Digital SLR

[beejay]

Hi there, first post.
I gave up photography years ago but now wish to take it up again. I want an slr and I still have some Pentax K lenses and Minolta AF lenses from earlier times.
Can they be used on todays Digital SLRs? or do I need to replace them all.
Also, I really loved my old Pentaxes, preferred them to my Nikons. Are the digital models still as good?
I will not be specialising this time but want a good versatile camera.
Your advice would be most appreciated.
Beejay

[Cakewalker]

As far as I'm aware, AF lenses for each mount that fit a film SLR should fit a digital SLR, though the compatability varies from camera to camera. Pentax lenses are likely to be the most compatible - an *ist D or DS can be used with all K mount lenses (and their derivatives) and even M42 screw mount lenses, with an adaptor. Granted, there's a varying amount of features available with each lens - use an early lens without the KA electronics and you'll be limited to using the camera in aperture priority or manual modes, but that's no different to fitting these lenses onto, say, a late 1980's Pentax. Early *ist D bodies may need a firmware upgrade to make the best use of old lenses (this is free).

As far as I know, the other manufacturers don't offer such good backwards compatability - a bit daft, bearing in mind their 'back catalogue' probably contains some optically fantastic lenses. Pentax have done themselves out of a money-making wheeze here (!), but it's of huge benefit to enthusiasts.

One thing to note - lenses marketed as 'for digital cameras' (such as Pentax's DA range) may not be suitable for film SLRs - I think the rear element of the lens is set further inside the camera body than a regular lens.

[beejay]

Many thanks for your reply to this. Most useful information and I hadnt even thought about new lens to old camera aspect so thanks also for that.
regards
beejay

[bernabeu]

Konica Minolta 7D will use all your minolta AF (maxxum) lenses with a 1.5 factor (eg. a 50 mm f/1,7 becomes a 75mm f/1.7)

if you have a 70-210 f/4.5 you would then have a 105-315 f/4.5

john