Yeah there's nothing like savin a few quid to make my pics look a little better lol

I'm keen to try the lustre paper because the last time I used it (many years ago) I felt that it slightly softened the sharpness, which I would have to weigh up against the benefit of loosing a little of the reflection caused through my gloss prints. One to try certainly

Anne, thats great info with regards to the ability to avoid 'inhouse' optimization (which is another reason I previously chose to use Peak Imaging). Looking forward to trying them out

(I find it staggering that DSCL offer 10x8 at 52pence and Peak are £2-35 ....)

This is going to be the big new market of this decade I feel. It would be very interesting to see how Pentax would improve the viewfinder issues with EVIL (Viewfinders slightly darker and light to sensor reduced slightly due to the current technology used) . I would hope that the APS-C sensor is based on the Sony sensor in the K-5 (or better) due to the low noise levels.

Pentax always has plenty of imagination so I would expect them to be extremely competative in this market!

Thanks for the link @Stub, I have just added that to my list to try I am hoping to send a test batch off to a few Labs to see how they compare... (It is a long time since I did this, which is how I ended up using Peak originally many years ago)

I hadn't even heard of dscolourlabs so Cheers. Hopefully, I may be able to post results / feedback once I evaluate the different Labs and their service.

(I can see already that they are a fraction of the price of Peak so I will be keen to see the quality and service etc.)

DNG will not lose quality over PEF files. In fact, DNG due to being a universal format, has more options in the meta data areas over 'branded' RAW files. Also, any Raw file conversion will not change data as it is only a profile. Think of DNG as more of a 'wrapper' that wraps around existing 'branded' RAW files to ensure uniformity. Very much in the same way that AVI is a 'wrapper' in video. Within the AVI file type are many different codecs that will now play on different software as it is correctly 'indexed'.

DNG simply sets out the existing RAW data in a uniform standardised file and with enhanced meta data capabilities, is more stable for the future demands of camera and shot information.

Although I keep an electronic portfolio I still like to have a printed product in an album. I have tended to use Peak Imaging as a matter of course for a number of years simply because I have calibrated my system to their final output and many years ago I found them to be better than most other labs. (with no photo enhancement at their end), BUT...

I would love to know if anyone could reccomend alternative or newer labs that they have experience of (mainly due to the cost that Peak now charge).

I would be very keen to hear views and am sure that a list of such resources would benefit us all.

Just got my K-5 from SRS today (Parcelforce were running a day late unfortunately) and it is clean. Interestingly, as mentioned in other posts, the serial number on the box did have a large letter 'O' preceeding it written in pen. (As others have said this may indicate that it had been checked for stains and is an extra Quality Assurance mark).

Can't wait to get out and about and start adding further to my lens range. I have already purchased a DA 16-45 (Cheers Mike.P) and I am looking to add a couple of primes but until then I am looking to fully evaluate the DA 18-55WR kit lens.

Anyway, before I go off topic, BIG thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread as it has helped me out no end... Hope that you all soon have your issues resolved and a very happy New Year to you all.

To be quite honest, I agree with K10D.... if it was not for the sensible conversation, comments and conclusions that I have drawn from members of this particular thread then I would not have found an earlier solution to my particular case. (Nor have discovered SRS which is a major plus for me).

However, SmutjeUK is bang on with the benefit of buying from a Pro Dealer (something which I did not really consider until now). Good to see that Pentax have acted quickly to distinquish the packaging (it seems) to put minds at rest after fixing the problem. I will see if mine has the added 'O' on the box when it arrives tomorrow just as a matter of interest.

Dave

Well, I've seen sense...

Can't wait for Amazon to get the K-5 back in stock to provide my replacement so I've finally cancelled the order and ordered from SRS instead.

I could not look any further than SRS after all the positive comments and signs of support that they have offered members here on the forum so they have certainly won my custom...

They will deliver tomorrow...

Completely agree with your comments @amoringello, this is certainly not a 'one size fits all' solution but is certainly an option that is useful for Landscapes etc (probably less so for portraits.. Anyway, if it works for you, then great. If not, then just edit manually or as amoringello suggests, be more alert to the composition