Can the Pentax ME and the Pentax Km use the same lenses?

Can the Pentax ME and the Pentax Km use the same lenses?

I have a Pentax ME camera with several lenses but its old so id like to buy a different one. Can i use the same lenses for the Pentax Km or would i have to buy more? Thanks.

Asked by MCJ about Cameras

The ME used the pentax K mount which is mechanically the same as the pentax DSLR mount in that your lens will mount however there may not be any aperture coupling so you will need to use manual mode and focus before setting the aperture before taking your picture. The Pentax DSLRs have a menu function so you can tell the camera you are using manual lenses and it will do some processing tweaks to account for them. Do bear in mind that the pentax DSLRs have a sensor that is 1.5x smaller than a frame of film so this in effect makes lenses behave as if they are 1.5x the focal length great for telephoto not so great for wide angle. You will also experience a bit of a jump between the quality of the ME super full frame pentaprism and the smaller pentamirror of the Km this will make manual focusing more difficult unfortunately. So the lenses should work but it may not be a particularly enjoyable or fluid experience.

Answered by Paul R

Yes no problem. That is the stronghold of Pentax the ability to use its older lenses easily. Of course you will have to buy more. What with the large supply of older lenses in flea markets and garage sales not to mention eBay. Pentax continues to churn out new models for the new recruits but for us oldtimers there is nothing sweeter than getting old glass for a bargain

Answered by keerok

Yes Pentax has been very good about keeping lenses compatible through the years. In fact I believe those older kmount lenses will even work with the new Pentax DSLR cameras. Mark

Answered by Mark