Old 35mm Camera Lenses

[p_brownstone]

Many years ago I was deeply interested in Natural History photography and have a large collection of Lenses – some quite specialised (1,000 mm, 135 – 600 mm Zoom etc.) – with the 42mm Threaded mount (old Pentax style).

I am now considering taking up the hobby again but would like to use a modern Digital Camera – with these Lenses.

Does anyone know of a suitable Camera Body which could take these Lenses – probably with an Adaptor of course - and where to buy (both) in Thailand?

Patrick

[guardian]

Hi, I'm no professional but have read before you can use 35mm lenses with digital cameras IF they have the suitable lens thread. Even if not, you could always buy some step-up or step-down rings to fit them. But, I'm not sure of problems like vignetting or any other problems. You could always post in http://www.dpreview.com/ and think you would get a better reply there.

Guardian

[Crossy]

You'll obviously need a digital SLR

The Canon EOS mount is the most forgiving when using 3rd party lenses with adaptors and the Canon camera firmware seems to be happy with these lenses.

I use lots of Pentax thread lenses with my EOS D60 with success

Obviously full manual, no auto anything, but there are some superb lenses available for pennies on the secondand market.

[astral]

Where did you find the adapter ring from EOS to screw?

[Tingnongnoi]

doesn't it also change the range of the lens, I forget the technical reason. So a 50mm lens meant for film body becomes equivalent of a 75mm when attached to a digital body?

[Crossy]

doesn't it also change the range of the lens, I forget the technical reason. So a 50mm lens meant for film body becomes equivalent of a 75mm when attached to a digital body?

OK

EOS to Pentax screw (sometimes called M42), Ebay but any photoshop worth his salt will have them.

When you use any lens designed for 35mm film on a (some) digital SLRs the focal length is multiplied by a factor (1.5-1.7 depending on the camera) because the digital sensor is smaller than a full 35mm frame.

Edited August 3, 2006 by Crossy

[paulsworld]

What everyone else has said already. Depending on the quality of glass and what you're after you might find it easier to simply start over. Adaptors are pretty easy to find and usually pretty cheap, but depending you can loose quite a bit of functionality. I wish they'd release a digital K1000 or something...just a really basic DSLR with no AF, etc...just a basic camera for those of us who like to use manual focus and small primes for things...it feels odd buying a 1500 dollar camera and then rendering some of its innovations useless...

Paul