Regardless of whether we are using lenses on a traditional film or a digital body, the laws of optics do not change. So an f4 lens will always be an f4 lens in every respect, although the smaller format of digital will inevitably mean nmore depth of field, for example.

You mention flash, and with an 8mm lens if subjects are close to the camera it will be especially easy for them to become washed out ("white"?) because of over exposure. An 8mm lens is a very extreme case and will need very careful handling indeed.

Still, the results could also be very dramatic, and I hope you get much enjoyment out of using the lens!

There is only one type of M42 adapter to use screw fit lenses on K fit bodies, so that is not the problem. I think the problem is that an 8mm lens has so much depth of field that it will be impossible to focus it with any accuracy on a ground glass viewfinder screen. Focusing aids will probably not help much either. Setting the distance by guessing should not be too much of a problem.

As regards metering, are you using this on a *istD? If so, you need the firmware upgrade to make the lens properly compatible - others who know more about this have posted the info on this forum and perhaps someone can repeat it here?

Fair enough, I guess all sort of things can bug us!

I'm not over-fond of sloping horizons, especially in published work where everyone should know better....

The split image will not work properly with very long lenses and perhaps with macro work as well. Typically it will black out and not be useable. Just focus using the general screen area - there are plain screens provided for those who need this type all the time. It isn't a fault, just an optical fact of life.

Hi Jacob, welcome to the forum.

The P30 will take any DX coded film. Non-DX films will be set to a default ISO setting of 100.

The camera needs batteries to operate, and if it hasn't been used for a while it might be a good idea to obtain a set of G13 silver oxide cells. It takes two of these.

Otherwise, I would suggest obtaining an instruction manual and then taking lots and lots of pictures. Have fun!

It's inexpensive to set up for processing our own films and not a difficult process, just one that needs consistency.

I think you've got it right. There are different pleasures with different types of photography, and we can embrace them all....

I agree that film will be there for many years yet. Although it may well seem that digital is taking over, there are still many more film cameras out there and they won't stop needing film!

There is also a certain amount of return to film in our camera club, even amongst new members. So much so that we are having to revamp our darkroom to fulfill this demand.

If you look at the darkroom listings on eBay, almost every item on offer is selling, so there is a healthy demand out there for traditional techniques.

Personally I will use film and digital side by side, depending upon the requirements of the shoot, and expect to do so for the forseeable future.

If you're familiar with 35mm, then sticking to that would be better than struggling with medium format, which takes time to master.

If you buy a copy of AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER there are adverts for suitable mail order labs in it. Transpacolor is a good one.

I think my best advice is don't do it unless you are 100% au fait and happy with whatever camera equipment you are using. There is no time for thinking about the technique on a wedding shoot, you do need to be fully up to speed. I don't think the question of manual or autofocus is really the issue, but whether or not the photographer can handle the groups and the people effectively, use fill-in flash properly and produce top quality results in frantic circumstances. The equipment should be so familiar as to be second nature.

If all that is OK, then I would opt for the Pentax 645 for its medium format quality. Use professional colour negative stock that is low contrast, designed for weddings (Kodak Vericolor, etc...) use a professional printing lab. Oh, and charge a realistic fee that will cover your costs properly. It will be an expensive exercise.

But whatever you decide, I do suggest that you do not use an unfamiliar or new camera, it's asking for problems..

Hope that helps!