In terms of logic of operation and ergonomics the current DSLRs from Pentax are very similar to any of the later film SLRs. There is a remarkable continuation of the same operational logic.

If you took a Spotmatic and a K20D there is no reason why you can't ignore the extra features and use them both in pretty much the same way.

Pentax should be applauded for a very high degree of backwards compatibility that other manufacturers have ignored. Only Nikon comes close to the same position.

It's not so unusual. When the K10D was introduced, Pentax recommended the 6MP alternatives for those to whom low noise was the priority. It's inevitable that lower resolution sensors will be less noisy.

There's more to any DSLR than any one parameter in isolation - it's the balance of properties and features overall.

I'll go for that. I'll send you a PM to sort out the details.

Auto Takumar lenses will refer to auto diaphragm action (stop down) and will work with stop down metering. They will fit your camera though.

You use an Auto Takumar lens by metering at the stopped down apoerture. Then press the lever to open the lens to full aperture for focusing. When you release the shutter a pin closes the aperture to the value set. You then repeat the process for each shot.

Fully automatic diaphragms are found as Super Takumar lenses, where the lens is always at full aperture until the moment of exposure. After exposure it opens up again. Metering is still done stopped down though.

I'm not sure it's possible to lift a Billingham 550 with all that lot in it. I wouldn't want to, that's for sure.

Oh yes you will! (Well it is the Panto season...)

If you received 4 then you received a year's worth, as it is issued once every quarter. The dates are clearly given in the magazine! The issues are also numbered, so you can tell if you've missed one.

Do you use Pentax cameras viewfinder? You don't seem to like them very much!

You need to know what size the buyer wants and for what purpose.

If for use on a website then you'll need to know what pixel dimensions they want and provide a 72ppi image file of the appropriate size.

If for a print then the print size required. Then prepare an image of that size at a resolution of 300ppi.

These adjustments can be done in Photoshop and if you subscibe to Pentax User then you will find my article in the new issue due out in January that explains all about resizing! I sound like an advertisment now...perhaps I should end this "Subscribe now online!"

However, the above sums it all up in two sentences.

There is no particular hazard with any Pentax lens of any age and the "metal contruction", apart from being less metal than we sometimes might think, isn't a factor.

Some independent lenses may be another story and I wouldn't use Ricoh (pin that jams) or any lens where the mount feels rough.

Attaching a lens to a Pentax camera should be as smooth as silk. If it isn't, then I don't use it.