SRS are taking orders and expecting December delivery.

What sort of light conditions are causing the problem Maria?

Better to put in a proper Classified Ad in the appropriate section than leave it to chance here.

The red cable is a mechanical cable release. If you should use it on a mechanical camera, don't push the trigger in all the way or you'll likely jam the shutter. Just push it enough, very gently, to actually trip the shutter.

I find SR shots sharper at lower speeds, but always take three or four if possible to make sure I can choose the sharpest.

Perhaps you are shooting before it stabilises CyclopicFun? The EXIF data will tell you.

I don't think it's a "can't be bothered" Alan - do you really think that?

Now they have the resources available, things seem to be storming along. No doubt the rest of what we would like will follow.

They look and sound (the tap test) identical to me jules.

If it's designed as a portrait lens then it would be possible that softer wide open could be a design choice. 85mm lenses used to be made that way, even though they didn't have to be.

Our models will appreciate a little softness.

But it's an unproven point at this stage.

As Pentax grows, the situation will no doubt change. It's still fairly early days, things do take time to build up.

It's true that some marques specialise. In days of yore, Exakta were the scientific cameras, with a dazzling array of accessories. So too Alpa.

Pentax have had their moments, with Quartz lenses, the Nocta IR surveillance system and some special runs for special purposes. Pentax lenses were widely used on Alpa cameras as well.

The 135-600mm was intended for field sports, with a very modest maximum aperture. In fact, when we think of it the lenses that are no longer made all cover the requirements. There have been all the wide aperture long lenses, and focal lengths going right up to the 2000mm f/11 mirror lens.

Sometimes these come up second hand, but it's the wealthy photographer who can buy them.