The potential for damage might be there if, for example, a screen was too thick and ended up being forced in. The potential for damage is there when the screens are changed. If the screen is cut, how about the dust and debris created by the cutting? Screens should not be cleaned as they are so soft.

Come to that, will the screen be loacted correctly, will the split image be truly central, will the fresnel screen be the right pitch for a DSLR?

DIY solutions with precision instruments like cameras, rightly or wrongly, come across as being a bit dismissive about the potential dowfalls to me.

Do you really really want to do that Pete? It isn't intended for the K-7, despite a few people having a go at grinding down the screens and putting them in anyway. Why not have a word with one of the repair houses first to make sure?

Rather than a Bronica, why not the Pentax 645 in one of its versions. All the features such as motor wind and AE are already built in and the lenses are plentiful and inexpensive. And also excellent.

In addition, the operational logic of the camera is the same as every pentax DSLR, so no glitches to be found there.

Having used the Pentax, Bronica and mamiya 645 cameras I wouldn't even consider the rather primitive Bronica and Mamiya systems.

However, be aware that for a really dramatic jump in quality from 35mm film you really need to be looking at the Pentax 67.

A reminder has already been sent.

The lens manufacturer/a scrap lens from a camera fair/a repair house.

Please keep on topic, two posts removed.

You've got athe kit with the potential to tackle most subjects well, but it does need practice. Moving subjects are difficult and it's all about timimg and technique.

First I would concentrate on sorting out some static subjects to get to grips with the camera. Set the AF on centre focus only, and use a half press on the shutter release to focus and lock focus and exposure. then reframe and complete the shutter release to take the picture.

Setting the camera on ISO400 will help action shots. Try also to come away from the green setting and get to understand the three factors that control exposure - aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Books will help as will this forum.

Read a lot, do the tutorials in magazines and ask questions. Perhaps join a camera club. A course may be helpful.

Hope that helps!

Already both posted elsewhere on the forum. It attracts attention, that's no doubt its purpose.

The test using the "grey sky" as the light source is unfortunately not very scientific as you are not using a stable light source. Were you using a tripod so you were at least using exactly the same area of sky?

The second test is in keeping with expectation - f1.4 lenses are not at their best close up and are not intended for such use.

It sounds like you are doing something unsuitable for the situation, but hard to know what without being there.

Forgetting the flash, which kills atmosphere anyway, I would set a high ISO and a fairly wide aperture and then prefocus on a spot, holding the exposure and focus point with a half press on the shutter release. Then just before your daughter arrives at that spot release the shutter. It's a matter of practice to catch action, so keep trying and look at any techniques that are offered here or in magazines and books.