Great shots Lance, I had some pics I was going to post but your flower shots have put mine to shame The second shot looks almost 3D like.

Its one of those lenses you can just stick in your pocket and away you go.

I took some shots with mine yesterday, wide open, they are still in the camera and I haven't got around to inspecting them yet, But from what I can tell its better when stopped down to 5.6, snaps into focus very fast.

The MZ-5n wasn't a cheap camera either. I don't know if the Z1 had the plastic gear, but I know this is a common problem with a lot of Pentax SLR's

Oddly enough, both of mine failed immediately after inserting fresh batteries and switching it on.

Oh and don't touch that button which says SD, as you can see from the pic, it stands for "self destruct"

This sounds like the same problem I had with a couple of MZ-5n's, Mine turned out to be the small plastic gear on the motor which drives the mirror up and down has broken.

Its not a cheap fix, they will replace the motor and gear (with a Brass one) but wanted 90quid for the repair. I binned the camera's

Heres a couple of pics of what lies ahead if you decide to do it yourself, providing you can even get a replacment motor. I didn't even attempt it.
[IMG]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x261/ClarkyinAus/Motorreplace.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x261/ClarkyinAus/Motorreplace2.jpg[/IMG]

PM sent .........

Hmmm you might be onto something there mate, Just below the Pentax logo looks suspiciously like a squirter hole don't you think.

I wouldn't be caught dead walking around with that thing

When you push the button for the pop up flash, a Jack-in-the-box springs out, and yells "smile"

The 50-500 is a very good lens as Spad's pictures indicate, but you must also be aware of the weight of this lens, its very heavy if you plan on carrying it around for any length of time. Its more suited for a tripod or monopod.

Check out the gallery, mike-p took some great shots with this lens, handheld. but I also believe he is related to the Incredible Hulk.

I believe the 150-500 is somewhat lighter, but not sure by how much.

I remember now It was due to the build quality of the D-FA and hanging all that extra weight off the front barrel. With the extra lens and ringflash attached it rendered the quick shift inoperable, I was concerned I might damage it.
The 100mm A 2.8 is far more solidly built and can take the extra weight easily. I don't see any discernable drop in IQ by using this lens.

Anvh, I have tried it with the 28mm 2.8 and it vignetts very badly, you need a big aperture like the 1.7, any smaller and you get vignetting. You also need to get closer to your subject with the 28mm and I am already only a couple of inches away as it is with the 50mm.

I have tried a number of combinations and found the one I am using now to be the most user friendly. thanks for the advice though. cheers

Edit: I can't remember why I don't use the D-FA 100mm macro, but there was a reason for not going that route, I will keep you posted.

It was very much alive, he even turned around and faced the camera, and I managed to get 3 shots before he took off.