I had the Sigma for a while and, like Lenny, got some inconsistent results, but then that was on a K200D which didn't have the most reliable AF anyway. There is a newer version but they're hard to find used as they were introduced only a short time before Sigma decided to end production of all K-mount lenses.

You might want to consider an HD FA 35mm f/2. I've found mine to be loads better than the cheap 35mm f/2.4 and it makes a good standard prime on APS-C. I can't comment on the older SMC FA 35/2, which has the same optic design as the new HD version, but I do recall early in my Pentax days that it was thought to produce somewhat dull photos. Perhaps the coating change was all it needed.

Last week I picked up a Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN in L mount. It's a beautiful lens - very solidly made, real aperture ring and excellent optics.


IMG_5652 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Yeah, that's on a shot by shot basis and isn't any kind of permanent fix anyway. I used it when the problem first appeared so I could at least finish the roll.

I have an MX which occasionally locks up and won't allow me to wind or fire the shutter. I can usually get it working by some jiggling of the shutter button and winding lever but I don't use that camera to shoot any more. I have a few other MXs that work fine.

#4 is definitely the best for me

The thread doesn't state it's primes only, so my three lens kit for my K-3 would be the DA 16-85mm, the DA 35mm Limited and the DA 70mm Limited. That covers a good range, includes macro and WR and decent enough speed. If it were just primes then I suppose I'd need to swap the 16-85mm for the 15mm Limited. I'd have chosen the 21mm as it's a more useful focal length overall but I've just put mine up for sale so wouldn't really be an option.

For film it'd be the K 28mm f/2, the M 50mm f/1.4 and the M 85mm f/2.

Hood despatched yesterday and delivery partially refunded as it was cheaper than I had expected.

Rather than just uniformly under-exposing, it's better advice to "expose to the right", the right of the histogram that is. This is to get the maximum exposure without clipping any highlights to maximise the flexibility of RAW files since shadows can almost always be brought up but highlights, if clipped in the RAW, cannot be restored.

I almost always use Av mode on any camera I use. I find it easy to get good results while retaining easy control of depth of field and overall sharpness.

Posting some images now that I have the item in my possession, just for the sake of completeness. Sending PM.


FA 35mm lens hood by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


FA 35mm lens hood by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


FA 35mm lens hood by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Scottish yes, living in Scotland no, not any more.

I know there are more Scottish Pentaxians. The US forum has a tool where people can tag where they are in the world and there are a few in Scotland.