It obviously won't fire if it is set to auto. On auto, the camera decides whether it is dark enough to warrant using flash. That's what auto means: the camera decides.

Put the camera on manual.

Kim,

Yes, C is the ringflash. S is a dedicated flash which can't operate in program mode. I think this means it will tell the camera to switch to flash sync speed, and will operate in auto mode, meaning that the flash will switch off when enough light has reached the sensor (on the flash).

Boz's site says that all auto flashes were also program flashes, but he says that program flashes were designated Sa. Where this leaves the AF200S I have no idea.

Kim,

Very succinct, but what about S and C?

Since this happens across a number of different lenses/bodies/films it must be down to subject, technique or processing.

Are you shooting into the sun or another bright light source? Are you photographing objects which might fool the automatic machines which print the pictures, so that they make a mess of the colour balance?

My suggestions are to use a lens hood; don't photograph light sources directly; and try a couple of rolls of slide film to eliminate processing error.

If, having done all that, you are still getting a red cast, then I can only suggest that you leave Mars and come and live on Earth. There's more to see, and the light's better.

There are several minor camera brands that use the Pentax bayonet (Chinon, Ricoh, some Vivitar, various store brands) but I am not yet aware of any that make digital SLRs.

Hang on a month or two for Pentax's new cheaper digital SLR. Or save up and buy the *ist D. You won't find a better camera in its price range.

A screen and a reflector are the obvious way to go. You could also try filtering the light through something like the material on a softbox, or the diffusing panels used over fluorescent lighting. Some of them have a "warming" effect which might be useful. Experiment beforehand.

The only trouble with using screens and reflectors outdoors is wind. However, if you are photographing pretty girls it shouldn't be too difficult to find volunteers to assist you!

It just means blocking the source of unwanted light, usually harsh midday light.

You might of course wish to provide an alternative light source, such as fill flash or a reflector to add a bit of contrast.

Pentax has just announnced two new macro lenses. They seem destined to please everybody, as they are optimised for digital but cover the 35mm frame, and include an aperture ring. Perhaps they intend to bring out a full-frame digital after all.

This is what you want:

http://pug.komkon.org/

And subscribe to the PDML to mingle with some of the most knowledgeable photograghers on the planet.

http://www.mail-archive.com/pentax-discuss%40pdml.net/

G

I second the suggestion of the Epson Perfection (Photo) series. The very high resolutions offered by some high-end dedicated film scanners are impractical for most of us because they output gigantic files.

The Perfections offer quite sufficient resolution for most purposes, and have the advantage that they also scan ordinary documents or photographs. This means you only need one scanner, not two.