I don't know about the availability of cases and adapters but you can safely use rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Go for the highest capacity you can get your hands on - at least 2000mAh!
Uniross are widely available, perform well, are reasonably priced and can often be bought together with a suitable charger.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0006OQZL8/ref=pd_sxp_f/026-1238851-0978055

How's that for a case?

Tony, something like this might fit the bill - esp. when you take into account the 1.5x focal length conversion on an *ist DSLR.

http://www.tamron.de/index.php?id=106&kc_prid=452&L=2

I much prefer Tamrons to Sigmas and there are quite a few available on eBay, not all models are available for Pentax though!

If you really want to save money, you could look for an adaptall2 manual focus lens, say a 75-250 f3.8/4.5, which is reasonably fast and a fine performer and add to that the Pentax 1.7x AF adapter.
I know that's not an ideal option but the results would be pretty good and you'd save a small fortune!

If you fancy a fixed focal length, in preference to a zoom when using the AF adapter, there are plenty of good Tamron and Pentax lenses that would do an excellent job and perfectly usable on an *istDS.

That was me BTW, - forgot to login

Who needs to go on safari, when there's monstrous great aphids like those in your garden

Other points to bear in mind are:

1) cost - obviously!
2) handling and compatibility (is it comfortable to use, balance well on the camera and fully compatible to the system).
3) Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements are particularly beneficial for large-diameter telephoto lenses.
4) Aspherical (AL) elements are of most benefit to large-diameter, wide-angle lenses.

If you can't 'try before you buy', see if you can find a lens test report


I think that for most people, a decent quality zoom is perfectly adequate. Most shots are spontaneous because it simply isn't convenient to make the family wait while you get set up and then wait again for the light to be right etc.
For moving subjects, you have to be quick or the moment is gone but at least with digital, it's easy to manipulate the image later.

Don't do that, obviously you can't go wrong with Pentax but I'm a big fan of Tamron lenses, particularly the old manual adaptall 2 range.
Do bear in mind that any lens with such a massive focal range as 28-300mm is likely to be poor when compared to primes and more moderate zooms.
Tamrons are generally very good and with a touch of digital tweaking, I expect the images would be reasonable for such a versatile lens!

If you check out my sticky re. error codes, you'll see that you have a drive error.

I have an Espio 120 with the exact same problem, unfortunately it would be cheaper to buy a replacement camera from eBay than to get yours repaired.

It's a pity that you ruined the film - you could have removed it safely inside a light-tight box or got a local photo shop to do it for you.

Thanks for that Kim, I've now got the 115 which seems to be fine and I've not really got an axe to grind with Pentax - they provided me with a *istDL for the cost of repair to my Z1 (spares not available).
I'll still be looking to pick up a Z1 to compliment my Z1-P but I'm really chuffed with the DL.

I'll drop them a line anyway but not worry too much about it.

A little over a year ago, I bought a faulty Espio 120 for just a few quid and decided that as it was in such nice condition that I'd send it to Pentax for repair.
It cost £50 plus postage but was returned still faulty, so I sent it back and this time, got it fixed.
The camera was now as good as new according to Pentax (fully serviced, parts replaced and complete with six months' warranty).

Being a bit of a collector, I've a number of film cameras and like to use them all but as a consequence, no one camera gets a great deal of use. Since it's repair the 120 has had only a couple of films through it (2 or possibly 3) and the motor has once again packed up. The last film exposed correctly but couldn't be rewound and was carefully removed within a light tight box, a new film cannot be loaded and E flashes on the LCD.

Now for the slightly daft bit;
a) should I have a whinge at Pentax and hope they feel benevolent or,
b) should I consign a faulty but very nice little camera to the bin

BTW, I've just bought a fully working Espio 115 (virtually identical to the 120) for less than a tenner!

Gawd I hate to throw anything away

Interesting, just when you think you've got your head round something...........

Yes, the DL manual states "compared to a 35mm camera, the value is roughly one aperture setting lower (the focus range becomes narrower)."

I'd assumed that the effect would be similar to using a 1.5x converter