I agree with that George, but what I was really saying was that we don't have to spend a massive amount of money to do the job, albeit it maybe slower.

A basic laptop with PSE7 would be manageable for most people and would work.

Absolutely agree that XP is better than Vista.

In the end, the only proper review is the one we make ourselves, using the kit for the kind of images we want to produce.

Then we find out whether it's good for our purposes or not.

Other people's reviews are, sometimes educated, assessments that may or may not have merit. Although to be fair there are writers out there, or have been, that you get to respect.

My classic example would be Kevin MacDonnell - a down to earth, professional photographer, who could be trusted.

I've never yet found a Curry's offer on Pentax/Samsung lenses to be in stock anywhere.

The speed of transfer of pictures is not excessive now and we manage quite well, but I can imagine that to the IT people the new standards will seem very exciting!

Prices are very good just now, so a look arounfd might be a good idea. In a few months things could be much more expensive, for all the same reasons that camera prices are increasing.

It just goes to show that even when the idea is sound and the technique good, thinking a thing through improves it at every stage. Not everyone has the patience to do it, but it is paying off here.

The smoke direction IMHO improves the image and takes it on a further step. The glass reflections will not be easy to control, but if they could be that would be the final step.

It's very nice as it is and keeps getting better, well done.

There are so many different ways to do this. What I will be doing is offering some simple ways for anyone who is getting over-complicated and confused by the mass of options available.

Throughout the srticles I am planning now it will be one way, but I don't pretend it's the only way by any means.

Hopefully it will help the beginner and offer some insights here and there. Each offering will be single subject and brief as well.

Not all the M42 adapters allow infinity focus, so the original Pentax one is the best option, for all the reasons stated.

Pentax Adapter K is the one to use.

You've sorted an alternative way, well done.

It's something we often forget - we all have different requirements and see the world in different ways.

As a consequence, it makes "Which lens should I buy?" questions a bit difficult.

I found the 43mm not particularly useful, despite at one time thinking that the Nikon 60mm lens seemed like a good idea.