Um, blimey - having just looked at Leica Q prices, you can do so much more for that money. Is it really worth it for a 24Mp FF compact when you can get a GRIII and save multiple bundles of £1000? I guess it may be a case of really wanting it, but not for me (a used M10 for similar money may be a different proposition).

This is my best effort out of about 40 shots with a 645D, 6x7 Extension Tube & 6x7 135/4 Macro (cropped as it wouldn't behave). The 6x7 135 macro has a very long throw focussing ring, making quick focus changes almost impossible:

Speedgraphic have closed their shop but at present are apparently still operating for on-line orders (how long the postage/courier services continue may be another question). Not sure how they compete on price but I've always had good service from them.

I've decided not to send any film for processing at the moment, I might order some chemicals and re-start home processing for mono. Fortunately a couple of purchases from Japan made have arrived safe: M150/3.5 & 6x7 150/2.8 (both near mint and surprising hard to find in the UK), thanks to Royal Mail & Parcel Force.

Welcome to the forum. I can't remember whether the SFXn will fire the shutter without film in (many AF SLRs wouldn't). Don't touch the mirror, focussing screen or the shutter mechanism, these are very susceptible to damage.

As for film, any 35mm film with DX coding (to set the ISO) will be fine. The camera can be set up to override the DX coding but that's a complication best ignored when starting out.

The battery goes in the right hand grip, unscrew the fastener and the grip comes off - the battery only goes in one way. Read the manual completely before you start.

The SFXn is a very good camera, shout if you have more questions.

John

My preference is for lenses with aperture rings for my manual cameras. The FA43 is my favourite prime by a very long way.

Depends on budget, the 150-450 is supposed to be very good but very expensive. Depends on whether you need a zoom (better for airshows etc) or a prime. Lenses over 400 will always be big & heavy unless you go for a mirror.

Mirrors are a fraction of the size & weight and much easier to handle. Their fixed apertures aren't really a problem with a DSLR. The Tamron 500 or Sigma 600(?) are probably the best options.

I have a 67 500/5.6 which is very good when stopped down on my 645D. I haven't really tried it on the K-1 (too cumbersome to lug around). I also have a KA Sigma 400/5.6 (not sure of the filter diameter but it's one of tne 'synchro-focus' versions) - it shows some 'misting' which seems common (the web suggests possibly lubrication related?).

No matter how long you go, you'll always want more reach. There's an argument you'll get better images with a shorter, easier to handle lens on a crop body or cropping in post.

Accepting that the base might be wider than the top, the 67 75mm shift lens manual suggests you shouldn't dial out converging verticals completely as this gives an unnatural look. Better to keep a hint in.

Assuming the same as the K-5 charger, any 'figure of 8' cable (it has a fancy IEC designation nobody can remember) will be fine. As John mentioned, any fuse may be more than 3 amps but this is unlikely as this is good for 700 watts and only things like kettles, irons, hair dryers and toasters generally have 13A fuses (even then it's unlikely to be a problem).

Good choice, LennyBloke looks like he may have one in the classifieds.

If you're not sure whether a 50 prime is right for you, choose an M (should be very reasonably priced) or an A (slightly more), either 1.4 or 1.7 - there's very little difference. If you decide it's not for you, you can sell it for what you paid for it.

My preference is the FA43 but it depends on what other lenses you may have/want.

Update: I'm in no position to argue for/against any as I have many of the different options.