The last one is also my favourite. I think its wonderful.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Super portraits, every one a character study. Of course the DA*50-135mm lens is a superb tool for portraits, many of my favourite images were taken on mine (often in pouring rain and never any worries about that when its been coupled to the K10, K5 or K30). I've always considered it to be relatively compact and light compared to some of the zooms you see some photographers lugging around.
However its not operational at the moment; I'm waiting to pluck up courage to send it off to get the auto focussing motor sorted out yet again.
A couple of months ago I bought a DA* F2.8 200mm lens and that has been working overtime ever since. That's also a great portrait lens and ideal for isolating faces in crowded scenes such as the Edinburgh Fringe.
PS: Adrian I'm honoured to be promoted to 50-135mm master along with Cabstar.
David
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

A fine collection of shots from this remarkable building. I've been once to Hardwick Hall but that was a few years ago and I think it's time I made a return trip.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Go for it Stan.

David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

The proposed new High Speed rail line won't come anywhere near Newcastle or Durham- not in my life time at least.

But you're right Gwyn, if you do win make a couple of days of it and enjoy a theatre trip, good restaurant, gallery visit etc.
For me the best bit would be the second day, away from the guided tour with the editor of AP and just lone-wolfing on my own looking for pics.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Concorde is not an option but you can do London and back in a day from the North East. Around three hours on an early morning East Coast HST from Newcastle or Durham to Kings Cross. Then a full day shooting pics in London and an early evening train back
I did it with a couple of friends just last year and I'm looking forward to a return trip, perhaps next year. However the AP competition is obviously targeted at people who live not far from London. You have to make your own way there so it's a prize that's going to cost you a lot in fares unless you live in the Home Counties.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Around £120 to fix it - Johnsons seem to be the firm to go to. I speak from personal experience.

The DA* 50-135mm lens is my most used lens. It was rarely off my K5 until recently. The auto focus packed up about 18 months ago and I sent it back to SRS who sent it on to Johnsons for repair.
Now its packed up again and its out of guarantee. Looks like another £120 repair job. Its a lens that costs around £900 new and its super sharp when it works and I use it so much so I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Well done. They're both excellent photographs.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

First class picture and great news about its acceptance.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists

Well done Stan.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout