Hello. I've got a K200 as well, and have been really pleased with the results, as you say even out of the box (which some reviews were critical of) with a 25 year old 50mm lens they were very good.
Andrew

I was lucky enough to get a D-SLR for my birthday this year as well. I got a K200D , but if I hadn't managed to do that I probably would have gone for a K-m. The build quality felt *much* better than the A200, and more solid than the D60.

But SRS haven't had any K200Ds since before I bought mine last month - I was just about to when they sold their last one! I haven't seen K200Ds in stock in any of the main UK retailers for about 4 weeks - I had one of the last from Park Cameras.

I used a 25+ yr old 50mm lens with my K200 while waiting for a lens exchange. The camera will tell you when your chosen subject is in focus, even with an older lens (you have to input the focal length). Not sure about 'stopping down' as I'm a bit of a novice! If I knew how to post an image I'd put one in showing that even I was able to do this

Edit - sorry have really duplicated what Bodyheat said, but have also looked up 'stopping down' so am a bit more informed now!

PM sent.

Thanks,

Andrew

After a couple of unanswered emails I phoned the dealer yesterday and asked if they would do a straight swap of the lenses (my backup plan being that if they wouldn't I would just return the lens and buy the AL II from SRS). No need - they agreed to swap the lenses at no extra cost. Have been using the K200D with the 50mm lens from my K1000 but am looking forward to finally having the kit lens that I thought I was getting as well. Cats refuse to sit still, and don't understand 'stay there I'm getting you into focus'!

Andrew

Am wondering if it's worth the effort and hassle, but as well as any optical differences there's also a point of principle about accuracy of descriptions and relying on images of products on websites. Have checked a few others this morning and most make a clear distinction between the lenses, which is fine. Where it is not explicit, it is not unreasonable to assume that 'what you see is what you get'?

Thanks - I knew there was a difference, not just due to the price either! Will see what they come back with, and if no goodwill, will probably send back for a refund and then get the Mk II from SRS where it's £49, so not a lot more than what I have paid for the Mk I.

Have been pondering this one myself. Ordered K200D with what I thought was the AL II lens (photo on website & non-specific lens description). Received DA AL lens, and was a bit disappointed to note receive what I thought I was ordering. Contacted the dealer, who have now changed the website to show the proper description of the lens, and have emailed to ask if they will exchange as a good will gesture. Lens did come with a hood though. If they won't, am I missing out on a better lens, or is the DA AL lens going to give me similar results? Sorry if it's a stupid question .
Andrew

With my K200D winging its way towards me as we speak, I was wondering if there were any really good guide books out there to help me get the most out of my new camera (in addition to the good old instruction book). Being new to DSLR photography (but still having a K1000 in the cupboard) I feel that a decent book will really help me learn how to use it properly.

I've seen a 'Magic Lantern' book, but are these any good, and are there any others which would be worth looking at?
Thanks,
Andrew