I just came by a Program A (it was attached to a lens I bought), for which I have no use. I've given it the once over, and it seems to be working fine, and it's in pretty good nick cosmetically too.

I also have a Pentax-A 28-80 F3.5-4.5 zoom (not SMC, at least I assume not; it's not marked as such) which I've had since new, in mint condition, which is surplus to requirements.

Do you think they'd fetch more together, or separately?

Well first, it seems to me, you have to establish beyond doubt whether it's the camera or the lens, or neither, of course, and you'd be a bit unlucky for it to be both.

To check the camera, use the focus test chart we've been talking about recently, with several different lenses, wide open to ensure minimum DOF, spot focus mode, and all the good stuff about chart flat, straight, tripod, SR off, precise aim.

This should tell you where the camera thinks it's in focus.

If you find the camera to be consistent (not necessarily correct) with at least some lenses, then you can measure any difference between those and the one you're worried about.

One step at a time, I guess.

Do you get these problems only with that lens?

Are you able to reproduce the problem under controlled conditions?

And I'm extremely jealous. I hope you're going to post some pictures.

I went there once. Sadly, it was in September. It was deserted

I'd have thought that if he's any good, you'll pick up loads of tips on the practicalities of photographing people in groups, posing them, relaxing them, keeping their interest etc - all the people-management aspect of it all.

I'd be surprised if the fact that he uses Canon equipment makes the slightest difference.

Couldn't agree more. Photographing them is a piece of cake in comparison...

If you get the focus approximately right manually, the AF makes very little noise as it does the last bit of adjustment.

With the 18-55 which lets you focus manually even in AF mode, I always do this anyway to minimise wear and tear, and speed up the AF.

Noted, much obliged.

For the two weddings I did on a "friend helping out" basis I needed to be in some of the shots myself, so obviously I practised carefully with the self-timer first, and ensured there was a suitable gap in the group to slot myself into.

Keeping their attention and getting them to smile meant being something of an entertainer, so for the first one I would set the timer going and saunter in a leisurely manner towards the group... pretending to run and only just make it in time for the shutter to fire. It got a laugh, so the result was good...

... but not as much of a laugh as the second time when I pulled the same stunt and slipped on some mud just as I went to run the last few steps.

Just out of interest, how common is fungus inside lenses?

I've never seen it, touch wood..