K lenses. Many carried over from the last of the M42 lenses and are very fine lenses optically and mechanically. They were contemporaneous with the first three Pentax K-mount cameras, called the KX, KM, and K2. 1977: A lens line introduced for the compact M bodies. They are smaller than the SMC Pentax lenses and are generally neither quite as good optically nor quite as nicely built, although they are mostly still of very fine quality and very well-made. They are marked SMC Pentax-M, abbreviated SMCP-M and referred to briefly as M lenses. Although they are K-mount lenses, they are NOT K lenses, an appellation which refers to the SMC Pentax line. 1983: A line of lenses usable with program mode, marked SMC Pentax-A, abbreviated SMCP-A and referred to as A lenses. Although they are generally slightly better than the M lenses optically, they are generally not quite as well made. They are the first Pentax lenses that more or less lacked the legendary smooth focusing feel of the Super Takumars. 1987: F lenses. The first autofocus line. Compatible with the K-mount. 1991: FA lenses. The current autofocus line, also compatible with the K-mount. 1997 (? someone correct me if I'm wrong): The Limited lenses. Designed for an autofocus rangefinder that was shelved. FA lenses with metal barrels sold as premium, deluxe autofocus lenses with metal barrels, they are in fact NOT limited, but are regular stock items. There are now three, all with unusual focal lengths: the 43mm, the 77mm, and the 31mm. So, to recap, it looks like this: M42 screwmount lens series: == 1952: Takumars 1958: Auto-Takumars 1963: Super-Takumars 1971: Super-Multi-Coated Takumars, later ones marked SMC Takumar K-mount lens series: 1975: SMC Pentax lenses, also called K lenses 1977: M lens line 1983: A lens line Autofocus lens series: = 1987: F autofocus lenses 1991: FA autofocus lenses 1997(?): Limited (FA) lenses Hope that's all clear. If I've made any mistakes
Re: What series lens do I have?
On Nov 27, 2004, at 3:18 PM, Jens Bladt wrote: The neat thing is all K mount lenses are Backward Compatible. (Except for the DA and FAJ) Would an FAJ lens work on, say, a Program Plus, which can operate in program mode, setting the aperture for you? or will it not work at all? (not that it matters now that I sold my P+, although it is always possible I'll buy another or similar in the future). -- -Jon Glass Krakow, Poland [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: What series lens do I have?
- Original Message - From: Jon Glass Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? Would an FAJ lens work on, say, a Program Plus, which can operate in program mode, setting the aperture for you? or will it not work at all? (not that it matters now that I sold my P+, although it is always possible I'll buy another or similar in the future). Yes. The FAJ lenses will work on any body that has aperture control built in (but no direct control, such as a thumbwheel), in either programmed automatic or shutter preferred automatic. William Robb
RE: What series lens do I have?
FAJ will work on the Program Plus in Program mode and in Shutter Preferred mode if this is available on the PP. Manual and Aperture Preferred (my favorite) will NOT be available. Also no F stop can be set when used in Bulb. For me that answer is a NO, for you it may be OK. Don -Original Message- From: Jon Glass [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 8:44 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? On Nov 27, 2004, at 3:18 PM, Jens Bladt wrote: The neat thing is all K mount lenses are Backward Compatible. (Except for the DA and FAJ) Would an FAJ lens work on, say, a Program Plus, which can operate in program mode, setting the aperture for you? or will it not work at all? (not that it matters now that I sold my P+, although it is always possible I'll buy another or similar in the future). -- -Jon Glass Krakow, Poland [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: What series lens do I have?
Thanks William, that's a good mini-history. Don -Original Message- From: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 8:41 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? Quoted from Mike Johnston: big snip Hope that's all clear. If I've made any mistakes in this, please, folks, don't be shy about setting me straight (like I need to say that g). --Mike - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: What series lens do I have?
On Nov 27, 2004, at 3:54 PM, Don Sanderson wrote: For me that answer is a NO, for you it may be OK. For me, I would call it a conditional yes. :-) So long as I can put it on my camera and shoot--and if it's a lens worth using... maybe, for instance, for wide angle... Worth remembering at least. Thanks for the help! -- -Jon Glass Krakow, Poland [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: What series lens do I have?
