Pentax 110 lens on Pentax Q - possible?

Dear community!

I just sqw an offer for Pentax 110 lenses on ebay and I was just thinking if it is possible to create an adapter to fix and use these lenses on a Pentax Q.

The pocket film format the 110 was using was 13x17 mm.

The sensor of the Q is 6x4 mm. There should be no problem to fill out the entire sensor with information from the lens. The K110 was a real SLR camera - this means there was a mirror between the film and the lens - thus, I think that the sensor should be more tight to the lens than it was with the 110. Thus, it we should have space to build an adapter to transfer technical information from the lens (like information about the selected aperture).

Maybe my question is stupid - but if not, we would be able to reanimate a lot of worthy glass...

Best regards
Holger

I believe it would be possible.

The only thing I am thinking is I think the 110 lenses had an aperture that doubled as a built-in leaf shutter. So I don't think there would be any aperture control.
Other than that it should be possible.

Cheers,

Rod

--
All I want is a digital back for my trusty K1000 . . .

110 lenses do not have an aperture mechanism at all. There is no communication between lenses and body. The shutter in the 110 camera body also acted as the aperture. That's why all the lenses are f2.8 - keeps the overall design simple.

Mechanically it won't be difficult to build an adaptor and these lenses are already used on MFT cameras using such an adaptor but you would be shooting wide open only. Maybe an optional aperture disk could be designed into the adaptor to shoot at a fixed stopped down aperture, f8 for example.

--
Steve

http://www.pbase.com/steephill

Apart from the aforementioned limitations with regard to the diaphragm: yes, the 110 lenses are usable on the Q. I have even seen an adapter somewhere (but I forgot the link).

Also, the Pentax-110 18mm and 24mm lenses do cover the APS-C sensor in the Sony NEX:
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=44115

The 18mm on micro 4/3:
http://forum.mflenses.com/pentax-110-18mm-f28-t35523.html

The 24mm on micro 4/3:
http://forum.mflenses.com/pentax-110-24mm-f2-8-t35622.html

I have a few 110 lenses on the way to me now

Thank you for your information. I did not know that the 110 lenses are missing the aperture - so things become complicated if you want to use thes lenses on the Q.

Best regards
Holger

Holger Bargen said:

Thank you for your information. I did not know that the 110 lenses are missing the aperture - so things become complicated if you want to use thes lenses on the Q.

Click to expand...

Well, on the Q, stopping down LESS is better because you'll not run into diffraction territory.

Peter Jonkman said:

Apart from the aforementioned limitations with regard to the diaphragm: yes, the 110 lenses are usable on the Q. I have even seen an adapter somewhere (but I forgot the link).

Also, the Pentax-110 18mm and 24mm lenses do cover the APS-C sensor in the Sony NEX:
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=44115

The 18mm on micro 4/3:
http://forum.mflenses.com/pentax-110-18mm-f28-t35523.html

The 24mm on micro 4/3:
http://forum.mflenses.com/pentax-110-24mm-f2-8-t35622.html

I have a few 110 lenses on the way to me now

Click to expand...

They might be pretty decent on the Q, as these lenses emphasize center sharpness. On m4/3, they have very soft corners without stopping down. You have to make some sort of custom diaphragm to shoot at a smaller aperture opening. Someone should make an adapter with a simple built in diaphragm, but there probably wouldn't be enough buyers.

Eric
--
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be what it may - light, shade, and perspective will always make it
beautiful. - John Constable (quote)

See my Blog at: http://www.erphotoreview.com/ (bi-weekly)
Flickr Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28177041@N03/ (updated daily)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurt-b/sets/72157627562628769/

--
At any given moment, there is a sort of all pervading orthodoxy, a general tacit
agreement not to discuss large and uncomfortable facts… Anyone who
challenges the prevailing orthodoxy finds himself silenced with surprising
effectiveness. - George Orwell

The pictures taken with the Q and the 110 lenses look phantastic!

I think it's time for Pentax to build such an adapter.

The optical brands always think that the people don't buy any new lenses if they can use the old ones. But I do not think that this is true.

Actually I discover the value of well designed old fashioned lenses. The reason is that there are no new lenses available which could satisfy my needs and I am glad that I am a Pentaxian since mor than 30 years - as I have some old lenses (like the 100mm, 2.8 KA macro) that fits with my K5. I just ordered a Tamron 2.8, 180mm as the Pentax lens (200mm macro) I would have prefered is discontinued and nearly not available (and if available I don't have the money to pay the not really realistic prices it achieves at ebay).

