Well, tried my DA*300 out with my K10D, and if you switch the lens to manual focus, it does indeed overide the switch on the body, so not sure why you're experiencing anything different Brian. You are using the SDM aren't you?

So as far as I can see there are two ways of 'fast-switching' to MF, either by the 'quick-shift' method, where the lens is autofocused, but then you turn the focus ring to alter the focus, and as long as you keep the shutter release half-pressed it will still fire, or by using the switch on the lens to control the focus mode (which certainly works with my K10D, DA*300, using the SDM focusing).

Dan

Yes, but I would have thought that the "instant" switch to MF refered to was the one I mentioned. And, as long as the camera has 'focused', and you've kept the shutter release half-pressed, I believe it will fire even if you then unfocus it (assuming you want to spend £500 on a lens with which you can take out-of-focus photos ).

Dan

If it works like other DA lenses, with the lens set to AF you simply turn the focus ring to focus manually. So if the camera thinks it's focused, but you can see it's not, a quick turn of the focus ring sorts it out. No need to switch between AF and MF.

Dan

...as long as your printer is very well calibrated. You could of course then just use any grey image produced in photoshop...

Dan

Or to be exact (sorry, I'm a pedant ), a 1.5x converter reduces the light by just over a stop, so an f/5.6 lens would become f/8.4. A 1.4x converter would give a one stop reduction.

Dan

More to the point, can you get an adaptor for an AF 140C ringflash?

Dan

...and having the grip doesn't mean you have to have a battery in it. I don't, I just prefer the feel of the camera with the grip on. Of course it still adds to the weight, but without the battery it's not as heavy.

On a slightly different note, I was in Cameraworld in Chrelmsford this morning, and the K20D and 18-55 II was for sale at £699, although it's still showing as £749 on their website.

Dan

...but then the grip's £100, pushing the price up to £849 - still better at SRS.

Dan

Give Chris a ring, he may take pity on you (as long as you tell him who you are on here).

And, no, the grip comes without the battery. Best to get one from 7dayshop.com or similar, they cost about £7.

Dan