FAJ will work on the Program Plus in Program mode and in Shutter Preferred mode if this is available on the PP. Manual and Aperture Preferred (my favorite) will NOT be available. Also no F stop can be set when used in Bulb. For me that answer is a NO, for you it may be OK. For me, I would call it a conditional yes. :-) So long as I can put it on my camera and shoot--and if it's a lens worth using... maybe, for instance, for wide angle... Worth remembering at least. Thanks for the help! I guess I'd also call it a conditional yes, too, although aperture-preferred autoexposure is my most-used mode, and I do like to set the aperture on (TTL) flash photos. If a lens is really good, and can be used with only ~modest~ inconvenience on a body for which it was not designed (and, this is for both forward-in-time and backward-in-time directions), I'd probably still try to sue the lens. For example, I'm planning on using my K 135/2.5 and K 200/2.5 lenses (and ~certainly~ a number of my old VS1 gems) on the *ist D or *ist DS (when I eventually get a digital body). On the other hand, I'd be less likely to use an FAJ lens on an older body, ~unless~ it were really optically superb and I had no other more correct (so to speak) lens to use instead. Fred
RE: What series lens do I have?
Thanks group! I'm archiving much more lens development history than I'll likely need. Every answer appreciated. Jack --- Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The first of the Pentax bayonet lenses were not given a letter designation, they are commonly refered to as K lenses after the mount type. (As opposed to M42 screw mount)If you have a good imagination the one long and two short flanges on the mount form the letter K if connected by lines. ;-/ The M series was next and was known for being lighter and smaller than their predecessors. Then came the A or KA lenses, these have the A setting and contacts to allow them to work in Program mode on cameras so equipped, such as the Super Program and on up to the ist D/DS. Then came the KAF and KAF2 which added autofocus. These are given the F, FA and FAJ letters. FAJ's have no aperture ring and aperture must be set on the camera. Now we have the DA lenses with a smaller image circle to match the the APS size sensor in the ist D and ist DS. They are KAF2 mount. The neat thing is all K mount lenses are Backward Compatible. (Except for the DA and FAJ) And more letters to follow...(We all hope!) ;-) Don -Original Message- From: Jack Davis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 8:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: What series lens do I have? Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com
Re: What series lens do I have?
That is more or less true but Pentax never officially designated the SMCP lenses as K series lenses. All lenses since the introduction of the K mount are properly K lenses. (Some might give me an argument about the DA and FAJ lenses but I don't think Pentax officially makes a distinction), Jon Glass wrote: On Nov 27, 2004, at 5:07 AM, Paul Stenquist wrote: The K designation was unofficial. I think Pentax users just invented that to distinguish that first series of lens options from the later ones. Oh, I thought the K series matched the fact that they came out with the K cameras, and the M series came out with the M series cameras, and the A series came out with the A series cameras??? At least, that is my interpretation, based on the K-Mount Page... -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: What series lens do I have?
Jeez, I think I paid $20 for mine. Don Sanderson wrote: Here's a prime example of that by Adorama, who should know better: http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20146759.html AFAIK the 55/1.8 didn't come in an M. (This is a pretty good deal on the K though, they seem to be getting pretty hard to find.) Don -Original Message- From: Fred [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 7:37 AM To: Fred Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? In addition, the distinctions between each series is not always correctly applied by sellers (and I'm not just picking on eBay here, either) - it is not uncommon for some sellers to refer to ~any~ pre-A K-mount lens as an M lens, even if sometimes, of course, a particular pre-A lens might actually be a K lens. So it can be a case of buyer be aware. Just another thought on this: Often the incorrect distinction is easily spotted (and only merits a cognoscenti chuckle or two g) - there are no M versions of certain lenses (e.g., 15/3.5, 85/1.8, etc.) - but sometimes there is indeed a chance of confusion (e.g., with the 50/1.4's, certainly). Fred -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: What series lens do I have?
, I'd probably still try to sue the lens. ...and, without a good lawyer, I'd probably lose... g Make that use - sheepish grin Fred
Re: What series lens do I have?
