Use of Pentax K lenses on Olympus SLR

When I bought my first Olympus DSLR I switched all my kit from Pentax. As a result I have a number of Pentax K mount fixed focal length manual lenses that would be interesting to try as fixed length lenses in manual mode on my e30.

I have seen adpater mounts on ebay, but some comentary suggests the bayonet mount protrudes beyound the adapter and can lead to damage some of the electonic contacts on the DLSR. So my thought was whether it was an issue with the brand of the adapater or a general problem.

I was intersted in anyone has had any experiences on the use of K mount lenses with the adpater and issues of use etc. Also while I am well aware that the 4/3 lenses are specifically design for the sensor size any comment on the quality of the results would also be appreciated

Thanks

BetaRho

I don't have an answer for you, but, without hijacking your thread I'm curious to know why you left Pentax?

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Bluephotons
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. Bob Dylan

I used manual Pentax K lenses on my E500 with an adapter from ebay. No problems, only that is very hard to focus a manual lens with the OVF of the E500.

I have now an E-PL2 also and is fun to use the same Pentax K lenses with the K to 4/3 + 4/3 to m4/3 adapters. With the VF-2 EVF and the option to enlarge the focus area is very easy to focus.
I don't know how it will work with E30, but this my experience.

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Regards,
Zeev
Simon = family name so... call me Zeev!
http://public.fotki.com/zeev-simon/
http://picasaweb.google.com/zeev.simon

OK I get it, those are legacy lenses, my bad.
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Bluephotons
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. Bob Dylan

i tried once using pentax to 4/3 adapter (aftermarket from my local online store) then MMF2 using it on EP-L1, it work great. Its Pentax 50/2, like the colour.

I appreciate the reply and thank you. Yes legacy lenses. My favourite is an f4 300. The reason I shifted was I was though 4/3 was a good technical solution to the evolution to digital rather than full frame. I am sure some weill question this wisdom but I have no regrets at changing
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BetaRho

Thanks I also have an EPL1, so I am not sure what would suit best. I was going to use the e30 as it was a larger camera, but if it is more effective on the pen I might try that. Thanks for your comment I appreciate the assistance

BetaRho

I have been using my old K mount Takumar and Tokina lenses on my E-300, E-330 and E-510 with very happy results for several years. Focus with them relatively wide open, of course. I also have OM lenses I use with great success, including a mirror lens and a 1.8 50mm I used just today. Note I have a very full set of 4/3rds lenses as well. Sometimes it is fun to use the others, and sometimes it is actually practical for me.

I use eBay adapters which probably cost me less than twenty dollars.

Good luck.
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Take photos not pixel counts....

Thanks again for all the feedback and comment. Given the low cost I will get one off ebay.
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BetaRho

Just to add : my first adapted manual-focus lens was a Cosinon 50mm, pentax-K fit with a Roxsen e-bay adapter.
Works perfectly and is no where near the mirror/sensor so no dangers there.
Go for it!

BetaRho said:

When I bought my first Olympus DSLR I switched all my kit from Pentax. As a result I have a number of Pentax K mount fixed focal length manual lenses that would be interesting to try as fixed length lenses in manual mode on my e30.

I have seen adpater mounts on ebay, but some comentary suggests the bayonet mount protrudes beyound the adapter and can lead to damage some of the electonic contacts on the DLSR. So my thought was whether it was an issue with the brand of the adapater or a general problem.

I was intersted in anyone has had any experiences on the use of K mount lenses with the adpater and issues of use etc. Also while I am well aware that the 4/3 lenses are specifically design for the sensor size any comment on the quality of the results would also be appreciated

Click to expand...

The problem is this:





So, either get an adapter which mounts the lens a bit offset from the center, or cut that metal flag off. It has no function and there is a risk for the flag to cause damage to your camera lens contacts. You may not see it and all lenses may not have that flag, my Tokina Pentax lenses are for example OK and they don't have that.

Just a warning, if you decide to cut it off make sure you are not causing damage to that other piece of shoter metal flag.

Also, I can not understand why you left Pentax and move to Oly to use Pentax lenses on. As far as I know, Pentax has full support for these old lenses, unlike Olympus, so for me it isn't logical.

Anyway, good luck.