Although you will get better results between about F6.3 and F11 with the kit lens, I have used mine at F16 for landscape shots where longer exposures are required and the images are sharp. It may be that your copy of the lens is not quite as good as some.

Also, are you using a tripod? The softness might be due to camera movement rather than the lens.

Regards
David

Great shots once again, especially considering the bad light. Were you autofocussing or using manual focus?

Regards
David

I understand now Algi. I didn't realise you were referring to testing lenses - that is a whole different kettle of fish to just using a camera for everyday shots. Thank you for the explanation.

I was referring to everyday use and comparing this with my other cameras (K-m & K-x) which are more difficult to focus manually than the K-5.

Regards
David

Hi rover 49 - this is easy with the K-x. Buy a cheap remote control for a couple of quid, set the menu option on the K-x for 'Remote Control in Bulb' to open the shutter on the first remote press and close it on the second press, set the camera to 'Bulb' mode and off you go! You can have an exposure as long as you like with remote operation so no chance of camera-shake!

Regards
David

I'm not sure what you mean by this Algi - I have no difficulty manually focussing my K-5 at any distances. I use it for Macro, Wildlife and all other manner of things where I focus manually. The viewfinder is good and there is a focus confirmation if you need it. Could you explain a little further what you mean?

Regards
David

I have had version 1.13 running on my K-5 for some time now and have had no issues. Maybe you need to keep an eye on the K-5 and take the K-20 for backup as it may be a hardware rather than a software issue?

Regards
David

This made me smile! I took my K-5 out of the box before I started playing with any settings!

Cheers
David

I have four '3rd party' adaptors all permanently fixed to M42 lenses, including a fairly substantial old Tamron 300mm Adaptamatic. If you choose the right seller and fit these properly (remove the spring clip if you need them permanently attached) you will have no issues. Mine cost me around £6.50 each (they've gone up a little now), they fit very snugly with no slack and are the type that fit flush to retain infinity focus. A link to the ebay seller is below:

link

I have had others which are nothing like as good, but the ones I have now make my M42 lenses as easy to use as K-mount ones.

Regards
David

If you're on a budget, the best suggestion I could make to get you started is to buy a set of Extension tubes (quality second hand ones cost about £15, look at Ffordes Photographic) and use these on any old standard manual lens. You will be amazed how close you can get and the quality that can be achieved.

Regards
David

I have the K-x and also K-5, a good friend of mine takes beautiful shots with both of these cameras and also with the K-7 (he has lots of cameras)! The K-x is a brilliant camera and capable of taking superb images. The K-5 is better by some margin and if (a) you can stretch to it budget wise and (b) you don't wish to wait for the K-30, I would definitely go for the K-5. Its performance in all conditions is something to behold and much better than the K-7 in poor light.

I'm puzzled by your statement about the K-x and batteries though. What batteries are you using? I can get about 400 shots per charge on my K-x using Sanyo Eneloop rechargeables. That's almost as good as my K-5 on the Lithium-Ion original battery. Eneloops are only around £7 per set of 4 from Amazon and are worth every penny.

Regards
David