It depends how far out it is as to whether it's a problem or not. There is more DOF at further distances, so you might find that results are actually fine.

A few shots should establish whether or not there is a problem and if there is then you could indeed try to get a refund.

As a general rule I don't buy lenses with any impact damage, but to be fair even without visible damage we never know if a lens has been dropped or mistreated, especially with older lenses that have been around for maybe decades.

Sometimes I find problems with older cameras, folders for example, because people who don't understand them try to operate them and foul up the works. Statements like "I've thoroughly cleaned it" fill me with a sense of foreboding.

Excellent pictures and a nice clean and clear presentation.

Well that's it for entries for this competition, so we now await our Judge!

Spring - a time of renewal.

I'm not sure why you would convert a DNG to a DNG because you can't do anything useful with it until it's a JPEG or, hopefully, a lossless TIFF.

The RAW converter is for making a conversion to a useable format such as TIFF.

Or am I missing your point?

Silkypix is reviewed in the new edition of AP, out on Tuesday.

The effect is just visible, but not easy to see at the size available.

Is it visible on both RAW and JPEG captures or just RAW? I'm wondering if it is some sort of moire-like effect, but what is causing it is something else. Maybe high ISO, noise reduction, faulty SD card, faulty SD card reader, faulty cable if camera attached dorectly to computer....

So quite a few things to check out before the camera goes back to Pentax.

It works, but a bit overdone for my taste. HDR does suit some images very well though and it certainly has a place.

I'd have a look at www.photodo.com to see if it's tested there.

I have used the D-FA lens but only for some test shots but it does seem fine. Sharp, crisp, nicely designed. For macro shots I don't use AF. Manual focus is much better for most macro subjects. But from what I've seen I would happily buy this lens.

I'm not buying the lens because I already have a FA 100mm f2.8 which I use quite a bit and is superb.

All the Pentax macro lenses are of the highest standard and I don't think you would be disappointed. The reviewer may have had a poor example, although it's unlikely, or may not be very good at testing macro lenses. Who knows, the parameters of the "test" are unknown.

I was all ready to delete this thread which just goes to show that I shouldn't judge a thread by its by-line...

http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/113207

But.....it ain't available for free, so the band will need to make a offer if they want it. I retain copyright.

If you are interested then let me know via PM.

Good luck!