Hi Drew

A great idea, I will definitely be joining you! I might have another '1 lens' day, probably with the Pentax-M 28mm F3.5.

Cheers
David

The macro function on such zooms lets you get a bit closer than you can without it engaged, but it will not give you anything like true macro which is 1:1 magnification. Most zooms will only give around 1:4, hence Algi's 0.25% reference above.

Regards
David

You will need some good quality (I stress good quality) jewellers or precision screwdrivers. The screws on these things are bloody tight and if you don't have a quality precision screwdriver you are likely to break the tip or bend it at least. You would also be best to get hold of a lens wrench or something similar as the internals are quite difficult to get apart without one of these. If you can get to the surfaces where the fungus is, it should be pretty easy to get it off with some isopropyl alcohol or similar.

Regards
David

If the M 1.7 is as good as the A 1.7 then it will be a treat. I have the M 1.4; this is good too, but not as sharp as the A 1.7, but boy does it render colours beautifully! Great for portraits.

Regards
David

Hi Matthew, it could be a course or a workshop, but could equally be an informal day out with one or more of the members on here. I don't know where you are located but there are some pretty good landscape photographers who contribute regularly to this site and I'm sure most would be more than happy to have a day out and shoot some images with you.

I have been privileged to spend some time with Shaun Wilson (Puma) and I don't think there could be a better mentor. We've become good friends and also we've made friends with a lot of other photographers on the site simply because we've arranged some days out. I would highly recommend this as a starting point.

Regards
David

I did it when we went to Haddon Hall Shaun. I only used the Pentax-M 28mm F3.5 and got some pretty good images with it.

I will do it again sometime soon, but I might cheat a bit and take the Sigma 50-500 which is a bit like having a bagful of lenses!

Regards
David

I would also recommend getting out with someone who knows how to shoot landscapes properly, this will teach you more than any book could. I'm not suggesting that books are not worthwhile, because they are, but there's no substitution for practical experience and assistance from someone who is a master of the art.

Regards
David

I think this must be too expensive if you're not getting any offers. The members on here are knowledgeable and they know how good this lens is - it's just that you're not tempting them with a decent price.

Regards
David

I've successfully cleaned several Taks including a couple of 135mm F3.5 ones. The Taks are quite easy to take apart, but I'm not sure about the M's. I have taken apart a 28mm F3.5 M and it was more difficult than the Taks were, but I think it's worth a try - nothing to lose really.

Regards
David

These are superb. If the K-5IIs is capable of this sort of quality then I think I may just have to buy one, mind you I think there's a large element of photographic skill here too.

Regards
David