If we want to explore composition, my best suggestion is to visit an art gallery and spend some time thinking about the paintings, which ones we like and why. Time well spent and my granddaughters have been amazed by some of them, including how huge the paintngs can be.

I realised when looking at these that I scanned both of them the same way. The first one I looked first at the posts and the gap between them, then my eye flooated on the the left to take in the gate. With the second I looked at the gate first and then backtracked along, now my eye was moving away from the image and out to the left.

So the first image pulls me in and the second one allows me to drift out. I prefer the first image, and I think for the reason just mentioned. If my eye scanned a different way (right handed vs left handed?) I might prefer the other.

Does this right hand/left hand theory hold up for others? I'm right handed and prefer image 1. Do left handed members prefer image 2?

The general point about eye contact is sound, but it is a generalisation. In this instance, the first shot is better IMHO because it adds a certain wistfulness to the portrait. But it is still the eyes that are key to the success of the image, they just don't need to be looking straight at us.

I hope it's all working out as fast as it can. They couldn't make 645Z cameras fast enough to keep up with demand at one point, and there may well be a limit as to how many K-1 II can be turned out. Steady growth is sustainable, whereas companies that grow too quickly can create problems for themselves.

I've had a look at the images on that thread. It's not a perfect comparison as the poster admits they messed it up to a small degree, but clearly the 645Z offers enhanced resolution that is clear to see. Look at the wires in the distant crane to see the difference.

You must be unfortunate dangie. What you are seeing is the reverse of how zoom lenses usually work, with wider angles performing better and some of them completely giving up at the long end. I would try another 18-135mm and see how that fares.

The Exakta was an entire left handed camera system, but it hasn't survived.

The premise is that you are in the place where suddenly aliens land right in front of you. No car, other transport or other people nearby. So obviously you need to record this moment on your camera. You are not on a photo walk, just somewhere going about normal everyday affairs.

The question is, what would you have with you to take this momentous picture?

My answer is that I would have my Pentax MX-1 in my jacket pocket, be it a sports jacket, suit jacket or warm outdoor coat as the weather demanded.

How about you?

I have lots of favourite lenses, but if I really needed to have just one then practicality would probably mean it would be the 18-135mm on APS-C or the 28-105mm on full frame.

It does and it doesn't darkskies, because gigs are usually brightly lit in the places that count. Even the MX-1 sensor doesn't show excessive noise at ISO 12,800 when the light is bright enough. It's the dark shadows that exaggerate it, as in the sample image. That's my experience anyway, although there are many different types of venue I guess.