I never noticed much in the way of CA or distortion in my FA50...

I have noticed an increase in sharpness wide-open since using a hood though...

However... Unless the light is really bad I rarely open up to 1.4... From 2.8 (for extreme subject isolation)to 5.6 is where this lens is normally shot from for me...

Jacobs in Leeds are pretty good too... Quite often have to order in stock to fit K-mount for you to try, but cool to do so...

Also seem happy to price-match with SRS, Jessops, etc...

LOL!
Sorry for any confusion... The 'Bump' was simply to reiterate that I shall be in the market for an FA28mm 2.8 lens at the end of the month.

Been a while... Still looking for an FA28-2.8 (although I may have bought a couple other lenses since)... BUMP...

Skint for a couple of weeks but if you'r thinking of selling then please PM me so I can contact you when my student loan comes in...

Cheers and Happy New Year!
Dave

WANTED due to 'RioRico's recent post on Pentaxforums...

"here's an experiment to try: Get a DA18-55/3.5-5.6 kit lens. Get a cheap used A-type 2x TC. Remove the element from the TC and re-install it REVERSED! Your TC is now a 0.5x WC, a wide-converter. The kit lens becomes a 9-28mm f/1.7-2.8 zoom! WOW! The trick is to get the TC/WC element placed exactly right. Good luck"(RioRico, pentaxforums, lens discussion, cheaper wide zoom options).

I'd really like to have a go at this... Never tried anything like it before...
Anybody got a spare I could butcher??

For the features... I'd get the Metz....
Build quallity on the Metz units is apparently better than the Pentax too... Although my YN560 is built like a tank and at a fraction of the price of either, and my Viv-285hv is just damn sexy ...

I use cactus V4's... Get the occasional misfire but nothing like you describe... They're pretty reliable...

Cactus now sell V5's which get great reviews also...

I'd consider replacing the AF240z for a more 'controlable' unit too...

Gadget Infinity (who supply the cactus triggers) do a clone of the Vivitar 285hv... It has no swivel feature but on a stand that make no difference...

I can't bring myself to part with my copy of this lens... It does stay in my bag but rarely gets mounted... When it does though I'm never diappointed... great for candids at parties and as a walkabout at National Trust venues...

Hi davem...

At the moment facebook is the main sourse of information yes...

However there is also a flickr group (Bradford University Photography Network) which will (by Oct...) be getting more use and be a second source of info using the 'discussion boards... It will also be the place where members can share work and submit to set projects and competitions etc...

Facebook is the most used social-networking site in use by university students (and staff members) at this time, so it made sense to start there... I am aware that some people hate it but when setting something up like this it's kinda unavoidable...

Pleased to get a response though! Thanks man!

Cheers
Dave

Hi...

Anyone in the West-Yorkshire area... Feel free to join via this facebook link http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/groups/112333695501821/

There will be monthly meetings/workshops/photowalks and projects set for members and use of University facilities/equipment... Yearly fee of £5...

If you don't want to come to meeting etc... You can still take part in set projects and share work/converse as a 'Remote member'... That's FREE...

Cheers
Dave