Thanks for the positive comments, to satisfy LennyBloke (after all, I bought the FA20-35 from him), I've uploaded a larger version on Flickr linked below. I usually restrict the size of my images on Flickr (I might remove the larger one as some point), I've kept the linked image small to avoid resizing on this forum):


The Lowry Theatre (larger) by John Halliwell, on Flickr

Hi All, I work close to Salford Quays and as I was passing last night I notice the ship canal was flat calm and the Lowry Theatre was well lit up. Having a tripod handy I couldn't resist seeing what the K-1 could do.

K-1, FA20-35/4 @ 29mm, ISO 100, 2 seconds @ f/4:

The Lowry Theatre at night by John Halliwell, on Flickr

A refurbished D with two years warranty for K-1ii money... more surprisingly, it's still there!

I'm familiar with these beautiful doors in Funchal (not sure if it's a custom elsewhere). I really like the framing and vibrant colours (I often frame too tight on the doorway for some reason) stepping back a bit has provided context around the door.

Joking aside, the guys who flew and operated those cameras did an amazing job given the technology and circumstances they found themselves in. Given the moans on this forum about AF speed, ISO sensitivity, and the like, hanging over the side with a glass plate camera over the battlefield must have been horrendous.

Hi All,

Spotted this on the Oxfam online shop, I have one of these and they go really well with a Spotmatic link

EDIT: Link corrected

John.

Welcome to the forum. The SF7 is very similar to the SFX and I assume power requirements will be similar. The SFX brochure claimed a 2CR5 battery would last for 150 rolls of 24 exposure film (flash not used) or 30 rolls if the built in flash is used 50% of the time. I'd expect you'd struggle to achieve that many rolls, especially while you get used to the workings of it, at least the batteries are cheaper than they were back in the day - £20 each at the time. I'd always carry a spare as the battery level indicator is likely to go from 'low battery' to 'no battery' very suddenly.

2CR5 Lithium batteries have a long shelf life and don't 'self-discharge', keeping the camera off when not in use will maximise their longevity - note as above that when using the built in flash, battery usage is much higher.

The MX was my first mechanical camera and I have a soft spot for it, but I generally prefer the KX proportions & handling. I sold my MX winders a while back, I just never used them. If I'm doing something I where I'm likely to end up bashing a camera, I'll often take a beaten up 'plastic' K1000 instead.

The KX probably feels the best built Pentax I have, likely the LX is more durable and of course versatile, but the KX feels more 'solid'. I have two K2s both with electronic faults (I bought the second hoping for parts to try and fix the first), nice looking cameras but the ISO setting ring is far too awkward to use (why on earth did they do that?).

Sorry, slow response, still interested, PM replied.

PM sent.