What is m42 mount?

The M42 mount, also known as the Pentax screw mount, is a type of lens mount commonly used in film cameras in the mid-20th century. It was introduced by Pentax in 1952 and quickly became popular due to its simplicity and ease of use. The M42 mount features a 42mm diameter and a 1mm pitch thread, making it compatible with a wide range of lenses from various manufacturers.

One of the key advantages of the M42 mount is its compatibility with a wide range of cameras, as many manufacturers adopted the standard, including Pentax, Asahi, Chinon, Ricoh, Fujica, Praktica, and Zenit. This allowed photographers to easily switch between different cameras and lenses without needing to purchase additional adapters.

The M42 mount is mostly used on manual focus lenses, although some autofocus versions have been produced. Many classic lenses with excellent optical quality are available in the M42 mount, making it a popular choice for photographers interested in vintage gear.

Overall, the M42 mount is a versatile and reliable lens mount that has stood the test of time and remains popular among photography enthusiasts and collectors.