The rest of the post has really been covered, but I'll pick up this point.

Who is trying to "boost Pentax"? Me? Pentax User? The objective is very simple, to be a resource for Pentax Users that will improve their knowledge of Pentax cameras and lenses. Especially newer users can find answers to their questions and backup in more detail than they will find elsewhere. This isn't an attempt to sell more Pentax kit, it's an attempt to be helpful to Pentax Users.

You wouldn't find comparisons with canon or anyone else as an article in PU Magazine, and you wouldn't expect to. But, there's some leeway, and you're getting very aggrieved over somebody else's thread.

Now please draw it to a halt and send me a PM if you're in doubt over some point I've missed for you and I will do my best to discuss it with you in whatever detail is required.

To make a macro shot properly, rather than just something that will get us by at a pinch, a tripod is really essential.

However, it is possible to use higher ISO, maybe an alternative support such as a wall or something handy that can be used to support the camera. To keep long lenses steady whilst shooting in a hide, for example, I've discovered my Billingham Hadley Pro bag can be placed on the usual shelf and is just the right thickness to enable it to be used as a giant beanbag.

So some sort of support is in order. If nothing is to hand, then high ISO and many shots to ensure at least one hits the spot.

Well one thing is for sure, this discussion thread has generated a bit more input than they normally do.

I'm struggling to find something that was manually focused using a manual focus lens, although plenty were manually focused using an AF lens.

Chris, please note that the clause says images. This is because, clearly, pictures of Pentax kit or something else of interest might well have to be taken on something else. In these situations the kit used is irrelevant.

Still, let's not get the rules lawyers at it, it doesn't help and it's entirely beside the point. I would point out that nothing in this thread has been stopped apart from the diversions into discussion of moderation and rules, which may be removed at any time.

So, please keep the discussion to Pentax and Pentax-related subjects. Most of us know what this means and if anyone finds something that needs clarification, then please drop me a PM.

Thanks Giorgio, it's also true that some of the other specialist forums are very quiet. On the other hand, some forums that allow much more off-topic subjects than we do have had to close entire sections down repeatedly as it all gets very much out of hand.

This is something that we discuss and watch, but for now the T&Cs are quite specific. It will come up for discussion again yet.

Likewise.

Using a tripod could also be useful in some landscape photography, but even there it can be a bit restrictive regarding viewpoint.

The well known author Brian Bower, of Leica fame, very rarely used a tripod for these very reasons.

There is a sister site to this one - ePHOTOzine - where there are all sorts of comparisons between marques and where the forum is open to the whole range, rather than being a specialist site like Pentax User.

However, I agree with Algernon that comparisons can be pretty pointless. All the comparison articles tend to end up as a bit of chatter and the conclusion that it's six of one and half a dozen of the other.

All makes are good, but they are different. Here we try to explore the benefits and solve the problems that our Pentax kit brings us.

There are also specialist sites out there for other marques, even very , very specialised ones. Something for everyone.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-Multi-Bag-Compact-System-Camera/dp/B005UD6F8S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336172607&sr=8-3

This one is a nicely made case that holds the camera with a lens plus two other lenses. It's lightweight and compact and it feels slightly odd to be carrying an entire kit that weighs almost nothing.

These cases are available in grey and white, but it's interesting that, like the neoprene ones, they are only on Amazon. I can't see any sign of them from any of the regular suppliers such as SRS or Park. There's also no mention on the Pentax website.

Please don't hijack Classified Ads with price comments. It's up to the OP what they ask.

If anyone wants to be helpful and tell the OP that the price may be too high, then a PM would be good. Eventually they will know anyway, as it won't sell, but it is better to speak privately.

Classified Ads are for questions about the item, offers to buy, etc. In other words, all the mechanics of the buying/selling process.

Many thanks.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the third contact is to give feedback from the battery to enable the charger to stop charging when the battery is full. It's a bit more sophisticated and perhaps protects from over-charging.