It means a stripped down version of the mount which therefore needs the latest lenses and does not operate fully with older ones. I've never had one of these cameras, but probably the mechanical linkages for older lenses are missing, and maybe even all the electrical contacts may not be there.

This might not matter for a new user, but I would have to avoid these bodies as they would cause inconvenience!

There are some digital cameras that even have a "discharge" function to ensure that batteries are completely discharged. Not Pentax...

I've not found it necessary to flatten the batteries so far, but maybe as they get nearer the end of their life span it might be worth doing.

You fully charge them, use them normally, charge again, and so on, and after a few of these charges in normal use they will improve and last longer each time until they reach their full performance.

I was just saying that optimum performance will only be reached when the batteries have been charged a few times. I don't think I mentioned being careful?

If you are happy with the facilities on the camera, then you have bought the right one.

As regards batteries, there are no particular issues with AA rechargeables - I have found them to be reliable. I use 2300 mAh Nickel Metal Hydride and provided you follow the instructions they are fine. Don't forget that it takes a few charge/discharge cycles before they reach optimum performance.

I hope you enjoy using your new camera and take lots of fantastic pictures!

The *istD continues to be advertised by Park Cameras, at around £579.

That was my conclusion, but that's only relevant to my own photography, and I'm very aware that others will have different requirements.

I'll be very interested to hear what you think in due course!

The K mount adapter will indeed permit the use of screw thread lenses on any Pentax K bayonet camera, including the *istDS.

The *istDS is a great camera, both my wife Sue and I use them and they produce superb results.

There tends to be a difference of opinion regarding using the older lenses. It's true that they can be used (either conveniently or not so conveniently depending on how you perceive the process). It's also true that the lenses are superb performers, with the caveat that they were designed for film.

My experience is now leading me to conclude that there is a good reason for the existence of specific Digital lens designs. The telecentric design approach does give clearly superior results with CCDs, with far less lens smearing and chromatic abberation.

I think you would have to try the Takumars for yourself to be sure, but more modern DA lenses just might give better results. The 18-55mm supplied with the camera is actually a very impressive lens, or at least the two samples we have are! (Again, opinions vary, so maybe the lenses or induvidual expectations do as well....)

It's a complex subject, but well worth buying that adapter and finding out if it suits. Have fun!

If it is like the *istDS you need to stop down to the working aperture, when it will be possible to meter and the aperture selected will be set.

The stop down lever is on the on/off switch.

Going back to the basic question about RAW capture, I will try this soon to see what difference it makes to my A3 prints. I presume that if I was only making images for web use or small prints then any advantage would be wasted?