Convert Lens to Work on Any Camera

Before we get started, I want to say thanks to all that post Instructables. If not for you I probably would not have created this spin-off. This instructable was born of an unwillingness to part with a number of Konica lenses, bellows and slide copier attachments (total trade in value $68).
This is a universal fix that makes any lens work on a different camera body. This instructable will illustrates adapting a Konica AR lens to a Pentax K mount body, but this method should work with whatever equipment you have. All for about $5 to $10 in lens and body caps!
Additionally, I need to mention the limitations of this instructable:
1. This is primarily designed to take advantage of reverse lens photography or bellows devices.
2. Aperture settings are manual, experimentation is a must.
3. This will not focus like a standard lens – macro only! Don’t plan shoot non-macro photos with this adapter.

Things that you will need:
• Bayonet style body cap (make sure it is bayonet style so it locks to the camera body)
• Rear lens cap for the lens model you want to convert (this also needs the locking capability)
• Two part epoxy glue
• Dremel tool with zip bit cutter and sanding drum attachment
• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Steel wool
• Sharpe marker

STEP 1
Cut out the center of the Body Cap out to the inner edge of the mounting flange using the Dremel zip bit then cleaning up with the sanding drum attachment. Follow up with fine sanding and steel wool.
Depending on your body cap and camera body you may need to drill holes so the camera body lens mounting pins lock in your body cap. This is probably takes the most time, if you have to do it, but it is better than having the adapter turn free.

STEP 2
Cut off the back side the Rear Lens cover, leaving you with an open ring with a lens bayonet flange.
Sand down the cut so your ring is flat and level.
The closer you can come to the bayonet treads when making this cut the better, but make sure there’s enough room so the lens will still mount to it. Also insure that any lens aperture posts do not protrude into the camera body otherwise you could damage your camera body.

STEP 3
CAUTION: Insure all parts are free of dust prior to doing these steps or the camera body, CCD sensor or lens could get dirty.
Align and lock in the modified body cap on the camera. If you drilled shallow holes the cap should lock firmly in place (depending on model) otherwise on the Pentax model the cap turns 360 degrees.
Attach and lock in the modified rear lens cap to the lens.
Hold the lens up to the camera body lining it up so the lens aperture and depth of field settings are on top and mark the caps. Otherwise you run the risk of having the aperture settings upside down on the finished project – still works but very awkward.
Remove body and lens caps from the camera and lens.
Mix the two part epoxy and evenly apply to the cut side of the modified rear lens cap. This will give you a cleaner appearance than applying to the body cap.
Let dry!!! – do not get anxious and put it on the camera half cured since the fumes could fog your mirror or CCD sensor

STEP 4
Hook up your new-old lens to the adapter and lock into your camera and start taking macros with the lens in a standard position.
Got bellows? You can get some extreme close-up’s and if you have a reverse lens adapter for your old lens you can reverse it.

STEP 5
Start taking pictures (here a few sample)
Then think about ways to make your own improvements to this design. Here are just a couple that have come to mind…
• Lens reversal modification - locking body cap and attach a lens filter (minus glass) to hook up any lens that has that filter size.
• Create your own set of bellows with PVC pipe and attach your adapter to it.
• Drop by the pawn shop and get a great deal on some old glass (lenses) for macro work.