To let you know that both lenses have been sold now. Thanks for looking, Jon

If you download updated firmware, there is a menu option to change this behaviour. You can now set the camera to use the control pad to change focus points without pushing OK first.

The big advantage is that you can now have the power switch as optical preview (which is what I want most of the time) and still access live view with one button push - rather than digging through the menu system first. The K-7 implementation is much much better.

Biggest benefit for me is size and portability - it squeezes the handling and functionality of the K10/20 body into a camera little larger than the ist/K100D series.

After that, a few of the new things I like include:

(1) faster AF and FPS = many more keepers when shooting moving subjects
(2) much better live view implementation - it is now genuinely useful
(3) 100% VF
(4) getting rid of the Fn button to get at key parameters you want to change quickly
(5) much quieter shutter
(6) better implementation of DR enhancement. Separation of highlight and shadow adjustment means it's easier to increase DR without adding too much noise compared to K20D - I leave highlight adjustment switched on but shadow adjustmennt left off, and generally shoot at ISO 200 - it works very well
(7) improved menu system - easier to scroll around than previous models once you've got used to it

All that said, I wouldn't say that image quality is any better than the K20D - you need to upgrade to the K-7 if all the other stuff is important to you; otherwise the earlier bodies really still hold their own incredibly well.

Mike - thanks: PM replied

Others - still time to let me know if you are interested in the DA70 as I'm still open to offers (somewhere between what Mike has offered and what I'm looking for!!! Otherwise he is in danger of getting a bargain you and I will be kicking ourselves about....)

SMC - you're right that depth of focus is very small at f1.4. The manual focus ring works really well on the 85mm - nicely weighted and allows minute adjustment just like proper MF lenses used to do. I do tend to rely on my own judgement rather than the AF confirm with MF lenses - I think many camera bodies will struggle to confirm accurate focus at f1.4, especially at longer focal lengths. That's not to say that the indicators might not be accurate - just that I haven't relied on them. But then, at least with an f1.4 lens the viewfinder is about as bright as it can get! I do not use the OME53 loupe because I have glasses, but that might help too. I haven't found any back or front focus issues with my body (K-7) using this lens though, so that should help with the indicators I guess. Go on...it's got to be worth a try!...

Eduardo - the 85mm is great for things other than portraits too! Here's some images from the lens, just to add to your torment...










Sorry, I know this is mean, but it illustrates some of what it can do....

Two great lenses for sale - have just picked up FA77 in nice condition and I'll have to sell these to help contribute to the cost....

The DA 70 comes boxed and with the case. It's in virtually mint condition (there is a very slight mark on the lens cap but otherwise it's in superb shape), and has produced many great shots - it's a lovely lens.

I think these currently go for around £450 new, and I'm asking for £300 secondhand including insured postage within the UK. If you prefer to use PayPal, I will confirm the additional PayPal fee with you. I will post to Europe, but would need to charge additional postage.

The Opteka 85mm f1.4 is a clone of the Samyang lens, and identical apart from the name. For the uninitiated, look at the review on Lenstip.com, then form an orderly queue.... you simply won't find a better fast lens of this length without spending vastly more money.

The build quality is great (perhaps less so the hood and cap but they do the job), the images and bokeh (especially wide open) are fantastic. It is boxed, with hood and case and in unmarked mint condition. I'm also including a Hama centre pinch lens cap because the original one supplied with the lens was a right pain to use when the hood was on!

Last time I looked, LCE were supplying the Samyang lens for £299 - I'll sell this one for £150 including postage within the UK - same thoughts on PayPal and postage to Europe as mentioned for the DA 70 above. It's an absolute steal at this price!

Some photos below, DA70 first, then the Opteka. If you are interested, please send me a PM:





































Thanks for looking!

Jon

Yes - any of the Pentax MP bodies would be good (indeed so would any newer body, but I'd rather convert something that had lost much of its original purchase value).

I think I'd rather just use the R72 filter!

I think there's a general rule that says the first camera you take apart is also the first camera that you break beyond repair........

Jon

John - another good reason to keep old SMCA and SMCM lenses as they have the IR focusing mark! Otherwise, if you keep to reasonably wide lenses and f8 or smaller, focusing distance is not too much of an issue in reality as you just need to shoot with sufficient depth of field to get around the problem.