Having just ordered a 12-24mm zoom from Technikdirekt, I have resolved to buy no more lenses in 2006.

If you have shares in Ebay, sell them now.

G

Don,

When I said that film probably just has the edge over digital when it comes to b&w, I was referring only to ultimate print quality, and should perhaps have made that clear.

Next time I'm in Canada I'll drop by andf have a look at your digi prints.

Best wishes

G

Don,

I was expecting somebody to disagree with the statement that digital colour was better than colour film!

The b&w people whom I know reckon that a digital print still can't compare with a pure analogue print. Since I don't do b&w I can only repeat what they have said. I'm interested to hear that you think digital is better.

It would be interesting to hear what the other b&w people have to say.

G

First, don't believe all you read about Pentax and focussing. Very few Pentax users complain about focussing, and it's really only an issue if you shoot sports.

Second, there is no such thing as a good .66 tele-adapter. You'll just have to get used to the multiplier effect, and fork out for a new wide-angle. As you appear to like zooms, you'll be very pleased with the Pentax 16-45mm, which equates to 24-68mm in 35mm terms. It'll knock spots off your existing zooms.

Your 50mm lems will of course become a superb portrait lens.

All makes of digital cameras with sophisticated flash systems have problems with metering the flash off the sensor. Metering from the film gives more consistent results than metering from a digital sensor. However, because you can instantly review what you've taken, it's much easier to use manual flash than with a film camera. Also, of course, flashguns with their own sensor work just as well as they do on film cameras.

It's probably true to say that film still just has the edge over digital when it comes to b&w, but digital ain't bad. When it comes to colour, there's no contest because you can do so much more to improve the image with digital than you can with colour film. However, some may disagree!

Have you seen these pictures from someone who has just started shooting b&w on a DS?

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2076

G

Try this:

http://www.berkeley-observatory.co.uk/

Good pics. You certainly chose a clear night.

G

Are you using fresh batteries?

G

Thanks, Kim,

Very interesting.

I suppose that Asahi are unlikely to have produced such an expensve lens if it was not going to be at least adequately good optically.

Usability is another matter. It's by no means the longest or heaviest K or M42 lens ever made, but I'm sure it's a pig to use. I have an M 400 5.6, and unlike the F*300 it really can't be used without a tripod. This beastie must be much worse.

But don't tell Mac I said that. I live in hope.

G

Oh, Matt, you disappoint me. I was hoping that you would grab it, test it, and let us all know how it performed. Then, when another appears on Ebay in five years time I'd know whether to buy it.

And there's no need to worry about sherpas or Tomcats. Mount it on a pair of large wheels, and you'll kill two birds with one stone. You'll be able to tow it yourself, behind the SUV, and it's resemblance to a 4.5 Howitzer will soon frighten off the military.

Perhaps you'll change your mind?

G

Mac,

As you gear up for buying into the K-mount system, and given your interest in zoom lenses, I thought you might be interested in this one. I've only ever seen one for sale before, so my advice is to snap it up while you have the chance.

Nothing will give you greater credibility as a photographer.

http://tinyurl.com/8mhg4

George

I've just got one of those little slaves from Hong Kong. It arrived in under a week, and works fine, most of the time. Not sure how long it will last, though.

G