We are currently discussing the matter of Tim's banning and subject to the ban being lifted when the 7 days expires later this evening, it would be very unfair to put any pressure on Tim if he decides to return to the fold.

On reflection, it would have been better to have not had this thread at all and in future these things will be indeed PM only, as per the T&Cs. If that had been the case things could have been resolved discretely, so there are good reasons for these rules.

Therefore this thread will now be locked, and if Tim does return hopefully we won't turn a spotlight on him but will just accept him back into everyday discussion.

Not necessarily. There may be a custom menu choice as to whether the camera waits for the green hexagon focus indicator to light or whether the shutter can be released any time.

The second shot is a gorgeous bird portrait.

Actually, given the low cost of the f2.4 version, why not start with that. If you're happy, then the quest is over. If not, you can sell it on at minimal loss and go for the most expensive option.

Both will be excellent, buy on a balance of cost aginst required features.

So, the f2.4 version, inexpensive but no QS focusing and no macro


Or, the Macro lens for more substantial construction, closer focusing and QS. It is marginally slower, but not significantly so.

It does cause a dilemma - which extra lenses to buy, another case to carry it all in, more cards, when to take it intead of the DSLR.....

Cameras have different fuctions and for most purposes the DSLR kit is my companion, but not when just going about everyday tasks. Then a compact is always carried, just in case.

I can see though that, say, on a business trip or sales conference where carrying a DSLR outfit would not be possible, that carrying a Q outfit would be very possible.

Individuals will have their own ideas as to whether or not these new system cameras are for them.

"The SFX was succeeded by the SFXn in 1989, adding automatic exposure bracketing, as well as a few other improvements such as 1/4000sec maximum shutter speed." (Quoted from Asahi Pentax and Pentax SLR 35mm Cameras 1952-1989 by Danilo Cecchi)

Moved to lenses section.

With the right post-processing, it can be very hard to distinguish between a prime and zoom, certainly on the web.

I've been using primes a good deal more since I bought the three FA Limited lenses, but it's the 77mm that I really love. Funnily enough, the 70mm DA Limited also enchanted me. So is it the focal length as much as the quality?

Even the 18-55mm can look lovely and crisp at f11 and web resolution.

It will be on its way to Michael in the morning.

The pity is that it's in such beautiful condition...c'est la vie.