Hi Tim, I guess you would call them miniature ornamental cow bells
They certainly make that type of sound.

Thanks for the comments Mike, I'll certainly take on board your thoughts

Strong points, I think form and texture and I actually rather like the colour tones

Here is the subject

[IMG]http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/Greytop_photos/Copper%20cushion/Cowbells.jpg[/IMG]

About time the DFA 100 macro had an airing...

C&C welcomed

1.

[IMG]http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/Greytop_photos/Copper%20cushion/right.jpg[/IMG]

2.

[IMG]http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/Greytop_photos/Copper%20cushion/leftend.jpg[/IMG]

3.

[IMG]http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab269/Greytop_photos/Copper%20cushion/left.jpg[/IMG]

Hi Vic, the file you downloaded from the Pentax site is compressed and includes the BIN file for the firmware update and the Read me. Actually I've just noticed the Windows file is an executable so you can either unzip this file (right click upzip to...) to access the BIN and Read me files or run it and it will deposit the read me and BIN file in the directory that you downloaded it to.

Here is the text for the read me...

==========================================================================
PENTAX K-7 Firmware Updating to Version 1.03
==========================================================================

* Firmware is the software that runs inside digital cameras.

Updatable models
K-7 digital SLR cameras running Firmware Ver. 1.00/1.01/1.02.

How to check version
Turn the power on while pressing the MENU button.
The Firmware version is displayed for about 5 seconds at the center
of the LCD monitor.
Perform the above operation without inserting the SD/SDHC card
containing Firmware in the camera.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * [Caution] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Be sure to use fully charged battery (DLI-90)
If the camera turns off during updating due to lack of battery power, the
camera will become inoperable. If this happens, a charge will be made for
repairs even if within the warranty period.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Updating Procedure

1. Provide a formated SD/SDHC memory card for the update software (with at
least 32MB of available memory space).
The downloaded file is self-extracting.
The following files are extracted.

readme.txt : this document
fwdc204b.bin : Firmware

Copy the above Firmware file [fwdc204b.bin] to the root directory in
the SD/SDHC card.
If your computer does not have a card slot, you can copy the firmware
update file by inserting the SD/SDHC card into your camera and then
connecting the camera directly to your computer.

2. Insert the D-LI90 battery into the camera and confirm the battery is full
by battery level indicator then turn the camera off.

3. Insert the update SD/SDHC card (prepared in step 1) into the camera
and close card cover.

4. Turn the camera power on while pressing the MENU button.

5. "NOW LOADING" appears in the LCD monitor, and will change to the
"PROGRAM UPDATE". At the bottom of the LCD monitor,

CURRENT VERSION 1.00/1.01/1.02
UPDATE VERSION 1.03

will be displayed.

6. Press the four-way controller to select "YES" and press the "OK" button.

7. "UPDATING" appears on the LCD monitor and updating starts.
Please do not under any circumstances switch off the power before the
update is completed.
It will take approximately 90 seconds to complete update.

8. When update is completed, the "COMPLETE" will be displayed at the left
bottom of the LCD monitor, then turn the camera off.

9. Remove the update SD/SDHC card from the camera.

10. To check the Firmware version in your camera, turn the camera on while
pressing the MENU button.
Check that the version displayed in the LCD monitor is "Ver.1.03"
The camera automatically starts up after about 5 seconds.

(Caution)
When updating is finished, the update SD/SDHC card still contains the
Firmware file.
If you want to use this card to take pictures, delete the Firmware file
first.


HOYA CORPORATION

Hi Vic, Stefan is exactly correct. Unzip the download on you PC and copy the bin file to route of your SD card. When you unzip the read me file should appear in the directory (on your PC) too.
To update make sure you have a fully charged battery installed in the K-7 and insert the SD card, turn on whilst holding down the menu button and follow the on screen instructions

PS: I'm sure you realise but don't turn the camera off until the update is completed

First set have been PP'd but not with any excessive NR. The second set have not, they are Jpegs straight out of the camera.
I would be surprised if the K-7 had more noise than an K10D (great camera that it is) at high ISO to be honest.

Edit: I think I'm correct in saying that the K-m has the same sensor as the K10D. My daughter has a K-m and she and I have taken shots in similar low light conditions. Comparing the images it's pretty obvious that the K-7 is appreciably better at high ISO.

Thanks for your generous comments Lance
Whether there is an improvement or not (still think there may be) I guess it does show that the K-7 is perfectly capable at higher ISO. To be fair I always thought that was the case anyway

Well all I can say is that that dramatic sky works very well, nicely done Andrew

No danger of my K-7 seizing up, if I'm not out and about it's normally out the camera bag being subjected experimentation of some sort, either in or out of the house.
Photography, what a hobby

A striking image Andrew, certainly suits the monochrome treatment, a well balanced crop too.

I'm trying to figure out what you have done, my only guess would be a transplanted sky, it looks so dramatic.... but I'm most probably wrong

I must try an get out to take some images, haven't done for quite a while

I see you have a trusty 1200 Bandit Kris

Nice