My current solution is to use a Samsonite compact camera case left over from some previous camera we had.

Thanks Peter.

Somebody did post a link to some battery tests Stuart, but it's a while ago now so might take some searching out. The results were that only the Pentax battery actually met the specification, with the Inov8 coming close. That was regardless of what was stamped on the batteries. It seems the quoted capacities can be well out.

The other factor is that batteries can and do leak and, certainly in the case of laptop bateteries, even burst into flames. So the safest option is the Pentax battery, which if it did fail dramatically would at least give Pentax no excuses to not stump up for battery and camera.

The last factor for me is that over the years I have bought almost every other-maker accessory you could imagine and none were up to the production standards of the original marque. That's be it Pentax, Nikon, Canon or whatever. And I've used them all. If I had just bought marque accessories, saving up as needed, I would have actually saved a lot of money over the years. It was an expensive journey before deciding that, as a full time Pentax User, I would only buy marque accessories. Since then, costs have stabilised and nothing has been a disappointment.

However, just to balance things up, quite a few cameras pass through nmy hands on the way to eBay, and the only battery that has ever proved to be a dud was a Pentax one. That doesn't prove anything in particular, other than everything made can fail.

It's a shame we have to use threaded filters - the Rollei bayonet ones are wonderful. Unfortunately so is the price, and translating that style of engineering to a 67mm filter just might end up as expensive as a new lens.

At least the bayonet lens hoods are a boon, so easy to fit and remove that there's little excuse for not doing so.

I think part of the problem in judging other peoples' comments on batteries is that their behaviour will depend very much on how they are used, and we all probably have very different patterns of use.

Some will take a few shots over a long period, so it will suit a battery that holds its charge. Some will do a massive studio shoot all in one go, so it will suit a battery that has plenty of power but long term staying power won't be so important.

Then again, we know what a Pentax battery is, and also a handful of other recognised makes. We have no idea what the cheap batteries are, so you could buyt a good one and I might not. The next time we buy a battery labelled the same it might be an entirely different one.

So I'm sure that we're all right in our own particular circumstances, with our own particular shooting patterns.

I know the feeling, bought too many cameras....and every time they need extra batteries.

The best one for batteries has been the K20D, which lasts for ever on a charge. I exaggerate, but it's pretty amazing.

Looking closer to home here are some better battery prices:

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/c/211/Pentax-Camera-Batteries.html

I always buy the proper battery . I was talking to a professional the other day and he felt the same.

However, there are those who disagree.

I would shop around for the best price you can find for the Pentax battery.

The Pentax f/1.4 lenses are reportage lenses, high contrast, lower resolution. The f/1.7 lenses are probably better, have a flatter field and are more suitable for using with close up accessories.

I agree with you, I'm sure you're righ,t but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm making the point that their system works flawlessly within their time frame for returns, and with more difficulty outside of that.

There would be less aggravation with SRS, in my opinion.