I find all the adverts when looking at the Gallery Photographs appalling. I wonder if others feel the same. It is not only the gallery now. It is top and bottom of any Pentax User screen. Also below the Gallery shots today are announcements and links to Sony Cameras. Although I have nothing against Sony Cameras, surely the Pentax Users page is not the place for them. John R

I started an on line monthly photo competition for my U3A and within a week had 23 subscribers. Unfortunately they are not all Pentax users, but it has been keeping me busy and them occupied in this self isolating situation.

Peter re 5/12/2016, Many thanks, I today (!) followed your link successfully. It is easy when you know how as usual. I got your message straight away but couldn't find the time or confidence to do the download. John

I have a K-1 with Firmware V.1.00. I understand there is a later version. I have attempted to find this without success. Please could someone give explicit instructions how to download firmware or tell me where to find the information. John Ruffell

Thank you very much, John. John Ruffell

Well, John, I received the NL today and the competitions mentioned have already closed. Where do I see the subjects say a month earlier so if I have the opportunity I may wish to take part. Unfortunately it may be me missing something, because my wife has recently gone into a home with dementia and I have been looking after her for 2-3 years and could no longer cope. I just mention this as it has been impossible for me to keep up with everything.

When I get the News letter usually the closing date for the competition is either the same day or has already gone. Why is this? Can more notice be given please? John Ruffell.

I have stuck with Windows 7 on my Desktop but needed a laptop to run some of my new AVs. I ordered a Windows 7 machine but received a Windows 8 one, which I decided to try. Like most of the comments above I experienced difficulty with the new opening screen, and decided to try installing a 'classic shell' which takes you straight to the old Windows 7 opening screen, and includes the start button. Also it helps close down. It is a free download from www.snipca.com/7907. This is mentioned in Computeractive 9-22nd January, and although I have found some of their suggestions not good, this one does just what I required.

Once again thanks for all your assistance. I too put a lens on my K30 with an A setting, and turned it to f11 and it reproduced the flashing F signal that Elaine had mentioned. I have now heard that she has checked the way her lens is on the camera (still don't know which lens she has) and she now says "its all go now" so I presume the problem is solved up there in Scotland. She said she wanted to take up photography and I recommended Pentax which I have always used, so she is a complete beginner and I have offered any help she might need, but she seems genuinely interested in producing some great shots, so I look forward to seeing them - she's off to Thailand shortly and hopes to specialize in Orchids! Many thanks. John

Thanks for the suggestions. As Elaine is in Scotland and I am in the Midlands there is a delay in communicating by e-mail, but I will let you know the results as soon as possible. I believe she has the kit 18-55 lens. John