On the "Cathedrals Express" earlier today, it was sunny all the rest of the time, then dull for the steam-hauled special.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/General/IMGP3412-web.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/General/IMGP3426-web.jpg[/IMG]

I've just had a quick look at the OP web site, looking at a track day and a testing day on their "What's on" bit, the site says "Q. Can I spectate? A. Yes, circuit admission is free" for both, so that's a good sign.

I haven't done this with a K5, but I have used it a bit with a Kx and an old Tamron manual 500mm lens, with quite good results.

The bit that confuses me is where you say "as you have put something in focus (your point) the shutter releases". If you focus on a point where there is something present, and it's in focus, CIF will allow the shutter to release, I can't see how it would "know" that the item that's in focus isn't the one you want the shot of.

In my limited work with it, I was shooting competition cars coming towards me, and the 500mm lens had quite a short depth of field, so I had no problem because when there was no car there, the background was quite a bit further back and therefore out of focus. I assume that if there had been something else there, it would have taken the photo.

Also check the other thread, there's quite a bit of talk in there about compatibility with different lenses that I glossed over as I don't have any of them.

Not likely to be a problem at Oulton, I guess.

I will experiment with manual mode. It's strange, I chose my film SLR (ME Super) over my first one (MV-1) because it gave me more manual modes, same for my current compact (Casio EX-P600), but never used any of the features.

Thanks again.

Oh, and thanks for the response. Meant to add that above.

So the key is to not just leave it in automatic mode, for a start? And to practice, as you said. I'm going to the Gold Cup in August, enjoyed it very much last year but always end up with dozens of blurred shots either side of the odd lucky one. Before that I may well try at the Donington Historic in May.

Media access does help with angles I suppose, and getting around the annoying mesh to get better views. Does it also help with access to stuff like test days (I keep seeing shots from testing days on stuff like the Autosport forum) or can anyone turn up to those? I guess I should ask Oulton about that.

Simon, what camera and lens(es) are you using there? I am finding some trouble getting decently-focused images and am looking for clues as to whether it's my Kx, cheapo lenses or just me needing more practice or skill.

Thanks, I will look at those.

I have to do something about this soon, last time I tried the camera refused to lift the mirror because it felt that the battery level was too low, even though they were almost new at the time. I will have a look around for rechargeables I think, having seen the cost of the AC Adapter.

Yes, very impressive difference there.