You can check what dust (if any) is on the sensor by using the Dust Alert function. It's described in the user manual, section 'Cleaning the CMOS Sensor' starting page 252. It's easy to do and will show where dust is on the sensor.

Removing dust with a blower is also described and is also easy to do - had to do it fairly often with my K20D. After blowing, use Dust Alert again to check whether any dust remains. A second blow may be necessary. Just need to be careful of 2 things (a) use a fully charged battery, you really don't want to find out what happens if the battery runs out half way through; (b) don't touch the sensor with the blower, or indeed anything else.

If there is still dust on the sensor after blowing a couple of times, it must be sticky dust so sensor cleaning methods that involve contact with the sensor must be used. There are kits and devices for doing that (a Pentax kit is advertised in the Accessories section of the manual so it is definitely a 'user maintenance' thing). They do work and it isn't difficult. However, if you have any doubts about your ability to follow instructions to the letter and do delicate operations with you hands it's best to leave touching the sensor to the professionals.

Steve

Nos 1 and 3 - superb, hard to imaging how they could be bettered.

No 2 - I'm not convinced by the composition, not enough sky to balance the big expanse of water at the bottom. But that's just a personal opinion.

Steve

Macro model railways - brilliant!!

And if Mrs HG complains about boys toys being left around the house, all you have to do is put it on a shelf until she's out of the way - even more brilliant!

Something as brilliant as that deserves a beer or three

Steve

Seen on some of the 141 (or is it 142?) steps down to Church Ope Cove, Portland, Dorset. Pity that you only notice them on the way up the steps, a bit too late for the message to have much effect. Still, they made an interesting and different subject for a photo or three.

It was one of those 'camera in the pocket just in case' trips with family, so Q-S1 + 02 lens.

Thoughts, comments etc. welcome as usual.

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Steve

Aha, so you haven't forgotten how to do it! A really good set IMHO and technically excellent (of course). The unifying compositional device of symmetry with converging lines seems to emphasise the different aspects of each photograph. And the shape of the back of the seat repeated in the shape of the seated person is masterly. Yes, I like this set - a lot!

Now, a thought has just crossed my mind. What about a set in which each sharp photo is accompanied by an ICM image of the same scene. Two different but equally valid views, each providing different insight into the same thing. Is the art world ready for it? Are you up to the challenge??

Steve

Good spot . The turbulent wake left by a rapidly moving team of reindeer pulling a manned sleigh at high altitude??

Steve

Amazing! Absolutely, wonderfully amazing!! I hope the photos (and grandson) are equally amazing.

Steve

To which the correct response is "Would you like me to take a really sharp portrait of you, dear?".

Steve

Thanks, Gareth. That was actually the second bud I tried. The first looked OK until viewed close up, then the micro-muck became visible .

Steve

Thanks, Gareth
Although those spikes are actually quite soft .

Steve