One more vote for the DA12-24 here

Hi John, welcome to the forum.

I'm not sure where you got the impression that the Sigma wouldn't work on your K200D but it's wrong. If you want the Sigma then it should work just fine as your camera supports HSM-type focussing, it's the older Pentax DSLR's (*ist series and K100D) that can't use it.

If you look at my post on the first page of this thread (third one down from the top) I've done a omparison between 15mm and 18mm - not quite what you're asking for I know, but it should be close enough to give you some idea.

LOL! Nice example of technology trying to out-think the photographer

A Pentax Bellows Unit K (original box, "great" condition) sold yesterday on eBay for US$123.50 (about £80) + p&p.

That's without the slide copier and there was no mention of instructions either! If it was me I'd keep them as I reckon you'll get a bit of use from them (I would), but if you did want to sell then they alone should recoup your initial outlay.

If we had a forum award for Bargain Finder Of The Year I know who'd be getting my vote...

PS. I'd have probably paid what Clarky did for the bellows and slide copier alone!

Well I've got the 43 Ltd so I really don't need the M40 as well, but if I see one going cheap the next time the camera fair rolls into town I might be tempted. I passed on one at 30 quid the last time I went to the Beaconsfield fair and regretted it afterwards as I could have made a profit on eBay if I hadn't liked it. Oh well, live and learn...

I'm waiting for the weather to pick up a bit - can't muster any enthusiasm for outdoors and it's not really an indoors-y sort of lens (although it does focus down to 1m).

135mm does seem quite a nice length on digital though, I can now see the appeal of the DA*50-135 better than I could before - not that I'll be buying one of course!

Welcome shargreaves! I've been using Avast for around 3 years now and heartily recommending it to anyone who asks (which has been quite a few people!). In that time I know of no computer that's been running Avast to get any form of infection.

It's free, uses very little system resources and just works brilliantly and quietly in the background. I'm glad I'm not the only one here who's pleased with it.

I don't disagree with you, however, is it actually worth that price?

I was keen to get one for my MX but after reading many opinions on the 'net (I know, a dangerous thing to do!) I got the impression it was a case of style over substance (with unfavourable comparisons being made to the far more humble M50/2).

I still think Clarky got a fantastic bargain (and there's no doubt the pancake looks the business) but I'd be interested in hearing any opinions on how well (or badly) the lens does actually perform in real life.