It was the Damhouse Summer Garden party today, so we went over to have a look. Sadly, strip out the stuff we would expect to see on 1940s weekends or classic car shows and we are left with not very much. Fortunately we had a pleasant over lunch chat with friendswho are sometimes Pentax users.

There were quite a few people milling about, especially after the pasties and pies.



There were also a few Mustangs there, previously photographed so I made a few very selective shots of details.



And a picture of Damhouse itself, looking good in some brilliant direct lighting.



Camera was the Pentax K-3 III with SMC DA 18-135mm lens.

Did anyone get out and about somewhere interesting today?

If talking about moving wildlife, the shutter speed does need to be high, not to stop camera shake but to stop subject movement.

If we are pointing the camera at the sky and it is putting a bird into silhouette, then incresing the ISO is not the answer. The answer is exposure compensation. In this case, a plus value will increse the exposre and brighten up the subject.

If using a tripod for a stationary subject then using the self timer to avoid shake of pressing the shutter button will automatically turn off the SR system. This depends on the camera as many newer models (not Pentax DSLRs) can be used on a tripod with the SR/SR/IS systems still switched on. Check the camera/lens instructions.

Sorry to hear of your difficult times, but a warm welcome back and I hope you soon get back into the Pentax Vibe.

Some subjects can be quite emotive so probably a good idea to put this one to bed now. The forecast is that tomorrow things will have cooled off...

The other option for travelling light is keeping things simple, perhaps just taking one lens rather than every lens that we own. Really stemming from doing reviews, where a trip out for sample shots is a focused, single minded affair. If subjects come up that can't be covered, then they have to wait for another day, but by and large a single lens can be used creatively in a surprsingly wide set of circumstances.

As an example, I use the 18-135mm lens most of the time and it is very rare that unexpected subjects arise that need something closer focusing or longer. I would not take that lens as a choice to, say, Martin Mere to photograph birds, but then I'd choose something else for that day. A trip to a stately home could be covered with the 18-135mm plus an ultra-wide prime and the overall burden would still be be fairly reasonable.

One thing I have noticed is that sometimes photographers carry everything in their bags, even chargers and flash guns into situations where these are just not needed. So a close look at what we carry and what we actually need could also reduce the load.

Do you have a price in mind for the 8 element 50mm f/1.4?

There are some profoundly annoying quirks with some of the smaller digital cameras. Buttons that press too easily. Dials that also press when not wanted to. Centre point focus that won't stay in the centre.

I would suggest trying the ones you shortlist out for a few days. Some manufacturers have try before you buy schemes. Some dealers might rent. If making a serious investment it would be good to avoid the pitfalls.

Absolutely spot on Flan, but we still have Pentax User, something that is well worth supporting and well worth keeping going. Onwards, ever onwards!

I know it doesn't help in getting your kit back, but is it insured? If not with special insurance then your household contents insurance might cover it.

I would say use them. Not all at once, but perhaps select one and then really get to use it over a period of time. Then move on to the next one, thus eventually giving them all a fair chance with the latest camera bodies.

It's a project I'm about to undertake for myself. The lenses are too good to just leave them on a shelf.