I have seen you suggest the fungus issue before John, and have since kept lens and case separated, just in case!

Still interested if anyone else has any ideas on this.

I realised it was a bit of a long shot but wondered if anyone would know. I have several cases that have come with a lens but there is no way of knowing if the case is the original, or just a case that fitted. Some are marked with a lens description and some are not.

Thinking about it, perhaps the lining colour is not age dependant. I have a red lined case, marked Takumar 3.5/28 that contains a Super-Multi-coated Takumar 3.5/28, which does match.
I also have, with green lining an AOC marked case that contained an Auto Takumar f3.5 35mm and also a Takumar K f4/300mm marked one (came with an SMC K 300mm), so I guess the colour of the lining is not age dependant. The markings are perhaps more of an age indication, where the AOC marking is used on the older kit.

Payment now received from Loggie, will be on it's way shortly.

Just wondered if there is an authority on the different types of cases provided with Pentax lenses, over the years. I have a variety of cases and although dating the lens is straightforward I have no idea which case should partner which lens, to be correct.

When did the brown leather cases stop being provided?
What era were the red linings used in black lens cases.
When were the Green linings used on the black cases.
When was the AOC logo replaced by the words Takumar(and sometimes the item description)on the top of the lens case.

Can anyone throw any light on this, or know where to find out?

I bought one when I bought my K10. When it had to be repaired under guarantee, It came back without it.
I never did get a replacement and the K10 screen is fine, nearly 4 years later.

I haven't bothered with the K5 at all.

I have sent you a PM.

Looking for offers, before I'm away for the weekend.

Bump!

The obvious choice as a replacement would be the DA55-300. Not very expensive, light weight but very good for the money, definitely a step up from the Sigma 70-300. Have a look around this site to see some of the images this lens produces.

As for macro, the 'macro' on the sigma is really only close focus. I think it only goes to 1:4. A proper macro lens will go to 1:1. This is a big difference as it will let you get to a smaller scale. There is also a difference in the design of a proper macro lens that really makes a difference. Here there are various options, the obvious is the pentax D-FA100 and the D-FA50. The 100mm lens lets you stand a little further away from you subject but both have their uses. There are also very good macro lenses from Sigma and Tamron. There are also various older macro lenses around as well. A macro lens can also be used for non macro subjects. the 100mm is a good portrait lens as well.

With a budget of £600 you should be able to get both second hand. Both come up form time to time in the classified adds on this site.

Hi
If you don't have the manual, try here link. I think the P5 was the P50 as sold in USA.

Hope it helps.