A local computer repair facility should be able to help, if only to identify the problem.

Mike, I'm quite clear what I meant by better and that is that the image quality of the Pentax DSLRs is better.

Using a rangefinder design for a digital camera starts off beset by problems because of the very short back focus. What was an advantage with film becomes a disadvantage as making a telecentric lens design is well nigh impossible.

There is a Pentax Adapter K. This fits inside the bayonet mount, so does not touch any contacts.

Interesting subject that has already raised some debate elsewhere! The judge has put his own interpreatation as a guide to set it off, but it's your thoughts on it that will count.

I'm thinking about this one now and it will be very interesting indeed to see what we all come up with.

Good point Hefty. The sad fact (for Leica) is that the quality out of a Pentax DSLR is probably better than the Leica M9. The M9 is "better" built, but only if you count made of metal as better built. In the end, there's nothing badly built about the pentax cameras, albeat it the materials and techniques used may be different.

If you wanted to build the Spotmatic today, using the techniques that were used before, then no doubt it too would be the price of a Leica.

Very soon, the judge is finalising his intentions as we speak.

In one sense, with digital imaging there is always a requirement for post-processing. Without resizing, cropping, Levels, maybe monochrome conversion and finally sharpening we won't have the best from our image anyway.

Digital images are by nature slightly soft, so at the very least that aspect needs to be tackled.

Did you have in mind subjects such as "Photoshop Fun" or something like that?

The new AP has another of Roger's pieces, and as usual he tries to be down-to-Earth and a little contentious just to spice it up a bit. He actually does it rather well, even using some nice long words to stimulate the old grey matter with!

This week the subject is over-complication in cameras. Do we need it? Would we benefit from less options and controls?

Certainly the average DSLR has much more in the way of options than any Pro level SLR ever had. The Pentax LX, for example, gave us Aperture Prioirty and Manual exposure modes, and we survived very nicely with those. That's what I use today, so all the others are a total waste for my photography.

Having said that, for those who want Shutter Priority and Program modes, the A series and Ka mount brought those options, which is fair enough.

An ME Super does very little compared to a DSLR, but often people express the wish for a digital version. Is this going to be a wish that is met by the new ranges of mini-"imitation SLRs" that have discarded the pentaprism finder and left us with an EVF or back screen?

I wonder if we would buy a stripped-down version of a DSLR. Maybe, if it were to be compact, high quality and with a simplified set of modes and options? This might be a thought for those who use mobile phones to talk to people!

Each judge sets his or her own theme. It's totally open, but as a general rule very complex and difficult ideas don't get as many entries.

We couldn't limit to once every 6 competitions because you can't predict who the judge will be and you can't tie that judge's hands as to topic.

It's in hand, don't worry, and comments will be posted ASAP.