10 days up north

I got called up to sunny Queensland for 10 days to assist with the commissioning of a new plant but unfortunately i didn't take the camera with me all work and no play i'm afraid.

I did meet a guy with a love af all that is Pentax though and even better he was selling some of his kit. I picked up an FA 77mm LTD for just AU$500 a very good buy i thought as it goes for around AU$1000 retail He also threw in as a sweetner (if it needed sweetening) a brand new Vivitar 28-105 f3.5-4.5 PK-A/R. This lens is for a Ricoh and it has that little pin on the mount that may foul if i try to mount it on the K20, so i am loathe to try it out until i get some confirmation it will be ok. Or i may just E-bay it

So my trip wasn't a total waste of photography opportunities.

And i got a call that my Sigma 180mm macro is finally in, but i can't pick it up until Tuesday due too the long weekend

Sounds good, but don't get tempted to try that Ricoh mount lens unless you are very sure. Probably a good idea to make sure your eBay description is very clear as well to avoid any unhappy buyers...

Enjoy the 77mm!

Nice one Clarky! The 77mm is a fantastic piece of kit and I'm sure you'll be very pleased you bought it.

And congratulations on getting a step closer with the Sigma, I hope it proves to be worth the wait!

It certainly is a beautiful looking lens, I always said to myself i wouldn't buy a silver lens but after looking up close and getting a feel of it, it sure adds a touch of class to it.

John: i will definately stress that point when i plan to sell it. I'm not even sure of what its value is to be honest :

The silver ones look a lot better in the flesh than they do in photos, and I always tell people they take better pictures than the black versions...

I'm starting to get a little worried now though; I only need the 31 to complete my set and I should have enough money put by to get one in another month or so - but when I look online the silver versions seem to have all dried up and there are only black ones being offered, hope I haven't missed the boat!

Well, of course, they do. Everybody knows that.

When the black ones first came out in Japan, I confess to experiencing a certain lust for the black Limiteds. But, upon reflection, the silver ones stand out from the serried ranks of black and dark grey K, M, A, FA, FAJ and DA lenses on my shelf. I'm happy with silver.

G

PS: I have to say that the gold trim on the DA* lenses is a little vulgar.

http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-pentax-lens-31mm-f1-8-smc-fa-al-limited.htm

Well theres one, if you aren't looking for second hand.

I'd be happy with a second hand one as long as it was mint & boxed (my 43 came from a forum member here and I've been delighted with that!) but I'm resigned to probably buying new. I've put that link in my favourites for now but I notice they don't specifically state they're selling a silver version and they also have a nice caveat about items actually being in stock - I think I'd certainly ring and triple check before parting with my hard-earned...

George - as much as I'd like a DA*300 to add to my collection, I can't see my wallet agreeing anytime soon. I'll just have to take your word on the gold bands.

They have the option of selecting Silver or Black, but as you say, they aren't specific as to whether they have them in stock. But it's worth a shot.

If I come across any others soon I'll put 'em in this thread.