Camera/lens opinions needed

[Xairbusdriver]

We've been busy getting rid of "stuff" and moving other things around getting ready for my two grandkids and their mom to come live with us. I've parted with some things I never thought I would, but after 20+ years of not using them...

However, my wife asked me why I didn't just get rid of a telephoto lens from my old Pentax camera. Did a little searching today and see it on eBay for various prices and discovered that it is a very good lens for its day and still appreciated today. It's not an automatic type, solely manual, only ƒ5.6/200mm. I find it described as a "M42 screw" mount, but I would call it a bayonet mount...three 'ears' and requires only a ¼ or maybe a 1/3 turn.

Further searching produced this info: It's not a screw mount but a "K" mount, bayonette, indeed. The camera itself is similar to the image below except the lens is not a "SMC" (Super Multi Coated) Takumar, but the older tele-Takumar.

[attachment=1908:ME.jpg]

I still have the body, Pentax ME and the ƒ2.8 50mm automatic lens, but there is some damage to the battery cover from a corroded battery (however, I think it is still in working order).

So, my request is for your opinion on keeping both lens' and buying a new(er) Pentax DSLR body (not much savings on the newest, K-x), or even one with a different lens than these two (K-x, white: <$450 @ Funfie.com and CameraKings.com). I really used the 200mm back in the day. Have some great, in my opinion, slides of my older son. Would be nice to get those digitized, but that is another story!

What do you think? Is it worth staying with Pentax (assuming the body accepts this lens mounting) or just dump them for $100+ dollars on eBay?

Thanks for your opinion and time! Winning opinions will be sent checks as soon as the final decision is made! Offer not valid where opinions are outlawed.

[Texas Mac Man]

In 2007 I sold (on eBay for $167) a SMC PENTAX-F  auto-focus 70 - 210mm camera lens. This lens was originally purchased in the late 1980s and used on a Pentax SF 1 SLR 35mm film camera. It could be used on then current DSLR Pentax cameras.

These links may be of interest to you.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Using-older-lenses...000000002987021

http://www.mosphotos.com/PentaxLensCompatibility.html

[Xairbusdriver]

I'll check the links. I think I'll need an adaptor to make the old lens fit on the new body, but they mention on their site that the camera can use every lens ever made by Asahi/Pentax. Not all functions would work, of course, but the 200mm has a manual focus and iris, anyway. Since the body alone is within $35 of the 'standard' combo, there's not much sense it getting just the body. So, I'd have the fully automatic 'general' lens for 75+% of my use.

Now, if you really want to help, send me some opinions on the backs of some m$50 bills!!

[krissel]

I have an older Mamiya 35mm that I've stashed away. I also have a nice telephoto lens and other attachments.  Recently came across it while cleaning and wondered whether I should put it back in use.  Hmmm.

Well, what stopped me is the thought of using film again. I've gotten so used to a digital camera that can take multiple shots without concern as to expense of development. While my digital can't take the kind of image that the 35mm can, it more than makes up for it in convenience, not to mention the problem of finding film.

I had kept the 35mm because there had been rumors of a digital insert that could be put into the cases to convert film cameras. This was supposed to be available several years ago but never materialized.  Too bad.
Now I guess I have it for sentimental reasons or the idea that it must be good for something...or someone.

Found some references to the digital insert:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/9905/99051401kodakintel35mm.asp
http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/imagek.html
http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1032460933.html