When you use the self timer the mirror raises before the exposure, so maybe it's something to do with that?

The double flash may well be a pre-flash for exposure followed by the main flash. Or possibly a red-eye reduction pre-flash. It needs switching off, so back to the instruction manual I think!

I was using the MX-1 today at Arley Hall and the tilting screen did save me from lying on the wet ground to get some shots:


There are some more images from today on my EPZ blog.

Looking though the new issue of AP there is an amazing amount of Pentax content.

Page 4 sees Clifton Cameras with a full page of DSLRs, including the 645D. Page 34 has editor Damien Demolder offering five reader a trip on the Thames with a chance to win a K-5 II on the day. Page 43 has a half page from Spectrum offering Pentax in general. Page 67 has no less than 10 Pentax cameras plus 15 different lenses on offer from Wex. Later, Mifsud have a small number of Pentax items. London Camera Exchange have a full page on the GR and accessories. SRS have their usual half page, headlining Pentax. Park have the inside back cover and a mention for the £50 offer on the 50mm f/1.8.

All in all, a pretty good week for Pentax in AP. Is this being mirrored across the other magazines yet?

I'm afraid I have to agree. It's too light, the colour has no intensity and there's no dramatic feel to it. There is potential in the scene, but I think to get some real punch it's a lie on the ground job and get those leaves powerfully up close.

I was a bit disinterested in the tilting screen on the back of the MX-1 but I did find a use for it today. I was at a garden centre that used to be thriving, but now looks very sad by comparison to its hey-day. Some parts were cut off by high fences, but I wanted to see how bad the old glasshouses had become. Tilting the screen down and using the camera at arm's length I was able to find out:


I can see it will have its moments!

I think that's right. No doubt if there's a difference to be appreciated it will take working with both for a while to be able to take advantage of the possibilities fully.

I don't think the assertion re CCD vs CMOS is proved or disproved by any of the shots as they all look much of a muchness as presented. If anyone feels there is a difference in use, then they know what the answer is. Use the CCD cameras while they can. They should last for quite a while yet!

Curries are not Pentax-related.

Very stylish, superb set.