Some Super Takumars (usually later ones with the additional lever in the mount) are actually multi-coated even though not marked as such. The SMC coating is very effective at reducing flare almost completely and it enables ever more complex lenses with high numbers of elements to be made. I don't think in practical terms you will notice much difference in non-flare situations, although the colour balance may be slightly different.

Both the f1.8 and f1.4 lenses are superb performers. The f1.4 lens is less suitable for use on bellows and reversed for macro work, because of its design. I would happily use either of these lenses, and have done so in the recent past.

That leads me to suggest that the shorter zoom is a more professional one, especially as it has the constant and relatively wide aperture.

But that does not mean to say that the longer zoom is no good - it could be perfect for what you need.

Why not handle both lenses in a shop, see what the finish and construction are like and take those factors into account in your decision making? Despite all those factors, it may be that if you think you need the longer reach that the decision is inevitable anyway...

It's a different type of lens dsign. The variable aperture means the lens can be more compact. As regards quality, I don't know what the difference in cost is, but it might be a good indicator of whether each lens is intended for amateur or professional use. As might the weight. Professional lenses tend to be big, heavy and expensive.

A friend of mine does motor racing photography and he uses 400mm + lenses.

I suppose it will depend on the track and how close you are allowed to get?

Glad you feel better now

I settled for the *istDS and still would. The Pentaprism I see as an advantage, and the lower cost than the *istD brought it into my price bracket. The *istDL may have superior image processing (just) according to some testers, but I don't really want a Penta-Mirror (call me old-fashioned!)

Until we get 12MP CCDs as the norm, my interest now will be in new lenses, and the 12-24mm is looking very interesting. Tokina have just released a professional-standard 12-24mm f4 which for all we know may be one and the same as the lenses from Nikon, pentax and everybody else. I will still buy the pentax version, but I mention it because the AP review of the Tokina was very good.

Having said that, I was using a KM with SMC Pentax 55mm f1.8 today and shot 2 rolls of Velvia with it. It was so refreshingly simple that it was wonderful.....

The SD card is very compact so cameras can be smaller. It is also very stable so there should be few technical problems. The Nikon D50 also opts for SD and I think more will follow. perhaps soon we will think CF flash cards are enormous unwieldy things!

I did also think at first that SD cards were a drawback, but it hasn't been a problem.

As regards capacity, I prefer anyway to use more smaller cards (256 or 512MB) because if there ever was a card failure I would lose fewer pictures.

I think it might be helpful to format the SD card in the camera before taking more pictures on it. How big a card is it? There will be a limit on the 750Z as to how big a card can be used.

If you already have some of the pictures on the PC, you could delete those on the camera and then see if the rest will transfer after that.

The last thing I can think of is that if software is not launching on your PC the problem may be there - you could try uninstalling and then reinstalling the problem applications. Maybe even the card reader could usefully be uninstalled and reinstalled?

Hi Eric

There's a lot of information we don'y know that might have a bearing on the situation. For example, are you using a card reader? What is the specification of the computer you are using - is it running out of memory?

You might try dragging and dropping the contents of your SD card onto your computer (into whatever folder you wish) and see if they will transfer. The computer might find them easier to open once they are all on the hard drive.

You are absolutely right that the electromagnetic shutter release of the ME series cameras is superb. It needs to be experienced!

The MX and KX like most mechanical-shutter cameras have speeds from 1second to 1/1000 second. Of these, I prefer the more compact MX by a large margin.

Hmm, I am guessing that you are referring, George, to me bidding on eBay for more 55mm K lenses? There is always a reason, and it's because I am in the middle of a project involving the K series. I have a number of K bodies, and when I list the excess ones on eBay at some time in the future I think they will be more attractive complete with a standard lens.

It's unfortunate that although I always want to keep all these beautiful things, finances are not without limit and sometimes things just have to go....Apart from which, cameras are better in use than storage, and I can only use one at once.

If I've interpreted your question correctly, then I must say you are very observant!