But I also like the new lenses and I have them in my equipment and I would never give them away as they are really good - like my 55-300 mm lens.

People who know that Pentax has the knowledge to build phantastic lenses which keep it's value over decades will tell it other people - and so the community will grow and Pentax will always sell lot's of lenses and cameras.

I think it would be a great idea if Pentax themselves would offer such an adapter 110 lens to the Q body - otherwise other companies will build it (and it seems to be easy to build it as your link demonstrates).

I would also be glad, if I could buy the 1.7x AF converter, again. I would like to buy one to keep my old glass more alive than they are today. I would buy it to bring back joy to my photography hobby. If I would have one - maybe I would spend more time with my camera and it will become more likely that I buy new Pentax equipment - in comparison to the case I would not be able to buy the converter - as for me the alternative to an converter is not another new lens - no, the alternative is to buy nothing and play around with the old stuff.

What we need is fire for our photography hobby. And I feel that Pentax-Ricoh has the knowledge and the power to do this miracle - if they do not look in the first line on the money but on the needs of the customers (that's my hope). Believe me, Pentax-Ricoh - if you will satisfy the Pentaxians and relight their fire - you'll be surprised about your economic success.

Best regards
Holger

Holger Bargen said:

The pictures taken with the Q and the 110 lenses look phantastic!

I think it's time for Pentax to build such an adapter.

Best regards
Holger

Click to expand...

The problem is that, as I understand it, only about 2 million Auto 110 cameras were made. No other camera, from Pentax or anyone else, ever used that mount. No other lens maker ever made 110 lenses, except Soligor, which made a 1.7x TC. Many buyers probably never bought any additional lenses. Many of those lenses have probably long since found their way to landfills or are hiding in boxes in basements and attics.

So, its not like there are many, many photographers out there, with large collections of 110 lenses, just dying to use them on their new Q. Subtract from that, the number of people who wouldn't want to be bothered with adapters, especially for a lens that isn't even fully functional on the camera.

I just don't see a business case to be made for Ricoh/Pentax to make such an adapter. If anyone does make one, it will be some small-time third-party, such as those currently making M43-110 adapters.

Pentax has apparently shown a prototype Q-K adapter, but has not yet announced plans to sell it. That makes more sense. There are millions and millions of k-mount lenses from Pentax, Tamron, Sigma, Vivitar, and so on, out there that could be used.

But then, what do I know?

Paul Noble

Correct Peter. The aperture and shutter combo was in the 110 film body. The lens shot at F2.8 on ASA100 film cartidges and at F5.6 on ASA400 (Fuji) film cartridges. There is a tab on the 110 cassetes that determine that. However later Fuji came out with ASA200 film that had the ASA400 tab and forced you to shoot at F5.6 unless you were smart and took the tab off. Would have been better if the aperture had a 3rd choice of F4 for the 200 film but it did not.

Nothing wrong with using the lenses wide open anyway especially the 70mm and 20-40mm ones. Having my large complete collection of Auto 110 and Auto 110 Super cameras Has had me intrigued about the Q. Maybe using ND filters to reduce the effective aperture might be the way to go.
Kent Gittings

Pentax (or someone else) could construct an adapter with an aperture being part of it.

I own an old Novoflex 400 mm lens (I know this monster is something completly different) - this lens comes as a construction kit - lens, tubus with focus unit and aperture unit are different parts and are connected with bayonet coupling.

If I look at the pictures of the selfmade 110-Q adapters there is a lot of space between camera body and lens and you could fill this space with lots of technique (mechanical or/and electronic).

Best regards
Holger

steephill said:

110 lenses do not have an aperture mechanism at all. There is no communication between lenses and body. The shutter in the 110 camera body also acted as the aperture. That's why all the lenses are f2.8 - keeps the overall design simple.

Click to expand...

Ah I remembered it the wring way round. My 110 hasn't seen daylight for a couple of years !!

Cheers,

Rod

--
All I want is a digital back for my trusty K1000 . . .

Paul D Noble said:

Holger Bargen said:

The pictures taken with the Q and the 110 lenses look phantastic!

I think it's time for Pentax to build such an adapter.

Click to expand...

The problem is that, as I understand it, only about 2 million Auto 110 cameras were made. No other camera, from Pentax or anyone else, ever used that mount. No other lens maker ever made 110 lenses, except Soligor, which made a 1.7x TC. Many buyers probably never bought any additional lenses. Many of those lenses have probably long since found their way to landfills or are hiding in boxes in basements and attics.

