I voted yes. I intend buying a Q and the standard prime and zoom lenses (If you're reading this Ricoh can we have a GR Lens for that system next please?).

Rightly or wrongly I'm generally more optimistic for Pentax's future under Ricoh than I was under Hoya, and that didn't stop me buying stuff. Buy what you want for today because you may get hit by a bus tomorrow.

I won't be at that event but Mallory Park is probably my favourite track from a spectating perspective. If you can find a space on the banked section just before the start/finish straight you'll have a view that encompasses around 80-90% of the circuit from a single spot. I don't know of any other UK circuit (other than kart-specific ones) where the same can be said.

I'm optimistic for the new company. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of both Ricoh and Pentax, believing their product lines already complement each other nicely.

My prediction is that the merger will see the end of the Optio line (with future compacts being badged as Ricohs) and the end of the GXR system (interchangeable lens cameras being badged as Pentax).

Time will tell

I'm glad the AP is working again - it was a very clean and pretty example. And congratulations on finding the 58/2.4 - that's one lens I would still like to try as it's the only Heliar-based lens Pentax have ever made.

Around the camera's lens mount are six cross head screws which should be ever-so-slightly recessed. If any of them have poked above the mount's surface then it could be a reason for the tightness you're experiencing. Worth giving them all a little check over with a small screwdiver.

Will the camera fire at its X-sync speed? This is a mechanical speed that requires no battery power so if you still can't take a photo it's more likely to be the infamous "sticky mirror syndrome" that often crops up in LXs. It's fixable but it will require attention from a specialist who can replace the rubber bump stop under the mirror (Harrow Technical spring to mind).

If the meter lights up in the viewfinder then that would imply that there is power there - move the winder to the stand-off position and half press the shutter to check if you get a reading.

It's always seemed odd that this is the only Pentax lens I've bought (except the original kit lens and second hand offerings) which wasn't supplied with a case as standard. I could understand if it was a budget model but it's certainly not that.

I fear you're wasting your breath John, the Flat Earth Society has already decided that the sky is falling and I don't think you'll convince them otherwise. I shall now leave this thread as there doesn't seem to be anything constructive to be found in it.

Come now, you're normally so good at having sly digs at Pentax but your quality has slipped well below your regular high standards in this thread. Your point about Nikon and Sony about to release cameras with sensors smaller than an existing Pentax offering proves what exactly? And is relevant to the Q how?

It's interesting to note that the same rumour sites that leaked details of the Q months ago (and were pretty much spot-on) also seem to think the new Nikon mirrorless system is based on the same size sensor as the Q. Anyone prepared to bet against the new Canon (if and when it ever hits the market) treading the same path?

It seems not everybody is backward looking after all

Too big and too close to APS-C, it offers no tangible advantage over what they already have (APS-C). Within a generation or two the Q sensor will have better imaging characteristics (noise, dynamic range) than todays's 4/3rds anyway. Pentax are looking to the future and small/medium/large sensor choice makes more sense than a medium-ish/medium/large line up.

It's taken you 24 hours and that's the best you can do?