I've actually got a very good condition MX for sale at the moment. (on ebay... I'm not sure whether I'm supposed to promote it) It had a full service not long ago (about may) from Michael at Camera repairer, and unfortunately I haven't used it much since.

I'm selling it with a 50mm F1.4, but if you want it, I could cancel the ebay, and sell you just the body. PM me if you're interested.

I have the chance to get an AF280T + grip, diffuser and sync cables for £80.
Is it worth it? Its an old flash, with from what I gather excellent performance and reviews. I haven't yet upgraded to DSLR yet, i'm still with my MX and MZ5.

I think I can probably get the flash seperately for about 50, but what should I do?

Holy moly. For that much money I can buy a decent flash....

Which actually isn't a bad idea...

Like the title, my MZ5 seems reluctant to popup the flash. On pressing the popup button, the flash uncatches, but the spring mechanism must have gone.
Is there a quick fix for this? And if not, how much would it be to repair?
When the flash part is held up, it works perfectly, its just it won't *stay* up.

Thanks in advance!

-Cliff

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_4134.html

Its not the cheapest thing in the world though.....

I have to say, the thought of a DS2, 12-24mm DA, and AF540FGZ flash reallly really appeals...

The large amount of information available now:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0508/05082101pentaxistds2.asp

So not that different from the DS, just slightly streamlined controls, ala DL, 2.5inch lcd, possibly slightly better image quality.

Bit disappointing, but for new users, they get an improved DS. And we love the DS, so how could it be so bad?

Haha that comment just brought back nostalgic memories of 'Honey I shrank the kids'

A good name perhaps like MZ-DS?
We wish.

I'm still uncertain as to whether to get the *ist-d or ds. While they're both around retail, it makes the decision harder. The d has 2 command dials, Hyper modes, bar graph exposure meter display in the view finder.
The d is smaller, slightly more comfortable, faster, and has $100 cashback offer on it at the moment.
I will probably use aperture priority mostly, some exposure compensation and my current selection of pentax m/a lenses. I will start investing in newer pentax glass at a later date, but I want to start taking pictures soon.
I'm going more towards the ds, because it will cost me around 520 quid overall, which is extremely cheap.
(although the olympus e200 can be found for £399!!!!! )

I was really tired when I wrote the post, so I don't think I made myself clear.
I would prefer the aperture ring, due to its compatability with my MX.
Now you're saying that the aperture ring doesn't register with the digital SLRs at all? Even the A, F, FA, and FAD ones? Even with the aperture ring enabled mode on?
hmmm... thats disappointing...

To be honest though, I use aperture priority most, so the above wouldn't be too big an issue, because I assume the dial would become a aperture dial exclusively?

In any case, heres to hoping that they produce a firmware which enables full aperture ring use, at least on the more modern lenses. Will make my lens buying decisions for both the soon to be bought DS and my MX easier.

The FA-J mount lenses and the DA lenses both do not have the aperture ring. To me, this is a fundamental aspect of camera ergonomics, especially the way I hold the camera ( with left hand cradling the lens and the camera, with easy access to the aperture)
It seems that lots of people are getting rid of aperture rings, due to the availability of apertures on the wheel on the camera.

The 2 new D-FA lenses are a godsend due to the fact they have aperture rings, and large focus grips.

What are your opinions on the aperture wheel? Considering the *IST ds has 1 dial, I'd like to reserve this to shutter speed.

When I get my IST* ds soon, i'll be buying lenses with an aperture dial , not important as that may be.