Although the shutter is stepless, the readout is not, so it only shows an approximation. If the light level is very close to another value then moving the camera slightly may trip it into another value.

The simple answer is that you moved the camera and the light reading changed. Nothing to do with SR.

Actually it was very good, but it was intended for Sue to use and she couldn't get on with manual focus.

Having established that a longer lens was what she needed and that she enjoyed shooting birds we have been looking for an AF solution.

We have just bought an unused 80-320mm, ironically from someone we know without realising it, so although it's not 400mm it's getting closer and it will do for now.

Ideally we need an AF 400mm, but they are very scarce, very expensive and very heavy.

You're most welocme, hope you enjoy the forum.

It works fine on my K10D, at least as far as power zooming goes. The other functions don't seem to be supported.

I'm told there will be a result by the end of the week.

Excellent, I'm sure you'll be pleased. Do post some results!

Now Peter, I thought you were going to absorb some alcohol....OK then, lets see where it leads us.

The field of view of the lens is what we want the "film" to receive, and nothing outside of that. So a round hood that is just wide enough for the 24mm side would obscure the 36mm side, so it needs to be shallower, so doesn't shield the short side so well.

So we need longer hood for some parts than others, and the corners are the widest field of view so need the shallowest hood...voila! we have a petal lens hood.

I've described this for film as it gets clumsy saying sensor/film all the time, but the principle applies.

Just give your Pentax User username in the comments box and they will deduct the shipping cost. I'm presuming you are talking about a web order.

If you phone them, just ask for the free shipping.

Yes the lenses are round, but the film gate/sensor gate is not....

If you let me know where you are I'm actually looking to buy Pentax cameras and lenses at the moment, but in any event I'd be happy to advise on values. It very much depends on the condition of the kit and the actual items you have.

You could start by offering items on the Classified sections of this forum, although if you have the means and time eBay could bring higher prices. I would pay lower prices but might take the lot in one go.