I have Windows 8 and find it absolutely brilliant, had no issues with it at all so far, after a couple of months usage.

If you want to use it as a 'traditional desktop' without the 'windows 8 tiles' this is so easy, just switch it to the desktop view and it works just like windows 7.

- It loads much faster than any previous Windows version
- It doesn't crash (at least it has never crashed on my PC)
- It is less resource hungry than some previous versions
- It provides the flexibility to use it in different ways if you have a device or a PC that can take advantage of this, e.g. a touchpad where you can 'pinch/zoom', 'double-swipe', 'triple swipe' etc.
- I have had no compatibility issues with any of my existing software, some of which is quite old
- It works so much better with my home network and my Epson printer than XP did (prints come out as they are intended to, no colour casts or dark print issues)
- It's easier to find applications installed on the PC

In fact, everything just works better. I suspect that if some are having problems with it that may be due more to unfamiliarity than anything else?

I work for a company that is heavily involved with software development and as such I have extensively used all Windows version since XP and continue to use different versions every day. Windows 8 is without a doubt the best version so far IMHO.

Not so Stephen, you can't be using it correctly! Simply use it in the desktop view and pin the required programs to the Taskbar, then open them when you need to use them. It could not be simpler.

My suggestion would be for anyone struggling, take the time to learn how it works - it is different but this does not mean it is bad.

Regards
David

I store all my lenses on open shelves in a part of the house that has no risk of any damp. I've had some for over 20 years and none have ever developed fungus. I've also bought some old Takumars that did have fungus and since cleaning them out 2 years ago it has never re-grown.

Regards
David

That's great John!! You might be aware that this graveyard is stuffed full of my Ancestors who were all part of a very well known fishing / seafaring family in the North East of England, most particularly around the Whitby / Robin Hoods Bay area. It's a beautiful part of England and one that I visit fairly often.

I love the subdued light in this image, very different from what it was when I took my shot.

Regards
David

Absolutely fascinating documentary images - number 12 in particular is just stunningly good.

Regards
David

Nice shots Brian - very sharp and clear. I've had really good results with the IIs and Sigma 105mm DG EX Macro, both with this type of work and 'normal' photography. I've also used the Siggy with tubes and bellows to get closer and I can't wait to see some butterflies if the summer picks up!

Best wishes
David

Also, I just noticed that the version 1.03 update does list a correction for an exposure issue, although it states this was just when using AA batteries, I suspect it could have been a wider problem.

Regards
David

Mine used to overexpose too when I first got it, but as soon as I updated to the latest firmware the issue disappeared completely and has never happened since. Pentax did ship out a couple of firmware updates in pretty quick succession when the IIs was launched, so maybe there was a software problem? I am running version 1.03 now.

Regards
David

Hello Peter, yes you're right I was referring to the same lens. I haven't taken many interesting shots with it but here is one example:




Regards
David

Hi Sebastiano

Could you post some of the images you re thinking of selling on the Forum or the Gallery? You would get some valuable advice and feedback on their quality and potential for sale.

Also, I have sent you a pm with some other suggestions.

Regards
David

Hi Bill, I have the Hitechs and have used them a lot over the past 12 months or so, almost always in combination with a CPL and sometimes stacked. Based on extended use here are my thoughts:

- Hitechs do give a slight colour bias to blue and cyan, more so when stacked

- It is not unpleasant and is very easy to remove in post processing - I don't think I've ever had a single negative comment on my images about the skies being a funny colour or too blue; you can judge for yourself on my Gallery images

- The slight bluey cast is more apparent on some lenses than others, e.g. is it quite noticeable on my Pentax-M 28mm F3.5, but not so much on my DA 16-45 or DA 17-70

- I don't doubt that the Lee filters are more colour neutral and give excellent IQ, but I got three Hitechs for £45 (0.3, 0.6, 0.9) and for my purposes they serve me very well indeed and I am not considering changing at this point in time. If my images were being published, it may be different

Best wishes
David