Excellent set.

1 & 2 for me.

Duxford for me too on Sunday. Was there at 8.15am and all the front line positions taken. It used to be the gerry's that put their towels out, now it's the canonikon owners with their collapsible seats.

Still, it was a fantastic day alright. The flight line had been extended quite a lot over previous years giving greater opportunity to see all the planes with more or less uninterrupted views for close up static photographs. You really need several days to explore all there is to be seen. If you want noise then RIAT's the place to go. If you want history and splendour then you can't beat Duxford. A magical and moving experience.

Did You get your problem sorted out? I've just been looking at one of these lenses and now realise that it has an aperture ring. With the lens off the camera, can you move the aperture blades by turning the aperture ring or use the lever at the base of the lens to see if the blades move freely or are locked up.

I feel pretty sure that it's a sticky aperture blades problem. Try gently tapping the body of the lens whilst the camera is switched on and see if that causes the aperture blades to move. Set it at its widest aperture first ie 2.8 and if that doesn't work try different aperture settings.

The aperture blades in the lens. Are they wide open (large aperture) or closed down (small aperture) I just wondered that as you haven't used it in months if the aperture blades are sticking.
Also just check that it is mounted correctly and locked. I suspect it's something and nothing. Do your other lenses work ok?

Is the aperture stuck closed down?

Like Lenny said, great symmetry and for my taste, made all the more beautiful by the bright midday sun.

I suspect what you possibly allude to here is character. A sometimes undefinable quality measurable only in the eye of the beholder.

Beautiful Memories captured there and all the better for them taken in full sunlight.

Just goes to show, if there is one medium that doesn't need rules it's photography!