I am surprised. The 16-50 is noticeably better. In fact, it is so good it is nearly up the standard of Ltd lenses.

Pentax doesn't award stars for nothing.

The 17-70 is a good lens, but not in the same class. The only reason to favour it over the 16-50 is the slightly longer reach, which puts it into the general purpose category. If you are ambling around with only one lens, there is a strong argument for taking the 17-70.

G

Rumours are rumours.

We shall just have to see. Often, the price is the last thing to be decided. Facebook were still tinkering with their share price until the last moment, and still got it wrong.

Badly wrong.

G

You're right about the exposure problems. Given that it was evening, the light was surprisingly bright in places, and much less in others.

Others have suggested a new engine for me, too, but I regard myself as the curator rather than the owner of my present one. If I keep it, which I plan to, it'll no doubt cost me more in the long run than a new engine, but modern engines can't replicate the sound of an old diesel puttering along at 200 rpm.

It's amazingly economical, too, and that's no bad thing in this day and age. With a new engine, it would be difficult to resist going for 100hp or more, and there's a fuel consumption penalty to be paid for that.

G

Who cares?

Frankly, I'm not sure why you're still here. Coming along as a Nikon user and posting negative comments about Pentax is really pretty pointless.

G

BTW, thanks Snootchies.

G

Very probably, but I've never mastered such black arts.

BTW, at enormous expense (actually, it was extremely reasonable) I have had a new part fabricated for my gearbox, as none are available to buy. So in a few days my own barge will be under power again, and I won't need to hire myself out as driver on other people's barges if I want a trip up the river.

So, you are very welcome to row my barge if you want to, but it won't be strictly necessary.

G

Pentax cameras and Polish girls. Both masterpieces in their own way.

G

This chap is not giving you credit for getting some very nice pictures, but I do share his view that that they are very slightly over-sharpened.

However, I would stress the "very slightly".

G

Funny you should mention that, Gwyn. Actually,the boat was packed to the gunnels with young ladies, but a lifeboat turned up and disembarked them.

It wasn't "Women and chidren first", but "Ladies only"!

I actually know this boat, because I was often tied up beside it at Imperial Wharf in Chelsea. It is in absolutely magnificent condition, and the woodwork is quite superb.

So I'm glad it survived reasonably unscathed.

G

Boaters and royalists may be interested to know that the royal rowing barge is presently moored by Richmond Bridge, where it is possible to get quite a good look at it.

I had spent an agreeable afternoon driving a barge with a cargo of very nice people up to Teddington, and caught this picture on the return journey as the sun was failing.

This rowing barge is a most spectacular creation. I am hoping that Prince Charles will be equipped with a nice long galley whip to spur on the rowers as they lead the jubilee procession next weekend.

G