I've had over-exposure when using TAv mode in low light then forgetting to change it when moving to bright light. The big question is if these white images are massive over-exposure or some kind of sensor fault (though I would expect that to produce black/garbled images rather than white).

I never had that with mine but QC with these lenses has always been a little below par. Are you using normal AF or live-view? Can you get a sharp image out of it wide open when focusing manually?

I never did the last one (for the 55-300 PLM lens) and don't see any need to do this one either as they're both for lenses that I'm extremely unlikely to own. Does seem strange there's nothing for the K3 II though.

Hi everyone,

I'm in Segovia, Spain for the next week (staying with the in-laws and getting away from the brutal Madrid heat) and realised this morning that next week there's a hot-air balloon festival, the first ever held here. I went on a trip in one in spring last year (christmas gift) and enjoyed it very much but this time I will be staying on the ground but hopefully attending to shoot the event.

I'm sorted for digital gear, I have here most of my more modern Pentax gear - K3, all DA limiteds, Sigma 17-50mm & 70-200/2.8, 16-85mm so I'll choose from that, probably focusing on the wider end and telephoto. I think the DA 15mm, 16-85mm and 70-200mm will be the most useful but I wanted to ask for opinions from anyone who's attended such events. I have a decent 2x Kenko teleconverter which I need to check with the Sigma to see how image quality is.

I will also be shooting some film but unfortunately I'm more limited there. I have my 645 but only the 75mm lens. On 35mm the widest lens I have here is the K 28mm f/3.5. I was on the point of grabbing the 19-35mm as I left the flat yesterday but decided against it, so I'm kicking myself about that now - it would have been very useful and stopped down the image quality is fine.

I'll be there early (morning flights start at 7.30am) with charged batteries and empty memory cards and was thinking for later driving to the other side of town where there are great views of the city - if the balloons pass over then it could be really nice. There are also evening flights at 6.30pm.

Here's a link to the website (in Spanish) if anyone is interested: https://www.siempreenlasnubes.com/festival-globos-segovia/

Any other advice?

Many thanks

Either convert it to screw-drive or go with the Sigma - it's an excellent lens and most consider it optically better than the Pentax too. Weather sealing is the only thing you'd miss, but the Sigma is solidly built so light rain wouldn't be a problem.

Good to read - the DA limiteds have pulled many into Pentaxland and secured the places of others. I certainly wouldn't be without mine - the 35mm is my favourite lens with absolutely stunning image quality.

It should be possible to pick up some old manual or A series lenses which will take advantage of the larger sensor but won't offer the modern luxuries and may not be as sharp as modern glass. If it were me then I'd be quite happy with that until I could get some better lenses.

SRS now have the 50/1.4 on pre-order - £1200

It's £999 from what I can see.

Best bang for the buck on used DSLRs is probably the K5II - not the most modern AF and lacking in a few other important features but a solid camera with reputedly superb image quality.

I wouldn't trust a K30 or K50 due to the aperture block failure. It may be a small proportion of the total sold but I don't see any reason to risk it when there are other models available which don't have that risk.