Hi Peter, I probably didn't explain too well, I was referring mainly to reversing a 50mm f1.7 as described by Peter above (I got Milamber's and Peter's post mixed up), although I didn't make this clear. If you reverse any lens to gain macro capability it relies on whatever aperture is set manually which can make the viewfinder image very dim when using apertures of F11, F16 etc. Also, if you use a manual lens on tubes (or an auto lens on manual tubes) you lose the stop-down metering which althought it doesn't affect focussing it does make it more difficult to get accurate exposures, especially if you want to take shots quickly.

Hope this clears up any confusion caused.

Regards
David

Hi Terry, just to let you know in a friendly way of course, there are Ladies on this forum and website too! I'm sure you meant no offence.

Regarding macro, there's good advice already on here. You don't mention whether or not you have good eyesight; this can be quite a factor when deciding what sort of setup you would be best with for macro work. If your eyesight is very good, the manual route suggested by Milamber is an option, but if your eyes are not so good, you'd be better off with an 'A' (Automatic) aperture lens, like the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG EX Macro that is currently being offered for sale by one of the forum members.

The automatic lens will remain at its maximum aperture until you take the shot; this makes the viewfinder image much brighter and therefore it's easier to focus accurately.

Regards
David

Thanks Mat, much appreciated. You are right about the location, it is very atmospheric and eerie, especially when it is deserted on a misty Sunday Morning. The way I processed these does reflect the muted tones that were present that day; the light was quite flat but also soft and the colours were very muted as a result.

Regards
David

Hello again Alistair. I think the problem may be the type (not the make) of batteries you are using. Normal NIMH batteries like the Uniross and Duracells don't work very well on the K-x. You need the type that retain their charge more efficiently, one of the best of this type are Sanyo Eneloops. These are very cheap on Amazon and I don't think you would regret buying some. Eneloops are also great for other kit like flashguns.

Regards
David

I have the 16-45 Alistair and it's rarely off my K-5 for landscape work. I agree with the comments above that you don't need ultra-wide, in fact most of my favourite shots are in the 24-35mm range. I also love my old Pentax-M 28mm F3.5. The 16-45 can be picked up for around £140; at that price it's a cracking piece of glass and the Pentax-M 28mm F3.5 will cost around £40 if you can find one.

The 18-55 is also perfectly capable for landscape shots and I used this lens almost exclusively until I bought the 16-45 (which is a better lens BTW). The 18-55 suffers a little from a lack of edge sharpness, but nothing too drastic and the 18-55WR is a great lens for taking out in the drizzle, but you would need to replace the K-x if you're planning shoots in inclement weather!

Regards
David

The K-5 is a 'semi-professional' camera and is different in many ways to the K30. Here are a few of the differences:

- It is made of magnesium alloy (metal) not plastic
- It has a top LCD as well as a rear display
- It has a lockable mode selector dial

There are other differences, these are just a few.

Regards
David

Great grab shots. I wish I'd realised how good the sun rise was this morning before it was too late (it was great here too).

Regards
David

Which type of rechargeables do you use Alistair? I can get between 200 and 400 shots from Sanyo Eneloops with my K-x.

Regards
David

Fantastic Shaun, really well done! You are going places now and I think it will start to snowball for you. I hope you will still have time to help me out now and again!

Best wishes
David

I forgot to mention my 300mm Tamron Adapt-a-matic in mint condition for £20. It doesn't get much use as I have a 55-300 and a Siggy 50-500 too, but when I do use it I get a lot of pleasure from it. I've had it up for sale on here recently with no offers but I won't be letting it go for a song, so it will go back in the cupboard for now!

Regards
David