Sure it would work, but you would lose direct control of the lenses aperture. Jon Glass wrote: On Nov 27, 2004, at 3:18 PM, Jens Bladt wrote: The neat thing is all K mount lenses are Backward Compatible. (Except for the DA and FAJ) Would an FAJ lens work on, say, a Program Plus, which can operate in program mode, setting the aperture for you? or will it not work at all? (not that it matters now that I sold my P+, although it is always possible I'll buy another or similar in the future). -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: What series lens do I have?
Fred wrote: snip for both forward-in-time and backward-in-time directions), I'd probably still try to sue the lens. this really has become a litigious society... Fred -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: What series lens do I have?
for both forward-in-time and backward-in-time directions), I'd probably still try to sue the lens. this really has become a litigious society... Har! Fred
Re: What series lens do I have?
I'm sure you heard about the group of lawyers who got together and opened a chain of Japanese restaurants. They're called Sosumi Shel [Original Message] From: Fred [EMAIL PROTECTED] , I'd probably still try to sue the lens. ...and, without a good lawyer, I'd probably lose... g Make that use - sheepish grin Fred
RE: What series lens do I have?
I got mine with a broken K1000, but now that I've been looking for a second one to keep with the D there are very few to be had. I won't pay the Adorama price either but I may live to regret not doing so. Don -Original Message- From: Peter J. Alling [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 10:40 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? Jeez, I think I paid $20 for mine. Don Sanderson wrote: Here's a prime example of that by Adorama, who should know better: http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20146759.html AFAIK the 55/1.8 didn't come in an M. (This is a pretty good deal on the K though, they seem to be getting pretty hard to find.) Don -Original Message- From: Fred [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 7:37 AM To: Fred Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? In addition, the distinctions between each series is not always correctly applied by sellers (and I'm not just picking on eBay here, either) - it is not uncommon for some sellers to refer to ~any~ pre-A K-mount lens as an M lens, even if sometimes, of course, a particular pre-A lens might actually be a K lens. So it can be a case of buyer be aware. Just another thought on this: Often the incorrect distinction is easily spotted (and only merits a cognoscenti chuckle or two g) - there are no M versions of certain lenses (e.g., 15/3.5, 85/1.8, etc.) - but sometimes there is indeed a chance of confusion (e.g., with the 50/1.4's, certainly). Fred -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
RE: What series lens do I have?
:-/ -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 11:11 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? I'm sure you heard about the group of lawyers who got together and opened a chain of Japanese restaurants. They're called Sosumi Shel
Re: What series lens do I have?
Hi, I'm sure you heard about the group of lawyers who got together and opened a chain of Japanese restaurants. They're called Sosumi Apparently Apple Computer used the name to goad Apple Corp (the Beatles), after a lawsuit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sosumi -- Cheers, Bob
RE: What series lens do I have?
Yes, indeed, it's often called a K lens Shel [Original Message] From: Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 11/26/2004 6:30:34 PM Subject: What series lens do I have? Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com
RE: What series lens do I have?
The first of the Pentax bayonet lenses were not given a letter designation, they are commonly refered to as K lenses after the mount type. (As opposed to M42 screw mount)If you have a good imagination the one long and two short flanges on the mount form the letter K if connected by lines. ;-/ The M series was next and was known for being lighter and smaller than their predecessors. Then came the A or KA lenses, these have the A setting and contacts to allow them to work in Program mode on cameras so equipped, such as the Super Program and on up to the ist D/DS. Then came the KAF and KAF2 which added autofocus. These are given the F, FA and FAJ letters. FAJ's have no aperture ring and aperture must be set on the camera. Now we have the DA lenses with a smaller image circle to match the the APS size sensor in the ist D and ist DS. They are KAF2 mount. The neat thing is all K mount lenses are Backward Compatible. (Except for the DA and FAJ) And more letters to follow...(We all hope!) ;-) Don -Original Message- From: Jack Davis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 8:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: What series lens do I have? Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com
Re: What series lens do I have?
The answer is yes, that is a K lens. Jack Davis wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: What series lens do I have?
JOOC, why do I see some lenses identified as SMCP-A, or SMCP-M, etc.? What does the P stand for, program? So, do you not identify the K lenses with a P? Just wondering... --- Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
RE: What series lens do I have?
