I haven't tried the 55-300mm but I do have the DA L 18-55mm. The plastic mount is no trouble at all, I've taken that lens off and put it back on more times than I can count with no sign of premature wear.

As I understand it the DA L lenses are identical to the later non-L versions in optical terms, so I'd expect similar performance.

I've no idea why Photobucket's default uploader won't work in Ubuntu, but it just whirrs a bit and doesn't do anything. It works if I use the bulk uploader function though!

Yep, I put it the same way around as the original (with the little tab in the same place as on the original). You're not going to tell me that this was backwards now?

Edit, I have just tried it the other way up and...It's fine! Works perfectly now. The little tab goes on the opposite side to that on the original screen.

Be very, very careful with the cheap ebay screens. Mine turned out to be too thick to work properly and while fiddling around trying to swap it my original screen got scratched. I'm now waiting for SRS to get back to me about a replacement original screen and suspect it will not be cheap.

The replacement didn't affect auto focus, the exposure seemed a bit dark but that was indoors. The main problem was that when I focussed correctly according to the screen it was about 20cm off actual focus, and as the screen was thicker than the original nothing can be done with shims.

Don't forget to keep about £100 back for the inevitable urge to buy an MX with similar vintage lens and winder...

Looks not unlike that K 300mm f2 prototype on the Dimitrov site.


You should have seen the looks I got wandering around near reservoirs with the K 85-210mm zoom!

After my experiences with the cheap ebay focussing screen I am not inclined to fiddle around any more, I just want my camera back the way it was. The VAT, duty and Parcelfarce admin charges would be horrible on an imported split screen costing over £18.

I really think Pentax would be on to a winner if they offered replacement screens with the 45 degree prism that were properly manufactured for the bodies. It'd make life so much easier!

I have improved the dust problem by removing the screen and rinsing it under the tap, before drying with a rocket blower and reinstalling. That has helped, but obviously didn't remove the scratches.

I use Program or M, depending on lens choice. Program isn't entirely automatic but gives you the ability to tweak white balance, ISO, and the aperture/shutter speed combination.

I've signed up two flickr accounts as it seems to be a bit more highly regarded than Photobucket (which I've never had any trouble with beyond having to use the Bulk Uploader all the time as their pages don't work properly with Linux). Unfortunately I've managed to forget all the login details on both occasions!

I will try again sometime and make a note of the details on paper. Does their photo uploading process work fully with Linux?

Thanks - just sent them an email to enquire about availability/price. Ever had one of those moments where you wish you hadn't fiddled with something?