I'll pass your comments back.

As I am considering visiting The Shard I contacted them regarding footwear, and received this reply;

"In regards to your query, there is no restriction in “The View from The Shard” in regards to the dresscode or footwear. However, if you are going to the restaurants in The Shard which is a separate company they do have a dresscode."

Doesn't help I know, but this has been reported elsewhere, affecting a low number of bodies. link

Only remedy seems to be change the body, although one tog reported 'success' with a global +10 setting in AF Adjustment; odd though, as I would have thought all his shots would be oof?

Appears the software lens database isn't up to date.

The last update - 4.4 - was released in November 2012.

Only DA HD lens it would 'know' about is the 560mm.

It's the key-way that engages the camera body with the lens focus mechanism.

If you look at the rear of the lens, and hold it so the row of gold coloured contacts are at the top, you'll see the key-way at roughly 3 o'clock. Very different to all the x-head screws attaching the mount to the lens body.

You'll find under normal circumstances you can rotate this key-way with a screwdriver. Doing so you'll actually be manually operating the lens focussing mechanism. Should you have any SDM lenses that give up the focussing ghost operating the focus manually like this has been known to get the SDM operating again, although I doubt it would be for very long

If it's broke I doubt you'll make it any worse by trying to rotate the focus key-way on the mount. You never know, it might unjam.

Look here for .pdf version

link

Any more info please? How old is it? Still in warranty? Much use? First owner? Anything else?

Principles are the same regardless of the model of camera.

link

I'm sure zooms are mentioned, but my reading on the subject indicates two schools of thought;

1 Set up your zoom lens for the most used focal length
2 Set up your zoom lens for the average of adjustments required at short, middle and longest focal lengths.

Interesting comments. I've been watching with interest and see an increasing number of people producing great results with this TC.