If you want to use the SRS to it's best advantage, yes you do.

If you turn the SRS off, you don't need to dial in the focal length. A good rule of thumb is for hand held photography is: keep your shutter speed at or above the the same figure as the focal length. E.G. 50th second for a 50mm, 200th second for a 200mm lens. This helps to get your shutter speed fast enough to stop camera shake. You can go slower but you are more likely to get duff pictures due to camera shake.

Of course don't forget to turn the SRS off when using a tripod or fixed support, it can actually cause camera shake!

You need to set the focal length that you are using!

The focal length setting is for calibrating the Shake reduction on the camera.

You could try setting to a mid position and hope it won't make much difference or just turn the shake reduction off and use the camera as normal, you just don't have the advantage of the shake reduction. When the shutter speed is fast enough and the camera is held still the shake reduction will not be needed anyway. It is very useful when the shutter speed gets low but it needs to have an idea of the focal length used but the older lenses don't tell the camera this like the new lenses do.

You should use the actual focal length marked on the lens as this is what the Shake reduction system needs to work accurately. E.G. If the lens is a 28mm, set 28mm.

Hope this helps.

Could it be that the simpler cameras get a less comprehensive software package?

The software is developed over time as well. E.G. newer versions with the newer cameras.

HDR, Yes I need it.

If I had the ability to do what some of you seem to be able to do on the processing side, I might not.
I have low skills in processing, usually shoot jpegs and have Photomatix software. I have learned how to not make the use of HDR too obvious and it helps me get the picture I want sometimes.

From what you say It sounds like something has happened to it, which is rather annoying as I really don't want you to feel ripped of or anything.

My refund offer still stands, send it back.

Not sure if it is what you want but saw a rainproof messenger bag advertised today on the LOMO website, link.

They make lots of waterproof bags and are well respected in canoeing/diving communities. Very robust kit and good on their prices.

Only link i have with them is I have some of their bags.

PM sent

The angle of view of the meter is probably nearer to that of a 50mm on 35mm film or 35mm on APS-c, at a guess. The 135mm lens may be getting less sky in the measuring area than the meter.
Just a thought as to why you may be getting a different reading between camera and meter.

Sorry to hear there is a problem. I didn't see anything before I sent it.

If there is a problem with the lens, please return it and I will reimburse you.

Bob.

Item now sold and posted.