FYI, The first series of Pentax K mount lenses are often designated SMCK or SMCP by pentax usersboth mean same thing. The P is for Pentax in that case, not programmed because these lenses don't even support programmed exposure modes JCO -Original Message- From: Steve Pearson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 10:40 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? JOOC, why do I see some lenses identified as SMCP-A, or SMCP-M, etc.? What does the P stand for, program? So, do you not identify the K lenses with a P? Just wondering... --- Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
RE: What series lens do I have?
If that's the case, then why do I see people refer to this: SMCP-A 50/1.4? I did not think this was a K series lens, but rather an A series lens? --- J. C. O'Connell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: FYI, The first series of Pentax K mount lenses are often designated SMCK or SMCP by pentax usersboth mean same thing. The P is for Pentax in that case, not programmed because these lenses don't even support programmed exposure modes JCO -Original Message- From: Steve Pearson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 10:40 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? JOOC, why do I see some lenses identified as SMCP-A, or SMCP-M, etc.? What does the P stand for, program? So, do you not identify the K lenses with a P? Just wondering... --- Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
Re: What series lens do I have?
P stands for Pentax. SMCP = Super Multi Coated Pentax. Steve Pearson wrote: JOOC, why do I see some lenses identified as SMCP-A, or SMCP-M, etc.? What does the P stand for, program? So, do you not identify the K lenses with a P? Just wondering... --- Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: What series lens do I have?
You're right. SMCP-A is an A lens, SMCP-M is an M lens, SMCP is a K lens. The K designation was unofficial. I think Pentax users just invented that to distinguish that first series of lens options from the later ones. You might also see this nomenclature applied to the later autofocus lenses SMCP-F and SMCP-FA. And of course we now have SMCP-DA -- the designation for the small image circle digital lenses. Paul On Nov 26, 2004, at 11:02 PM, Steve Pearson wrote: If that's the case, then why do I see people refer to this: SMCP-A 50/1.4? I did not think this was a K series lens, but rather an A series lens? --- J. C. O'Connell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: FYI, The first series of Pentax K mount lenses are often designated SMCK or SMCP by pentax usersboth mean same thing. The P is for Pentax in that case, not programmed because these lenses don't even support programmed exposure modes JCO -Original Message- From: Steve Pearson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 10:40 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? JOOC, why do I see some lenses identified as SMCP-A, or SMCP-M, etc.? What does the P stand for, program? So, do you not identify the K lenses with a P? Just wondering... --- Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
RE: What series lens do I have?
It is an A series lens - it's a Super Multi Coated Pentax - A series lens. Shel [Original Message] From: Steve Pearson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 11/26/2004 8:03:30 PM Subject: RE: What series lens do I have? If that's the case, then why do I see people refer to this: SMCP-A 50/1.4? I did not think this was a K series lens, but rather an A series lens?
RE: What series lens do I have?
if you see an A thens its an A series lens of course. But if advertised/listed as SMCP with no M or A or F or FA etc, it is usually reffering to the first series which were just SMC PENTAX lenses, with no letter designated suffix. JCO -Original Message- From: Steve Pearson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 11:02 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: What series lens do I have? If that's the case, then why do I see people refer to this: SMCP-A 50/1.4? I did not think this was a K series lens, but rather an A series lens? --- J. C. O'Connell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: FYI, The first series of Pentax K mount lenses are often designated SMCK or SMCP by pentax usersboth mean same thing. The P is for Pentax in that case, not programmed because these lenses don't even support programmed exposure modes JCO -Original Message- From: Steve Pearson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 10:40 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: What series lens do I have? JOOC, why do I see some lenses identified as SMCP-A, or SMCP-M, etc.? What does the P stand for, program? So, do you not identify the K lenses with a P? Just wondering... --- Jack Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Among those lens series' referenced on this list, is one designated as K. In addition to those in my bag carrying the letter ID's; FA, A, ,M is one without an alpha ID. The markings are limited to: ASAHI OPT. CO., Japan smc PENTAX 1:2.8 24mm 6983748. It takes a 52mm filter. Is this a K lens? Knowing will not change my sleep pattern, but the question was left alone in my head again. Thanks, Jack __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
