Hmm, it seems that evilbay is the way to go. The only thing I hate more than ebay is Paypal. I'll have to see if I can make a purchase without being scr*wed over by both

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17667891

A good point at the end about a resurgence in film use, though I suspect that this effect is often over-estimated on photography sites.

Hi,

I need a couple of rear lens caps for M42 lenses. The only ones I've seen online for a decent price are these:

http://www.dorrfoto.co.uk/Lenses+and+Accessories/Lens+Caps/Dorr+Camera+Rear+Lens+Cap+M42_309000.htm

Does anyone know if they're any good? I have one just now that's a slip-on & it's terrible, I want screw-on caps.

Thanks

The new price jumped from 30 to 70 a couple of years ago, which as Womble states, is utterly ridiculous for two simple pieces of metal.

I got mine second hand from a forum member for around 20 within the last year. I don't think I'd pay more than that as it would undo the benefits of being able to shoot cheap M42 glass.

I used a DA70 briefly but it was faulty and I had to return it. I liked the results, but I think I wasn't skilled enough to get the most out of it. Got a Tammy 17-50 instead. I'd love to get another DA70 and have another go but with the recent price jumps it's not going to happen any time soon.

The Samyang 85mm shots I've seen have been amazing, but you'll need a Katzeye or other focusing screen that's suitable for ultra-narrow DoF in order to focus it, and be prepared to re-shim as necessary.

The K5 body seems to have increased by 100 quid, both at Park & SRS, the biggest UK dealers. Many lens prices seem to have increased massively at SRS too: the DA70, DA21, DA* 55, DA 17-70, DA 12-24...

The special edition silver DA70 is currently cheaper than the standard version.

Very disappointing. I can give up thinking about getting more limited lenses.

A fast standard zoom such as a 17-50 f/2.8. Fairly wide and with a good range and a large enough aperture for good low-light results.

For a high-range zoom on a budget, the best option for Pentax is this:

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/109/Pentax-smc-DA-55-300mm-f4-0-5-8-ED-Lens.htm...

There is also a DAL version which has a plastic mount, no hood and no manual AF over-ride (quick-shift). It's usually around 100 quid cheaper, but I can't find any available on the internet. The "normal" DA version has superior build and the extras are worthwhile, so I would recommend it over the DAL version.

I thought it was mud at first.

This must be Odd-Job selling off his master's gear for a bit of extra cash. Steel-lined bowlers aren't free you know.

Somewhat later than planned, I've finally gotten around to changing the shim. I ordered a full set from Johnson's Photopia (who were excellent to deal with) and had to wait around six weeks for them to receive stock of a couple of the shims before they sent them. The full set cost around 35 quid with shipping.

I've swapped the original, which I think is the 0.33mm shim, for the 0.23mm, and that has fixed the problem. I can now focus my 50mm f/1.4 & 84mm f/2 lenses perfectly, even wide open. The swap was easier to do than I expected, and a lot easier than when I originally installed the Katzeye screen.

Now that that's fixed, I can start to think again about getting an 85mm f/1.4...