1) MZ-5's are as cheap as chips and plentiful, have a look on Bojidar's site for the full spec.

2) The main cost with film is in the developing / printing. If you have some out of date film then use it, but I'd say paying money for it is a false economy.

3) Slide film will be developed the way it was shot and sent back to you in the form of slides - handy for scanning but not so great for showing off your efforts to friends and family. Print film has a greater degree of latitude when it comes to processing so is more forgiving for the beginner - plus you generally get a nice set of prints to flaunt

4) No idea, sorry. But I would skip Holgas - they may be cheap but they're also nasty! If you really want to shoot some 120 film (and have little cash) then see if you can find an old Zeiss Ikon folding camera on eBay - they often fetch about the same as a Holga but have that most modern of conveniences, a glass lens!

Good luck!

If you want any help with eBay listings then send me a PM - I've sold quite a few high-worth items on there and I ship all over the world. Although I'd probably leave it until the new year now as I know from previous years there are fewer bidders sat at their PC's over the festive season...

Not my personal taste either but in the entry-level market I don't think extra choice can be a bad thing.

Remember when PC's were all beige boxes until Apple launched the iMac - it didn't do them any harm and perhaps Pentax are hoping a little iPod magic will rub off on their cameras?

It certainly looks different from the Canikony rivals and sometimes that's all you need for success!

Fair enough, but I just think you'll get a lower price selling it here or through a UK shop.

Each to their own though, I'll still be interested to know what one of these beasts actually fetches!

As far as I know linking to other forums is fine - I've done it and not been threatened with a ban.

I've always liked Mallory Park from a photographer's point of view - nice and compact with the best cooked breakfasts I've ever sampled.

My friend (who actually has a race license) does like Snetterton though so I've tagged along a few times.

It's a shame you don't want to sell via eBay though; this really is the best time to be selling things overseas. As Kris suggested though you could give SRS a call and see what sort of a deal they'd do for you?

If you don't mind me asking, what is it that puts you off using eBay? Is it just the fees or do you not see it as being "safe"? Sorry to be so nosy!

Snetterton by any chance? I can imagine why you need a *very* long lens there! Not exactly spectator-friendly as circuits go...

There's a brand new AF Sigma 300/2.8 in Pentax mount on eBay at the moment - works out at £1930 plus p&p. Link.

I'd think you should get your £1100 easily for yours, however, you'll get the best price from overseas buyers as the £ is so weak at the moment. Do you have an eBay account or do you know someone who'd be willing to sell it on your behalf?

It is a good looking lens - any idea yet how much you'd want for it?

I wouldn't be suprised if it fetched £1500 on eBay (more if you threw in the two convertors) but it's hard to say as they're not exactly common! Unfortunately that puts it well outside of my budget but I wish you well with the sale, let us know how much you get for it in the end.

Bob's quite right; KAF2 may or may not support SDM, depending on the camera model.

Cameras that do support SDM are the K10D (with firmware update), K100D Super, K20D, K200D and K-m.

Your K200D will work just fine with the Sigma, have no fear!

PS. Take everything you read on DPR (especially when it concerns Pentax) with a liberal pinch of salt.

I'm pretty sure SRS would ship to the EU (they have before) if you ask them, but I think the cashback is for UK residents only.

The current price of £499 (body only) works out at 553 euros, to get it with a grip & DA16-45 is £775 which works out at around 860 euros.

The current weak £ works out in your favour!