I think it is pretty obvious why the screwmount versions didn't use these "letterboxes". The screwmount lenses did not have the advantage of precise rotational orientation like the k mounts do because the fit varies slightly from body to body with screw mounts and "high noon" was seldom at 12:00. They did try/do it on one M42 lens, the 300mm F4 SMCT. I never got the damn letterbox to line up with film gate either! I cant understand why they did that, bad move. JCO
-----Original Message----- From: Rob Studdert [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2004 9:47 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: SMCP (orignal K mount) lenses: black letterbox window at rear On 14 Jul 2004 at 15:02, Antonio Aparicio wrote: > Hello, > > Can anyone tell me how important the matt black metalic letterbox is > on > k mount fixed lenght lenses, as one seems to have come unstuck on my > 135/2.5 and was wondering if it was necessary at all to stick it back > on (not an easy job as I would have to somehow get it perfectly > horizontal again). I notice that the earlier M42 mount versions of this > lens didnt have the letterbox .. I had this lens long ago so I know exactly that part you are talking about. Mine didn't ever come lose but if it had I don't think I would have been overly concerned. I expect that it may just be overly precautionary, you may be able to get away without it. Consider the new problems you could introduce if you use glues etc. If you are concerned why not take some shots with it off and rigged up with tape to see if it really makes a difference. To test it I would put the sun just out of frame at the top of the long edge and see if it causes excessive flare in the frame. Cheers, Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
