I understand that 220 backs can be easily converted to 120 backs. I only have a single 120 back so it's not an issue for me (though I have some 220 film I can currently only use in my 124G).

Ffordes are expensive for medium format lenses and very rarely have 75mm primes. The 75mm lens is very good indeed, by the way. So is the A 55mm, which I've also used (and which may be a better choice for landscapes).

Welcome to the forum, I hope you're enjoying your new DSLR.

As a first additional lens many go for a fast prime, like the DAL 35mm f/2.4. If you're interested in macro then you might be interested in the DA 35mm f/2.8 limited macro. It's a fantastic general use lens with amazing image quality and will do 1:1 macro too.

Here are some recent 645 shots, all taken in Edinburgh on Kodak T-Max 400 film, exposed and developed at 200.


T-Max 400, P645, Edin April 2014 025a by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr


T-Max 400, P645, Edin April 2014 022a by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr


T-Max 400, P645, Edin April 2014 005a by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr


T-Max 400, P645, Edin April 2014 021a by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr


T-Max 400, P645, Edin April 2014 018a by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr


T-Max 400, P645, Edin April 2014 028a by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr


T-Max 400, P645, Edin April 2014 008a by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr

A common question. Many people still use old manual lenses, myself included.

The best deal to start with is undoubtably the M 50mm f/1.7. It can be had for 20 quid or less and has superb IQ. Manual focus takes some getting used to on a DSLR though.

Sorry, not heard of that one but it sounds like a mechanical fault.

Only you can decide what it's worth to you to fix.

This is me, taken a couple of weeks ago with my gear (K200D, DA70mm) by a fellow photographer at work.


DCIM_0053 by Jonathan_in_Madrid, on Flickr

This one is excellent. Well written and with stunning photos, it centres on composition rather than technical aspects that might bore a beginner.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Photographers-Eye-Composition-Digital/dp/1905814046/...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401565699&sr=8-1&keywords=the+photographer%27s+eye

Be careful, not all lenses that say "macro" on them are macro lenses. A lot of old 28 or 35mm rimes say "macro" and they only have 1:5 magnification.

Regarding proper macro lenses, I suspect you're right. You're extremely unlikely to be taking macro shots at anything close to maximum aperture so even if you found one that's not great wide open, you wouldn't be using it like that anyway.

Glass trumps camera generally, but in your case you have a specific requirement that a new camera won't help you with much, except to provide higher resolution for the crops.

Another option would be to get a K5 mkII and an AF macro lens such as the Tammy 90mm or Sigma 70 or 105mm. That should set you back about the same amount as a K3.

Your other option would be to go for a cheap manual macro lens. Of the Pentax ones, the M 50mm f/4 is the most common and cheapest, though there are plenty of third-party options too.

Even cheaper would be extension tubes. I have some but I've only really used them on my M 85mm, where they performed superbly, but focus is tricky, even with a Katzeye screen installed.

rear-cap:

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Accessories/General%20Camera%20Accessories/Lens%20and%20Body%20Caps/products/Pentax/Q-Mount%20Rear%20Lens%20Cap-82667/Show.html

40.5mm front cap:

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Accessories/General%20Camera%20Accessories/Lens%20and%20Body%20Caps/products/Pentax/O-LC40.5%20Front%20Lens%20Cap-82666/Show.html

40.5mm hood:

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Accessories/Lens%20Accessories/Lens%20Hoods/products/Pentax/PH-SBA%2040.5mm%20Lens%20Hood%20for%20Q-82668/Show.html