If you want a consistent difference betwen frames in a single direction, you can set the camera to do it automatically by setting the auto-bracketing up and then applying exposure compensation. As you apply the compensation, the 'bracket points' move on the number-line so you can shift the neutral point.

For example to set a 5 shot bracket at -0.5, 0, +0.5, +1, +1.5:
1) Set auto bracketing up at 5 shots (front dial), 0.5EV steps (rear dial).
2) Set the exposure compensation to +0.5EV.
3) Camera does the rest.

Thanks womble,

Yes, my 28mm/3.5 is a Super-Takumar with a 58mm diameter (sorry I'm new to the M42 game and have some of both).

The hood itself has "Takumar 1:3.5 28mm" on the top and "ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN" on the bottom.

John

I'm selling a metal rectangular hood for a Takumar 28mm f/3.5 with the 49mm filter thread (bought in error thinking it would fit my SMC Tak 28/3.5 which is 58mm). In good condition apart from exterior paint which has worn off the edges. It locks firmly to other 49mm lenses.

£20 includng postage, bank transfer preferred but will also accept cheque & Paypal with fees.

John.

I've recently acquired several Super/SMC taks, they're all in excellent condition. I can only conclude they were treated with great care in an era when throwing things away (or replacing them at the drop of a hat) wasn't an option. An era where owning a camera (with metering - possibly not open aperture metering!) and three prime lenses was probably the most many photographers could afford.

Hi All,

I've got an old Motordrive-A where the vertical release isn't working, and ideas? The normal one is working fine, is this likely to be the drive unit or the battery unit (where the release is)?

Yes it is switched on - why Pentax used Green for Off and Orange for On always confused me!

I've just checked the K-5 manual, and it does Hyper Manual like the Z-1 did and the AE lock works the same way.

I'm not sure about TAV, unless you know the effect you want (favouring aperture or shutter speed) in advance, I can't see how it helps. I haven't used it much and don't know how swapping lenses with different maximum apertures might affect it?

Thanks John,

The 50/1.4 I have has an obvious extension further into the camera beyond the rear of the mount. I have read that the original 8 element lens was redesigned to 7 elements to avoid the problem, although I don't know if this is correct?

John.

As others have said, Hyper Program mode allows you to seemlessly switch between Av, Tv and the selected program line (green button). As fatspider mentions, it is the best way to switch between modes.

My favourite mode on the Z-1 was Hyper Manual: Normal manual but a single button press would set the selected program line settings, then by pressing the AE lock, it would hold the metered EV level and allow you set the shutter/aperture settings for this with either dial... genius. I've not ventured far enough into the K-5 manual to know if this works on it too?

Quick question about Spotmatics and the 50mm/1.4 SMC lenses: Are these compatible with all Spotmatics or does it depend on the colour of the 'R' on the rewind crank like the S1a?

I posted the above about a week ago. Today another trip to the same shop showed considerable improvement. They had a Kr with kit lens, K-5 with kit lens (both outside the cabinets), 55-300 & 35/2.4 lenses (all priced) and some boxed Q kits on display. Credit where credit's due, all in all a big improvement.