I second the recommendation of a 24-90. It's an excellent range on digital, and optically the lens is a beauty. Ffordes have two for sale at the moment.

https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm

Apart from the issue of DOF, speed is less of a problem when using a (Pentax) DSLR because the image quality at ISO 800 is very high.

Be careful when buying Sigmas. Some are fine, but some have exposure problems because (allegedly) Sigma reverse-engineer the Pentax software to avoid paying royalties, and don't always get it right. My advice (if you must buy a Sigma) would be to buy new from a shop and try it out first.

George

In my young day (we're talking '50s), the hippo were at the North Eastern end of the lake, obviously in separate fresh water. During the night they would wander for miles, and being hippo-munched was quite a common cause of death for people walking along the main Nairobi-Nakuru road at night.

It's a "little-known fact" that they are the most dangerous mammals of all to humans in Africa. No fear, very aggressive, and often found where you don't expect them.

The most dangerous non-mammal (leaving aside the mosquito) is possibly the black mamba, again because of its aggressiveness (and speed, size and venom!).

George

Ken,

It's Nakuru, not Nakura. I used to live near there as a lad, many years ago. It was fun to wander around the Park area on foot before it became a National Park. Had a few scary moments with hippos. Sadly no camera, but I wouldn't have paused to take a picture if I had!

George

When I said forget it, what I meant was don't buy this camera just for that feature. If it's a good deal anyway, then by all means go for it.

G

For the vast majority of people it's worth nothing at all.

If you really, really, really need to know the exact time and day the shot was taken, then by all means get it. But if not, forget it.

G

Indeed, Kimbo. Thank God for digital.

G

Looks good. There is no DOF preview with this model, which wouldn't worry me.

It's possible some people might think the data back is worth paying extra for, and bid up the price. Personally, if it went for more than £60 I'd hang fire and wait for another.

The seller can read and write (well, I'm assuming the former), which is always encouraging.

G

I don't think there is much conflict in the advice given; just different suggestions to consider.

The MZ5(n) is a very good camera, but my reason for suggesting the SFX is that it is both very well made, and usually much cheaper than the MZ5. If cost is a consideration, it's a god choice.

G

All Pentax autofocus SLRs can use K and M lenses fully, and meter properly in aperture priority mode, with the exception of the MZ30, 50 and 60, and the *ist series.

In other words, with the exception of those bodies mentioned, any AF body will provide all the functionality of a manual focus body with manual focus lenses, and it will also provide focus confirmation.

If you like well-made, chunky, cameras, then an SFx is a good choice and will probably last for much longer than newer, lighter, bodies.

It's not beautiful, but it's the picture you look at, not the camera.

George

It says a lot about AP that they consider Pentax's worst DSLR to be its best.

Gone are the days when this magazine was worth buying.

George