Thanks for that Kris, 35/40quid is what I was expecting, but I am happy

Was hoping to get out this weekend also, but as you say weather permitting, but at the opposite extreme to you. Its predicted to be 42-45C here this weekend. scorching hot

Well done on your clearance sale mate. I reckon you did really well with the SMC M 200mm f4 and the MZ5n, But it does have a very good lens 28-70 f4, I have the same combo myself and use that lens on my DS from time to time.

I was tempted on the Yashica 50mm 1.9 but managed to restrain myself, I was bidding on another auction for a boxed mint SMC Takumar 135mm 3.5, which I got I think I paid a bit over the odds for it (£50) but i'm a sucker for these old Taks.

I must confess Danny I did refer back to your post several times when I was in the market for a sturdy head. But I couldn't justify the outlay for the 503 you purchased. My $25 paupers head will suffice for now Thanks for the tip with the remote

Hefty seems a very handy fellow, perhaps he can pop over and build you one out of leftover Saab and MX parts

I was thinking I may have to upgrade to a sturdier tripod but the 055 seems to handle it ok if I don't use the centre post.

The handles can be moved down and out of the way or taken off completly if I so wish.

I will mainly use it from my rear balcony for birds and moon pics and will eventually mount it directly to the balustrade which is 3" box steel. $25 well spent I reckon

I picked up this Manfrotto 116 video head to use with my Pentax Takumar 500mm 4.5. Its a monster of a head and weighs 2.5kgs on its own and holds up to 20kgs. The quick release plate is around 5" by 4"inches wide It has 2 15inch long handles which splay out to either side and feels like you are riding a motorcycle when moving it about.

It works great and is deffinately more sturdy than my previous setup. But I would'nt advise carrying it around for any length of time.

I got it for $25 from my local classified mag. A bargain I must say.

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I would love to subscribe to the mag, but with postage to Aust 50quid for 4 mags is a little steep.

If anyone has some used ones they no longer want I would take them off thier hands if the price is right.

You sure are a handy chap, Hefty, I wish you lived next door to me Nice job on the Saab

I am somewhat fortunate, as the company I work for supplies me with a new vehicle every 3 years and they pay all the fuel, insurance and maintenance costs. I haven't payed for fuel in 6 years.

What baffles me though is they always buy the biggest gas guzzler on the market I asked them if I can have a small 4 cylinder utility truck with a LPG conversion which will carry my bike and other riding equipment, I was denied because they didn't think driving a utility truck fitted the company image

An MZ5n + battery grip sold yesterday here in Aust for £35.

I have an MZ5n and paid £60 for it, Boxed and in mint condition.
The prices vary wildly on them, I saw one with an asking price of £350, body only (of course it didn't sell).

Great shot Don, your town looks like something out of the 1930s.

Have you tried this shot in B/W or Sepia with a bit of film grain?

I would fix the reflections as suggested and clone out the power pole on the left and rubbish bin in front of the door. well done

Thanks John, Very interesting. The film it used was going to be my next question