It sounds like you are doing just fine KZ! Trying things out is the only way to make real progress.

Current overall level, that was my intention anyway.

The fastest leaf shutter SLRs (late 1950s/early 1960s) could complete a shutter cycle in around 50ms. Current DSLRs are not that fast, I think around 90ms. The Spotmatic is about 14-17ms as I recall.

You will find published books that say they have tried their best to find the copyright owners of all the images they have used and if they have missed any they are very sorry and please let them know.

In the context of your project, for personal use only, whatever the legalities strictly are then I doubt there would be any problems.

I think just don't over-think it and go with your "gut feeling".

An important point was raised in the discussion on SD cards, that some users here are relative beginners and some are advanced, with all point in between no doubt.

There is lots of good advice given, but good advice depends on the user's level as well. For example, no point suggesting a complex RAW converter to someone who wants print-ready images to print off at Jessops.

I do quite a few workshops for beginners in particular and it can be quite surprising what people don't know and easy to pitch at too high a level.

So the question here is for my own (and anyone else's) curiosity. What levels of expertise are we at and in what proportions of those who are here? Don't be shy with pitching yourself where you think you are! I realise the levels I've chosen are very subjective, but let's see where it goes.

Wow! That's a high price I have to admit. It may be that the Pentax User price hasn't been updated - see Shop>Price List at the top of this page.

The 30mm lenses are actually relatively rare, as are the other odd focal lengths in the Pentax range. Examples are the 120mm and 150mm lenses, although these are found more often that the 30mm.

Since when? When I looked at the price list on PU yesterday it was just under £20 from SRS.

The Mandarin Duck looks as though he's mooching along, hands clasped behind his back. Terrific pose that you've caught!

Nice set of pictures and it's only the last one that I'm not keen on. I don't think there's anything sharp enough in that one. The others though - really good!