Page 179 of the *istDS manual says "When using aperture ring is set to permitted.......however, the features will be restricted as shown on the table below...

D FA, FA, F, A, M Aperture priority Aperture remains open regardless of the aperture ring position."

That's just a sample example, there are others. Basically the camera will work in aperture priority (regardless of the mode set) and will work at open aperture.

All lenses have to be used in manual mode to use the aperture ring.

Is this then different to the *istD?

Yes, that backwards compatibility is very, very impressive. Although I am using "A" lenses and later on the *istDS for the sake of convenience. I know you can activate the use of the aperture ring, but then you lose some functionality in more modern lenses unless you switch it back, and that is a tedious business!

If you want to start from scratch, I think you can download ACD See from the web, in a trial version at first. You might have a faulty CD?

The best solution is to use a card reader and use a program like Photoshop, which is much more powerful.

However, if you wish to use the RAW settting, then you will need the Pentax software. Have you tried uninstalling and then re-installing?

I think I'm going to go and lie down in a darkened room and think about this! Just when we thought we were sorted out.....

I can say that a SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 that I tried was fine.

Did you set the "Using aperture ring" in the Custom Menu to "Permitted"?

And that seems to be the jist of it - I think the instructions are quite vague and there is more functionality than is siggested.

I tried the DA lens with aperture ring "permitted" and it seemed fine.

It seems that as soon as we select an aperture ring, we are restricted to manual metering and use, although it would be much more useful to be able to use aperture priority as well.

Is there some mechanical linkage missing from these cameras that makes all this necessary? Is it that actually very few people want the ability to use the aperture ring so it isn't worth the cost to put in total compatibility?

I wonder how long it will be before the option is dropped altogether....

Well, here looks like a good place to give half the answer!

I've tried setting the custom function to "Permitted" to use the aperture ring, and both an M series 50mm and a "A" series 50mm operated at full aperture only with aperture priority auto exposure, just like the manual says.

I haven't had time to try out the same with any J or DA lenses (which have no aperture rings) but it seems logical that these would also only operate at full aperture as the permanent A setting that they work on has been disabled.

You mentioned, George, that the option was only to prevent the inadvertant use of the aperture ring, but I don't see how that would make any more difference than with any other A series or later camera body?

I'll let you know later about the J and DA lenses with the *istDS as soon as time allows.

In the meantime, the manual appears to be correct so far, although it isn't brilliant in terms of the English translation. In fact, parts I would describe as esoteric.....

Hi Caroline

It very much depends on what you will be using the camera for.

If, for example, you want something that will fit in a handbag, always be available for use, be simple to use and yet have the potential for making prints up to A3 if ever required, then the Pentax S5i is perfect. It offers better image quality than many, and is ultra compact.

If you are happy with something larger, and you want more control or something bigger to hold more easily then the Pentax 750Z could well fit the bill.

Pentax don't make an SLR-style "bridge" camera, but if you want one of these more enthusuiast-orientated cameras, that will now definitely need a camera bag of its own, then the Fuji Finepix S7000 offers high quality and terrific value for money.

Finally, the SLR: Digital SLRs give the highest quality and the means to use different lenses. The Pentax *istDS is superb, the price is right and I thoroughly recommend it!

Why not visit your local camera dealer and handle some of the options, so you can see which models suit you, but do beware of being confused by contradictory advice from all sides....

The size of card you will need depends on the number of pixels in your images (file size) but as a guide, a 6.1MP camera like the *istDS will fit around 77 images on a 256MB card. It is safer to have more than one card, so a couple of 256MB ones is better than one 512MB card.

The flash on small cameras is not very powerful - make sure you are within the flash range, especially for groups of people. If you can change the ISO setting you might up that, which would extend the flash range, but I don't know if you can do that on your camera.

I am assuming from what you say that you put the lens into the converter off the camera body. With some accessories it is better to mount the converter on the body, then the lens on the converter. I'm just a bit hesitant to suggest you do that now that it is stuck, at least without being able to see what is happening.

It's probably safer to take it somewhere it can be examined properly - a local repairer if you have one?

Welcome!