Most consumer zooms don't match their descriptions anyway - many of the xx-300 zooms from the '90s only went to about 265mm when tested. As John points out, many pre (and possibly post) war lenses were identified in centimetres (and are still advertised as 2.8, 3.5 or 5cm lenses by some dealers). Many Russian lenses are known by their names rather than focal lengths - Jupiter-8, 9, 11 or Helios M44-2 (which was 58mm) for example.

Is this the 'Synchro-focus' version which has infinity on the left - like Pentax lenses and the opposite from most other Sigma's (and other independents)? This makes a big difference if you're used to MF Pentax lenses.

I have the APO version of this lens - sought after in the MF film days (one of the few affordable 400's).

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Thanks Don, I can see why you need great video production and why you shoudn't wait (then again it sounds like you'd need something more specialised).

Excellent work, vibrant and very imaginative use of video & stills - thanks for sharing. I've tried video and realised I'm rubbish at it (at work we leave our video production to the professionals).

I stumbled across the AP review of the Z7 - didn't bother reading it but did look at the bit about the F lens mount adapter. Apparently it can't AF all lenses as it has no screw-drive connector, Nikon's solution gained the high praise by the reviewer stating "I found this gave one of the best manual-focus experiences of any mirrorless camera."

High praise indeed - what is this mysterious process: "In this case the camera will show a digital rangefinder display in the viewfinder, with left and right arrows indicating which way to turn the focus ring."

Umm, sounds fab, but I can't help remembering reading about and using cameras that have already done this... the MEF link and the SFX(n) used the same display.

I don't think video is the be-all-and-end-all, video bloggers are becoming much more technical in their video production. One I saw recently had five cameras on the go, these weren't high-end mirrorless but the minimal that could deliver 1080p HD content. Drones will increasingly become the defacto production tools - replacing selphie sticks and multiple tripod mounted cameras. I can't see Pentax being able to compete in these markets (neither will high-end, FF mirrorless cameras - the costs would be too high).

Everybody seems to want superb video, but how are they using it? Video blogging is one application, but what are the others, home movies? I'm genuinely interested in those from this forum who have moved away for better video - what are you doing with it?

The 645Z was the first medium format camera ever to do video - but the nay sayers reported it as the usual mediocre Pentax video offering - some people are never satisfied.

Pentax can't influence third party manufacturers and nor should they. How could they justify spending the R&D on new lenses if half their market is swallowed up by independents at cheaper prices?

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Sadly you've sold everything I wanted

Have they fixed the light leaks around the lens mount with their own native lenses yet: link ?

Nah, they'd have to remove the meter to give the photographer 'full freedom of expression' because they just seem to get in the way - more like an SV.