One shot deleted which exceeded the 800 pixel limit. Still plenty of time to re-post at the correct size.

Some designs lock up the mirror when the batteries are too low to function properly, so that's the first place to start.

Our longest lens at the moment is the SMC Pentax-FAJ 75-300mm, which, compared to film cameras, is really quite long.

However, for photography of small wildlife we would be happier with something a bit longer.

In the absence of a suitable Pentax lens, what alternatives do you use and how good are they?

I have used various adapters just like the one you show and they have all been fine.

However, I now use an IR trigger which is much more convenient and gets rid of all those cables.

If you put a faster lens on the camera you will be able to get a meter reading in most places. It it were, for example, 1 second at f2 you can then work out the exposure for f6.3, maybe about 16 seconds. However, at very long exposures like this you have to take account of reciprocity failure. The film becomes less sensitive than it should be and the actual exposure needed will be longer - in this case maybe 32 seconds or even longer than that.

The second thing is where you meter. The lights themnselves are bright and a meter reading from them will result in a picture that is too dark. More exposure would be needed.

The third thing is the effect you want. A brighter or darker image?

So the only real option may be to shoot a whole series of exposures (notong the details for future reference) and once you know what is needed for the effect you like then next time it will narrow things down a bit.

Digital users have a hige advantage here as they can experiment without it costing anything.

T85P looks like the one I have.

Standard zoom plus 50-200mm for me. Much faster than the 18-250mm and much more compact.

"Tailwise Photo Shoot 7075" is my walking pole/monopod. Well made and I think it cost me £29.95.

Have a great time, whatever lenses you decide on!

I usually send them on a CD, A3 size and 300ppi, the logic being that they have maximum quality available and can resize as required.

When Pete has occasionally asked for e-mailed entries to the gallery Competition he has asked for 1500 pixels wide.

Well done Lilly, a record must have been broken here for posting the results!

Congratulations Dt Mhuni, it's ovewr to you again to challenge us with a new topic.

I might have shopped here when I was but a lad...oop North don't you know.