K-5 and old film lens

[terrytootall]

Hi all.

When using old (50mm f1.7) lens (without the A aperture ring), and custom settings #27: Using Aperture Ring = permitted, I can set the lens focal length, but the f-stop flashes "F--". The K-5 manual (pgs 337 - 339) explains somewhat, but not overly clear (to me). The camera is fixed at Av for all modes except M, B and X. Is there any way to set the f-stop?

My K20, using the same lens, I can manually adjust the shutter speed and f-stop. I tried both cameras this weekend from Cypress Bowl overlooking Vancouver, and wasn't overly happy with the K5 results. Not a big problem really, as I mainly use my TAMRON 500mm f8 on my K20. I would like to use the K-5, and know a bit more.

Thanks,
TTT

[blackcloudbrew]

Something is not right. The flashing F-- usually means you don't have the Aperture Ring set to permitted or the lens has an A setting and it's not set to that. I just tried my K5 with and M42 mount and and old Kiron 28mm which does allow for some stop down metering - but no f-stop setting other than on the lens. In both cases they meter right and no F-- flashing (it shows just the steady F-- in the viewfinder.

[terrytootall]

Thanks for the reply
Yep, I agree - something is not right - or I am missing something (maybe my age ....). The custom setting #27 is set to permitted. (2). Several K-mount lens (from my K1000, ME, etc.) does not have an A setting. When attaching the lens, I notice the iris / aperture goes wide-open (f1.7) - limiting depth of field, etc. I wonder if it has to do with the aperture linkage into the K5?

[Ron Kruger]

Could be a contact problem, and I'm not familiar with the K5, but you may be able to set it by pushing in the green button.

[blackcloudbrew]

Exactly which 50mm f1.7 lens is this? M, A, F, FA?

[terrytootall]

Hello again.
Attached is the test lens. I guess it is an "A" lens
Thanks.
Terry

[blackcloudbrew]

Ok, if this is an A lens and it says that it is, it has an A setting which, I'd venture has been rubbed off. The fact that there is a button to the right of the f22 tells me this too. You need to turn it all the way to the left of f22 and it should lock. When that's done, it should be controllable by the camera. It has to be off the A setting and that's why your are getting the F-- flashing. Try it.

Here is the page on it from Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page:
http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/l...rimes/normal/A50f1.7.html

There was only one A version 50mm f1.7. A is for aperture controllable.

[Felix]

Push the aperture ring on the lens to the A and push that lil butto on the ring and lock it into place.  Now you can use it like a normal "AF" lens and control the aperture with the dial in Av mode