I have one and love it although focussing is a bit awkward on the k-x with only having a matte screen.

Welcome aboard. Love the portfolio.

Well done that man!!!!

Excellent result Charlotte. I have needed Johnsons myself recently and they exhibited terrific customer service. Mind you I only live a mile or two down the road and so can just visit them in person.

I forgot to say to Snappychappy. If the repair is being done through an insurer then they are probably the reason it seems slow. My son worked as a claims handler for an insurance company and they were often instructed to slow claims handling down, or speed it up, to manipulate cash flow.

They would also often argue the repair costs with the repairers and then use them as the excuse when the customer complained.

I have used them recently and they were superb. I called first to explain my issue and they invited me to visit (I only live 5 miles from their site in Stoke on Trent). As a walk in repair they sorted me out in about 30 mins. Best of all they did it for free.

Welcome Ada

The wife and I visited Kenya in early June for our 30th anniversary.

Whilst on Safari we saw plenty of folks with Cannikon kit including some lenses so big they had their own wheeled transport.

On day three of our safari I bumped into an american gentleman who was shooting a K20 with 55-300.

He was my first digital Pentax meet and greet, as I was his. We were both delighted to find a fellow Pentaxian.

Outstanding customer service from Johnsons.

Last weekend my beloved k-x developed a fault. For some reason the rear screen went blank when I turned the camera on.

As it is only 18 months old I took it back to the retailer, Curry's, who unsurprisingly said give us 60 quid and we will take a look. Fortunately one of the staff over heard what was going on and once his manager wandered off he advised me to get an independant assessment and then use that to get Currys to meet their obligations under the SoGA.

I phoned SRS who were friendly and helpful and explained that they sent faulty cameras to a company called Johnson's Photopia in Stoke on Trent.

Coincidently I live in Stoke on Trent so phoned Johnsons who said bring it round and they would take a look.

So today I took my camera in and was blown away by their response. I was welcomed in and asked to take a seat in a comfy sofa whilst they let the technician know that I had arrived.

2 minutes later the technician arrived, listened to my explanation of the issue then advised that it would take him a few minutes to open the camera and take a look. Whilst he was gone I was asked if I would like a hot drink while I waited. I had a very pleasant chat with the lady in reception who explained some of the history of the building and showed me some photos. Apparently it used to be a fustian textile mill (Google it .... I had to )

A few minutes later the engineer was back and had found the problem. He explained that the main circuit board was damaged and could be replaced for £160 or he could attempt a repair. With an insurance excess of £100 I opted for the repair attempt first and off he went.

By the time I read half of the latest BPJ he was back with a repaired and fully working camera. To say I was happy is a bit of an understatement.

When I asked what I owed he said ............ its FREE! He did it as a goodwill gesture.

Good customer service seems to be a bit of a rarity nowadays and so I say a heart felt thankyou to Johnsons Photopia and their excellent staff.
In particular Roger the technician and the lady on reception who's name I didn't get.

Hi,

I have travelled from the UK to Egypt several times in recent years and have had no problem at all with my electrical and photography paraphenalia. There are no rules as such but if it is carry on luggage you may be asked to demonstrate it functioning which is a bit of a bind.

My advice is only take the absolute minimum of electrical kit with you. Do you really need a laptop AND an iPad? I always pack power leads and adaptors, mouse, card readers, hair straighteners, hair dryer, kettle (I kid you not), battery chargers, flash, spare lenses, etc, etc. into my hold luggage. That way I am just left with my 'treasures' in my hand luggage.

The one thing I would say is that every Egyptian airport is classed as a military establishment and they really do not like you trying to photograph the facilities or their aircraft. The last time I went, in March 2011, a guy on my flight took a photograph of the terminal building as we were walking in and he was arrested and his camara taken off him. Fortunately it was a reasonably cheap point and shoot so he didn't lose too much money but it wasn't the best way to start his holiday.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your holiday.