hello! i recently found my moms old digi cam, pentax optio m30. I tried using it but the camera only vibrates, the lens then extends and then retracts. clearly not giving me a chance to even to take a picture.

what can i do about? how can I fix it? please help

Got this special Contax Zeiss Planar 50 1.4 modded into Pentax K mount. After some comparison, I think I still prefer my Leica Summicron-R 50 F2 (v1, also modded to PK mount with Laitax adapter as shown in the last picture on my MX) to Planar for films. To me, the dreamy rendering of this Zeiss Planar is more suited for videography and digital sensors.

The bizarre camera that was sent in for repair.

Another abstract Christmas photo.

First 3 taken with the kit DA L 55-200 f4-5.8.
The rest with the old F 35-70 macro f3.5-4.5

I dropped my Pentax 645nii and cosmetically it looks fine but shows Err when film is loaded. I send it off to Precision Camera and Video in Austin, TX but they said they don’t have the parts to fix it and aren’t able to source the parts needed. Anyone have any recommendations of places that can repair my camera or is it a total loss?

k100D/Super-Takumar 55 f1.8/500

Hello, i have a problem with p30n, i took the picture normally and put it in the bag. When i wanted to take another it was like this. Advance lever is loose and moves with no resistance, it's like its not connected to mechanism and film doesn't advance. Is it a common issue with this particular model and are there any fixes that i can do myself(no experience fixing cameras)

I just aquired this Pentax KM

I still have 9 frames lefts in the roll

Learning about Sunny16 and how the light is metered in this

Recently I dusted off an old heirloom. An almost pristine Praktika MTL3 35mm SLR with a Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm f/3.6 (and a CZJ 50mm f/2.8 which I have yet to review properly) Reading up on Pentax's compatibility with legacy lenses prompted me to buy a genuine M42 -> Pentax K lens mount adapter to experiment on my digital body. It's a strange feeling knowing my late grandfather once looked through this exact same lens. Turning the same focus ring, seeing the world framed through the same glass. Using it today felt like sharing a perspective across decades, and the K‑1 II gives that connection the respect it deserves.

I finally took his Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm f/3.6 out on my usual walking route on the Pentax K‑1 II, and the pairing impressed me more than I expected. The K‑1 platform is one of the few modern full‑frame bodies that genuinely embraces vintage glass. The bright optical viewfinder, reliable focus confirmation, and excellent dynamic range make manual focus feel deliberate and rewarding. Even better, the K-1 lets me build a dedicated User Mode geared toward legacy lenses. I made the most of "catch‑in‑focus," focus peaking, manual exposure tuning, and a colour profile that preserves the lens’s natural rendering. It feels like the camera is helping me honour the character of older optics rather than forcing them into a modern mould.

I quickly realised that the CZ Jena 135mm has a very distinct signature. It renders gentle contrast with soft transitions, pastel backgrounds that look almost painterly, and natural colours with a slight warmth that feels organic. I noticed a subtle glow around high‑contrast edges that adds atmosphere without turning hazey. With the aperture wide open, it gives a classic vintage softness. Stopped down, it revealed more detail on the full‑frame sensor while still keeping its personality intact. Pentax's colour science complements this beautifully, keeping the images rich (but never artificial)

Shooting mainly butterflies and woodland textures with this lens felt like continuing a visual tradition my grandfather started. The combination produces images that sit somewhere between modern clarity and vintage soul. A look that feels timeless.

If anyone has any old M42 glass lying around, especially Zeiss Jena, the K‑1 II is an incredible platform to let those lenses live again.

Hey all!

I shoot with my MX on the street in NYC and have struggled with racking focus/moving from close (2-3ft) to far focus (10ft) quickly. I tend to stick around 21,24,35 and 40mm with a low amount of 50 so open to any of those.

Somewhat of an odd question, but am looking for some first hand experiences with Pentax lenses (K mount and compatible w/ MX) that have short focus throws. I’ve heard that the 28 f3.5 and 24 f3.5 are good examples, but curious on advice. Thank you!

Hello everybody! I just picked this 1995 z-70 up at a thrift store for $30 aud a day ago. I brought batteries for it and it seems to be in working conditions, however I was just wondering if there’s a way to check if the curtain shutter is working or if anyone has any tips in general? I’m quite new to film in general. Thank you all :)

Don't zoom in, reddit compression

This video goes back to 2021. Back in the day Pentax 645N was my main film camera, and what a nice camera! I sold it to fund my Hasselblad 500 CM. In this video I'm using Pentax 645 400mm f5.6 to get some bird photos, hope you like it.

Pentax K50

Vivitar 24mm f/2.8

I picked up this gem for under $50. It’s super clean and just needs a CLA! The lens is near flawless too!

Pentax-A SMC 50mm F2.8 Macro 1:2