If you get a chance to see Dracula at the Abbey, we thought it was brilliant. Very inventive and very funny.

The extra aperture will make a real difference to the depth of field available. Very fast wide angles do make differential focusing possible, particularly at close distances.

Any of the EPZ wide angle lens reviews have a series of images shot specifically to show the effect of each aperture on depth of field and bokeh.

When my brother-in-law bought a K-x some years ago the original lithium batteries supplied with it lasted for about 1300 shots, which was quite amazing. personally I prefer the lithium battery packs of most recent cameras as they are much quicker to change in the field.

For a rough and ready lens test that actually means something, try pinning up a large newspaper on a flat wall. Make sure the camera is centred and parallel to the wall, on a very firm tripod, focus very carefully using live view and take several runs of all apertures. Use the 2 second delayed action to disable SR and also make sure there is no camera movement. Then examine the clarity of the fine print to see what's what.

The samples shown so far are three dimensional and subject to subject movement. Trees and leaves blow about in the wind. Lack of a tripod invites camera shake.

There are alternative repair houses that are independent. Asahi Photo and Harrow Technical spring to mind, also Newton Ellis & Co in Liverpool. All this is UK based of course, so that depends on where you are situated.

I don't see how you will get to know what is wrong (we can't assume it's what you think it is, although it could be) without sending it to someone for assessment and a quote.

I understand that you might feel angry about your camera, but some way forward is needed to resolve your issues. It isn't a problem with every copy of the camera, although it is a known potential problem. After the two year warranty is passed then it will be chargeable as a repair. It isn't a DIY repair, so in relation to the cost of a second hand one, the evaluation is does a repair offer better value? Or would you be better simply upgrading to a more recent model?

There have been trade in deals where an extra £100 has been given for any camera traded in, and there have been cashback offers, so maybe looking out for some such is also an option.

Failing that, the camera is dead at present and there are a limited number of choices as to how to proceed.

I really doubt that it was done deliberately, that would be very stupid as it would knowingly cause a hugely expensive recall situation. I would think that a component in a particular batch might be suspect, in which case a known fault will exist but not all cameras would be affected.

I would contact the official repair house, JP Service Solutions, and ask them what can be done. If it is a firmware issue then having them upgrade it for you might not be too expensive. If components are needed, then they can give you a quote. If you join Pentax User Plus there is a 20% discount on servicing.

https://www.pentaxuser.com/discounts

Hope that helps!

This is a full frame lens. I use one on my K-1 and it performs very well. Hope that info helps - at £65 plus P&P it should be snapped up!

The lead is no longer in the box, but the video out connection will enable an image to be shown on a projector or monitor. It's great for tuition purposes as all the menus can be shown as well.

To be fair, that's a lot of ifs. If none of those things happen, you'll still be fine, so maybe the best thing would be to worry about it when it happens, if it happens? At that point you will have options and will no doubt select the best one for your current needs.