Ricoh lenses aren't at all bad, if it's an easy job to remove the pin, I should think it would be well worth the effort

That's an excellent post PygmyTwittle but not withstanding the fact that the K10D offers the highest resolution amongst Pentax DSLRs, why would you want a top of the range highly sophisticated camera, if you then wanted to simplify it's operation by removing modes but adding further buttons and dials?

Much the same was said of the Z1 and it's true that there is really nothing that can be achieved with a sophisticated camera that is not possible with a more basic model. Modern cameras have features that most owners never use but at least you have the choice.
Once you customize your camera, it becomes truly yours and unique to you.
The Pentax Hyper modes are totally unnecessary but wonderfully intuitive and do indeed allow the photographer to spend more time with his/her eye to the viewfinder.
As for the Scene modes, these are an excellent tool for the inexperienced a) to ensure a decent shot and b) you can learn from the 'decisions' made by the camera and then tweak the settings to your own preference.

I think that the flagship camera should not only be built to the highest possible standards but should include every conceivable feature and this is bound at times to complicate it's operation.

It remains to be seen just how good and user-friendly the K10D will be but it looks mighty impressive and it will be interesting to read user reviews.
Most people are accustomed to the Mode dial and may be dissuaded from moving up to a model without one - who knows? time will tell!

Here it is:

www.photokina-show.com/0379/samsung/digitalslrcamera/samsunggx10/

and from the horse's mouth:

www.samsungcamera.com/press/press_news_view.asp?ynews_uid=120

You're right Arthur, no sign of a grip......as yet!

I'm looking forward to Focus next year too.
I think Pentax have addressed most people's concerns with the K10D.
I'll wait and see if the camera lives up to expectations before considering a purchase. I'm happy with my DL for the time being, the image quality etc. is quite superb and I'm not sure that 10Mp will be that noticeably better.

I would like the grip too (still want a grip strap for my Z1-P) and I think Pentax really ought to consider restructuring their pricing policies to better reflect their dedication to both new and existing owners - but then most companies charge disproportionate sums for optional extras!

I do have one or two niggles with my DL, I can live with the relatively low spec. because it's still pretty comprehensive but the dust in the penta-mirror housing is a menace (at least the higher spec. models have penta-prisms).

I think digital has really come of age now but I still really like the solid, weightier feel of my Z1 and I do miss the sound of film winding on!

I would say that the article is spot on and this is why I always try to keep the camera perpendicular to the subject. Of course it isn't always possible because of the subject distance but then the effect is less pronounced anyway as the distance increases.

I definately prefer to use the center-focus point and find that for general purpose shots, the multi-pattern metering is pretty flawless.
Center-weighted and spot metering may be perfect in experienced hands but you really do need to be aware of it's limitations.

I always found the focus indicators in my SFX very useful with manual lenses.
Mind you, only really useful with lenses that focus in the same direction as Pentax ones!

As a matter of interest, wasn't the Olympus OM30 a bit of a rip-off of the ME-F?
I seem to recall that it was very similar and had the same sort of AF lens - I wonder which was the better performer


Ah, seems I was right:
http://zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~rwesson/esif/om-sif/bodygroup/om30.htm

.....memory not completely gone yet then

I send film away to these people:http://www.directfoto.co.uk/
have done for years, the results are consistantly good and you get a free Kodak 24exp. 200ISO film with your prints (upgradeable to 36exp. for a little extra cost).
The digital service is quite reasonable too!

Phone or email and I think they'll send you some free-post envelopes.

Current costs are:

up to 40exp. one 6x4 off each negative £2.99
............................7x5..........................+£1.50
extra set of prints...............................+£1.75
upgrade film from 24exp. to 36exp. +60p
Postage and packing charge per film +80p

Obviously for the more adventurous types, you'll need to visit a local store such as Jessops or an online supplier like ebuyer or 7dayshop, who'll be able to provide you with a wider choice of films etc.

hmm......bet the results were a tad grainy

I have both and agree completely. The AF is perfectly adequate for most situations but the centre-weighted metering leaves a little to be desired - but the same could be said for most cameras of that era!
In most respects, the SFX is a Super A with built-in flash, motorwind and auto-focus and is an excellent low priced general use film camera.