As regards what do you say, I suggest you first tell them what you want (new lens) and why, simply and with no unecessary details. No threats, just the facts. Enclose copies of any relevant paperwork, including printouts of e-mails.

If they don't pay ball, then the small claims process might be the way to go, but too early to even mention that to them. If you do need this process then www.adviceguide.org.uk is a good place to start.

Don't forget to give them 7 or maybe 14 days to reply at each stage and to ask them in all letters to reply within this time scale.

Hope that helps!

Here's a poll to satisfy my curiosity as to what is the main card size you are currently using.

Don't think it makes that much difference Don, it's just a clunky way of adapting two systems. I'm not fond of the SLT design anyway, just another surface to keep clean.

The Sony A33 and A55 that I had a look at were pretty good though and I could use the EVF, but wouldn't by preference. A K-r is better and faster.

This is indeed an old chestnut. The idea of replacing focal length with field of view has been mooted for decades. It's not without merit, but unfortunately would mean that then almost nobody would have a clue what the figures meant.

I suppose I know a 46 degree lens is about 50mm on 35mm (is that right, I haven't checked?)but I doubt that many people will get to grips with that easily.

What is different about digital rather than film formats is the there are so many sensor sizes and now lots of non-photographers are making images. So equating all those formats to a "35mm equivalent" was no doubt a good idea. We've got to start somewhere and fewer people perhaps want to absorb themselves in the technicalities.

Yes, I'd go for them giving you a new one. They can sort out the costs with their own insurers in the fullness of time.

35mm i9n film terms stopped being considered wide in the 1960s, it's more of a "wide standard" on film. Many people used it as a standard lens.

28mm became the first film wide angle and 24mm the first film ultra-wide, but in current terms I think we need to get to wider than that before we become ultra-wide.

In APS-C terms the focal lengths required are quite different and 35mm is the standard lens, not unlike the 50mm on film. 21mm is almost a wide angle at 31.5mm equivalent. The 18-55mm zoom is a modern equivalent of the 28-80mm film lens, not particularly over-wide.

The 12-24mm however is an ultra-wide equivelent 18mm to a wide standard 36mm.

Perceptions change of course and it's time we ditched the "35mm equivalent" notion perhaps.

The question I would ask is do you need a new camera? If yes, then you buy one at whatever the price point you can find that satisfies you.

If no, the next question is do you want a new camera? If yes, then you need to look for suitable justification - can I afford it, do I want something else more, etc. If no, then problem solved, you don't buy one.

It's the borderline situation that's most uncomfortable - shall I, shan't I, is this the right time...but is there ever a right time? Those who jump early may pay more but they have had maybe 18 months of benefit from the purchase, whereas those who jump late save money but may immediately start worrying about whether the newer model might be better.

If you can afford to, buy it. Prices are good now and you could have a lot of fun. Life's too short to wonder what will come next.

If you check out the Leads to Deals section, plus www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk that will give you some options. Check the Classified Ads section as well to see if anyone is offering one for sale.

I bought a laptop from Currys and their warranty repair service, Techguys, was just horrendous.

Again, please keep to the topic. Buying and selling process only please.