Welcome back, Pentax ergonomics strike back again...

Not sure if this really qualifies as a 'deal' but Real Camera in Manchester have an uncarved LX grip A for sale: link

Rewinding the film is a two step process and uses the round button and the slide switch next to it. You press the round button in (this disconnects the drive) then slide the rectangular switch to the side (this starts it to rewind). It sounds like you may have only pressed the round button in?

Camera Solutions used to have a lot of Pentax (including binos and scopes). Wilkinsons basically don't stock Pentax anymore (shame as most of my kit was bought from them). Had to buy my K-1 from SRS...

I think there are still two woodies at Blackpool, but the most scary was the Wild Mouse. I remember riding Star Jet at Seaside Heights many years ago, so sad to see it in the Atlantic after Hurricane Sandy.

I've had this lens a while but not really used it until recently when I managed to get the correct hood for it. A couple of quick shots to explore it's character:

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays:

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays by John Halliwell, on Flickr

The Victoria Building (recently spruced up), Salford Quays:

Victoria Building, Salford Quays by John Halliwell, on Flickr

I like the abstract approach you've taken with the framing, 'stuff' seems sprout out from everywhere there and you've done a good job of calming it down a bit. The gap between Blackpool and St Annes was basically where Pontins used to be (closed a while ago and demolished more recently).

The last one is superb as are the ones showing it in the environment. They also look very crisp with very good tonality.In our DSLR world it's easy to forget film is capable of stunning results. Thanks for sharing.

I really like the composition, very imaginative, love the mood and processing.

It's a while since I looked at an EvF, but panning was appalling. The new Panasonic L ML seems to be suffering as it's the size of an FF DSLR. The 50mm lens is likely as big as the DFA50/1.4 judging by the size of the box.

Size isn't important unless the difference is significant. Many ML shooters are still using legacy glass with adapters which nullify any size advantage while crippling functionality. When I see P6x7 lenses advertised as suitable for ML systems I'm simply amazed anyone would bother.

A K-1 for a grand is a massive bargain.