Hi guys, I quite like using the portrait format for certain shots but have found the K10d quite awkward to use in this format - so purchased a genuine Pentax second hand battery grip with battery. It came with fitting instructions which I followed to the letter also charging the grip battery. But there are no instructions on using the grip and I thought that the camera could be turned on using the on/off button on the grip but have found in order for the grip to operate I have to switch on the cameras `on` button to operate the features on the battery grip which all appear to work in this setting. I would like to know if this is the correct way to operate the battery grip or am I doing something wrong. Any advice appreciated, thanks, dru.

Hi guys, just bought myself a Pentax K10D and couple of lenses and completely clueless re digital - although learning fast!!. I've still got my old Spotmatic gear including my Metz 45 CT-1 (F2@65 feet) camera mounted flash which connects onto the front of the spotmatic via a small round (3mm dia. external, with centre pin)jack type connector. My question is - is it possible to get the Metz to work with the K10D maybe using the hot shoe and some sort of adaptor. thanks in advance, dru.

Thanks John/Alan, yes did mean power zoom. Although new to digital photography did a lot of 35mm stuff with my old spotmatic and lenses - even did all my own developing and printing at one stage (many years ago now)and still have the old spotmatic and accs although don't know what has happened to the enlarger. Now retired (again)and looking forward to getting out and about in this lovely part of Scotland instead of sitting around the house. Now need to get an adaptor for the wide angle and 135. thanks again drew.

Thanks Vic for reply - saved me a lot of time trawling through the handbook looking for auto zoom. Some very nice pics in your albums. Thanks again, dru, just a little

Hi guys, just an update on what I have decided to purchase - having looked at various models of Pentax I was told of a Pentax k10d with Pentax 18-55 lens + 70-300 lens plus uv filters, carry bag, all leads, handbook etc. with asking price within my budget and now the happy owner of this kit and very pleased with it so far - even looks as if it was straight out the wrapper. Am now working my way through the handbook and no doubt will be back on the forum soon asking some advice. Before I close perhaps another stupid question - "how can I tell if the lens are auto zoom?" - have been able to work autofocus but can't find any ref in handbook to auto zoom. Thanks again for help and suggestions re my first post, rgds, dru.

Thanks guys for the comments and advice - will certainly go for the Pentax but as yet not sure which model to go for. Will have a look in the local stores and get up and personal with a few models and maybe wait till after Christmas to see if there are any January sales on them, thanks again guys, will let you know what I purchase, rgds dru337.

Hi guys, first post so a little about myself - retired college lecturer in electronic and aero engineering. Hobbies include playing keyboard, caravanning and now going back to photography after many years just snapping grandchildren etc. Am interested in purchasing a Pentax dslr and looking at the Pentax K-r. I have an old Pentax spotmatic with a selection of lenses (55mm screw I think) including standard and 28 - 70, 135 portrait and 300 zoom. Could someone tell me if it is possible to use any of these lenses with the Pentax K-r. Apologies if this is a dumb question but just started reading up on dslr's as not at all familiar with them. Thanks in advance, drew