There is a new version (3.5) shipped with the K20D the manual indicates it can be used with the K10D too.

It's not available for download as an update yet.

Anybody got a copy they'd like to donate for testing? You'll get it back . . . really.

I don't think this is a Lightroom issue Steve. I've been using this method for weeks with hundreds of slide scans and zero problems, it works like clockwork . . . reliably.

What's new, to me, is the PRA software, which I think is flakey. Sorry, that's a technical term I use quite often, meaning: It ain't no good.

After some tests I have concluded that there is a problem with Pentax Remote Assistant (PRA) version 3.01

Using PRA standalone to simply dump image files into a folder doesn't seem to work consistantly.

Using the PRA application to fire the shutter is more reliable than actually pressing the shutter button, but both methods should work.

What I find is that after taking a number of PRA triggered shots, if I then press the actual shutter release on the camera, PRA locks up and the progress bar keeps cycling from left to right, but no file name appears in the information bar at the bottom of the main image window.

My conclusion so far is that Lightroom, or any other image capture software, will not work reliably as an 'instant view' application when using Pentax Remote Assistant version 3.01.

I am unable to find a copy of the original version 3.00 release to try it out. If any of you has a copy you could send, please PM or email it to me.

That's pretty much what I have found. Lightroom works once or twice, then needs to be restarted.

I find this really strange because for the last few weeks I have been scanning my slide collection and placing the resulting images from my Minolta Scan Dual IV into the Lightroom watched folder. It has all worked well.

That's mainly why I was so quick to say that it should work, but it doesn't. Try it for yourself, simply copy photo images into that folder, one at a time, and LR will import them. It makes me think that the PRA software is perhaps not finishing writing the file properly.

More investigation needed I think.

Sounds like a challenge to me. I'll have a go later.

I'll be back . . . when I've found my USB cable for the K10D . . .

In a round about sort of way you can do it with Adobe Lightroom I think, though I've never tried. You'll need Pentax Remote Assistant software and a USB cable. Then when the image is captured, have it stored in Lightroom's watched folder. It should then 'suck' it in to its catalogue and display it on screen.

This ebay trader has some of the more exotic Pentax glass for sale occasionally. They have some real gems on offer at the moment. Be warned, you might need a mortgage.

That depends almost entirely on the distance from your camera/flash to the subject.

You'll almost certainly need a powerful flash.

Fitting any diffuser (like the Lumiquest/Sto-Fen products) will reduce the effective output of your flash by up to 2 stops, which means you need to be reasonably close for it to have much effect. Again, it'll depend on the power of your flash, and distance to subject.

If you are shooting in a stage/theatre type environment you may need to use available lighting. That probably means you'll need a fast lens. In that scenario I use my faster zoom lenses (DA* 16-50mm & 50-135mm 1:2.8 ). If I can get close enough, I use my 50mm 1:1.4 or 1:1.2 and ISO up around 800.

It might help others contribute if you tell us what camera & flash combination you have.

You might not even need a flash if you want to capture the mood of the event.

Have a look at the Lumiquest Softbox. They are available cheaply from here .

Sto-Fen Omnibounce are good too.

The Slik 88 is a terrific piece of kit. I used one for many years but my son took a liking to it so it's on permanent loan (he thinks).

I really haven't had much trouble with any of my tripod/head combo's (all Manfrotto now that the Slik 88 has a new user) except when I was trying some moon shots with my bigger-than-the-Bigma zoom. It's heavy and I needed to remove the rubber pad from the QR plate to get the tripod mount stiff enough. Even then I needed to use mirror lockup . . . and even then . . . the end of the lens visible shook when the shutter released.