Chinon CE5, Sigma 24mm, Velvia, polariser.

Dan

Ah, okay. Just thought as it had happened before, it might have happened again, and it would be worth rectifying before it became a regular problem.

Lighting things close up is always a problem.

Dan

By the way, did just one side of your flash rig fire on that first spider pic?

Dan

Eriophora transmarina? The colouring can apparantly be quite varied, but it looks right for the top spider at least.

Must I do all your homework for you Clarky?

Nice detail on that first spider shot, andI like the inquisitve look of the bug.

Dan

I would say something that size must have come from something inside the lens itself, unless it's just on the rear element. If it was from the lens itself, then it's a manufacturing defect and it should be repaired/replaced for you.

What does it actually look like? A smear of grease? A fibre?

There's always the chance that you had some 'crap' inside your camera when you put the lens on, and zooming the lens then sucked it inside. I haven't looked at the back of that lens, but I'm guessing that although it's sealed from the weather, there's almost certainly gaps near the rear element which could allow muck to get in if it was already inside the camera.

Dan

Tim!

I had noticed, but keep up to date with your blog, with which you've been very active. Also saw the bluebell shots - enough to raise anyone's spirits.

After years of having people say "you must go to Swan Wood in Stock to photograph the bluebells, they're amazing", I finally got round to it this week, and they were. There's nothing else quite like a bluebell wood...

Dan

I had a PSU for my *istD, which I think was 7.5v, not 6v (even though it took 4 1.5v batteries ). Think mine was a Hama branded one from 7dayshop, hang on I'll have a look...

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=101...

Seems like an update of the one I had, definitely has the 7.5v setting. You'd need to ensure that the current draw was within the limits of the adaptor, I'm sure there must be details of this in the manual for the camera.

Can't say for sure it would work with your DS, but my version worked with my D (used it for updating firmware).

Come to think of it, I think mine only went up to 7.5v, as when I needed a 9v adaptor, it wasn't any good.

Dan

Well, if you want to see palm trees and beautiful countryside, then Cornwall's definitely back on the agenda! Your brother may have been talking about the Isles of Scilly, famed for their gardens, which are warmed by the Gulf Stream and are therefore almost sub-tropical.

Cornwall may be more expensive than some areas, but as long as you avoid the really touristy bits you'll be fine. Having said that, many of the touristy bits are touristy for a reason - they're beautiful. However, Tintagel is a bit over-rated, in my opinion. I find the Eden Project fascinating, but others find it too expensive and boring - depends what floats your boat.

Dan

A nice set of photos, and a good choice of shutter speed for no. 2.

I can't get enough of this lens so far, really enjoying using it. Hopefully the weather's going to hold for a while and allow us to really exercise it.

Dan

Just Googling for 'Pentax 30338' and found this page: http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pentax-pricelist.htm

...which has it listed as being available and AUS$184, much cheaper than the price quoted on the ebay page.

Also on the Pentax Japan online shop (as far as I can tell) at about £50.

But it's not listed on the Intro2020 price list (although the 3D viewer included in the kit is).

Dan