So, its not like there are many, many photographers out there, with large collections of 110 lenses, just dying to use them on their new Q. Subtract from that, the number of people who wouldn't want to be bothered with adapters, especially for a lens that isn't even fully functional on the camera.

I just don't see a business case to be made for Ricoh/Pentax to make such an adapter. If anyone does make one, it will be some small-time third-party, such as those currently making M43-110 adapters.

Click to expand...

I have to agree with this. No camera maker in that situation would justify making such an adapter. Shame, but there you go. They never even made a K-adapter for the 110.

I would have loved a digital version of the 110 and it seems Q is Pentax's closest offering to that.

Cheers,

Rod

--
All I want is a digital back for my trusty K1000 . . .

How many 67's did Pentax make and yet there is an official 67/K adaptor. And a 645/K one too.

--
Steve

http://www.pbase.com/steephill

steephill said:

How many 67's did Pentax make and yet there is an official 67/K adaptor. And a 645/K one too.

--
Steve

http://www.pbase.com/steephill

Click to expand...

I don't know exact numbers but there were three different 67 models and 67II is still in production and three 645 models plus one digital of which 645NII and 645D are in production. The 67 and 645 are very common bodies found easily second hand as are the lenses for them. Only thing I can tell sure is that Pentax medium format was and still is a major seller for pentax compared to 110.

--
Image of Music

Hey, this is my DIY mod! Thanks for posting it.

It is very simple to make (film canister and a body cap), but it would be better if one had a proper Q bayonet piece to work with. The stock Q body cap doesn't have enough grip on the camera to hold up the adapter + lens very well.

Elastics wrapped around the tripod quick-release plate and a hot-shoe mounted slave unit keep the rig with a bigger lens (50mm) in place.

I'm waiting for some third-party to make a good-quality Q-110 adapter. I simply wanted to show that the lenses are worthwhile for use on the Q, to stir up some demand.

I only have the 24 and 50mm lenses at the moment, bought the 18mm (non pan-focus) on ebay a couple days ago, I'm hoping it has better resolution than the 24mm. As soon as I get it I'll take some photos.
--
Kurt B.

Hi Mock,

Thanks for writing your experience up in the first place. If have any additions or if you see other interesting mods and info, please let us know!

I included you over at my funky pentax listing: http://bit.ly/98DEp9

Keep me informed

Nic

Mock said:

Hey, this is my DIY mod! Thanks for posting it.

It is very simple to make (film canister and a body cap), but it would be better if one had a proper Q bayonet piece to work with. The stock Q body cap doesn't have enough grip on the camera to hold up the adapter + lens very well.

Elastics wrapped around the tripod quick-release plate and a hot-shoe mounted slave unit keep the rig with a bigger lens (50mm) in place.

I'm waiting for some third-party to make a good-quality Q-110 adapter. I simply wanted to show that the lenses are worthwhile for use on the Q, to stir up some demand.

I only have the 24 and 50mm lenses at the moment, bought the 18mm (non pan-focus) on ebay a couple days ago, I'm hoping it has better resolution than the 24mm. As soon as I get it I'll take some photos.
--
Kurt B.

Click to expand...

--
At any given moment, there is a sort of all pervading orthodoxy, a general tacit
agreement not to discuss large and uncomfortable facts… Anyone who
challenges the prevailing orthodoxy finds himself silenced with surprising
effectiveness. - George Orwell

Should work fine adapted to the Q. However as others have mentioned the 110 lenses would be a constant aperture due to no blades. I've been using them on my GF1 since the u4/3 sensor is approximately the same dimension as 110 film. Its quite fun shooting with them. Here's what it looks like on my Lumix.



Constant f/2.8 isn't that bad.

Rick

Paul D Noble said:

I just don't see a business case to be made for Ricoh/Pentax to make such an adapter. If anyone does make one, it will be some small-time third-party, such as those currently making M43-110 adapters.

Click to expand...

I don't think camera makers do it so much for profit. They do it because they should, and Pentax should provide that for their customers.

Pentax can make 110 adapter for the Q very easily. It shouldn't be hard, it's not a big deal, there is no R&D or much of a cost. The 110 lenses are basic and the mount is very simple. There is no electronic contacts or whatever, all you gotta do is to mount the lens. I'm sure they have the mold and some parts in the factory. An engineer or certain technician can probably craft it in the machine shop in one afternoon.

Jacob