Maybe so, but what do you do when everything just grinds to a halt?

I am hopeful that there has been a "sea change" for the better, but of course the tone of the forum will depend very much on who is here. Every member is the forum, there's no escaping that, so one viewpoint won't necessarily exist.

The one expressed in this thread is very positive though, and I thank you all for that.

As for editing, sadly it became obvious that a handful of people were causing a rumpus and some of them were then going back and changing what they had written, so things no longer looked as though anything had caused a problem. This is a serious breach and had to be stopped. It will also be useful in the Classified Ads section, just in case of any description problems.

We have 30 minutes to edit, so it's a case of think before and as you type and check afterwards!

I use the umbrella, the softbox, the snoot and anything else that takes my fancy at the time, but most of all I prefer the look of natural light.

Unfortunately in some circumstances natural light is not there on tap, so flash with umbrella it might have to be!

Welcome, come on in!

If you can get to Atherton, we'll guide you in from there!

HDR works particularly well with architectural shots.

If anyone would like to pop over and meet in person, I'm the Chairman of ADAPS (Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society) and our Open Night is from 8pm on Thursday 20th August.

Here's a link to the PDF with full details: http://www.adaps.org.uk/Open_Night_2009.pdf

Anyone near the Manchester area might find it reasonably convenient, but let me know if you're thinking of being there and I'll keep an eye out for you on the night.

I've never thought of you as Grumpy George - too pedantic for some, clearly, but certainly not grumpy!

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts and for sharing them so eloquently!

Depending on the design of the rspective bayonet mounts and the back focus distance the lenses are designed for, it can be well nigh impossible to do what you suggest.

It is a good lens, apart from the mediocre close focusing ability that is common to most F series zooms.