Out around the photographic societies, judging of competitions is always an issue. Faced with an audience who all have an emotional investment in their images, the judge dismisses anything out of hand at his own peril.

My wife Sue nearly gave up altogether after a judge slated what she had done, and only because he didn't like digitally added borders. He never even mentioned the content of her picture. Fortunately she recovered from that and went on to be a fantastic photographer. She might be better than I am, but let's not go there...

As regards here, everyone has judged fairly and courteously and done a terrific job. It is an emotional response to an image that will win the day, but there is also a rational approach behind that. Lousy pictures don't win and good ones do, but of the good ones the ones that speak to us stand above the rest.

Keep up the good work, don't worry too much and just have fun!

We knew George was possibly going to be a little late, but hang on for a short while and I'm sure when he gets his Internet access back the wait will be wiorth it.

Is everyone able to view the images in the forum OK?

On another forum there seem to be problems for some in viewing images, but this has been tracked down to issues with Firefox.

IE seems fine.

One image each is the only fair way to make sure everyone has an equal chance.

The threads have been corrected to show #7.

Don't forget that the deadline for this one will be next Tuesday at midnight and george will be getting to it on Wednesday.

Many thanks to George for stepping in at very short notice.

Thanks, George, and congratulations to all the entrants for the high standard and the thoughtful approach.

Special congratulations to the well deserved winners.

Through to Sunday it is then. Please start a new thread as previously and...well done!

Very sorry to hear of your bad experience. Whatever the reasons, and we may never know, things can and do go wrong in every organisation. Sometimes it's indiciduals, sometimes it's a poor policy decision, sometimes it's other partners in the chain.

I know it doesn't help, but as I type this I am aware of another disastrous situation for someone else that involves another camera maker entirely. The point I am making is that, whatever we buy and whoever makes it, there are rare occasions when what normally works fine becomes a catalogue if mishaps.

The K100D is a lovely camera, so hopefully you will enjoy it and it will make up for things. It is a better beast than the one you have lost, so that is something I hope.

Any item has to be fit for purpose and it would seem your DL2 is not.

I would take it back to jessops, explain the history to the manager and ask for a replacement. Be courteous but firm in what you want.

At this stage just assume you will get satisfaction, which will improve your negotiating position. Confidence works wonders.

Good luck!

Get it fixed whilst still under warranty would be my choice.