I can't find much in the way of Pentax on their website. Is it just an in-store event?

The 1:1.7 is a very good lens, sharp, flare resistant, and contrasty. The 1:1.4 has these same attributes plus a bit of extra speed for low light situations. IMHO, Buy the 1:1.4. You could by the 1:2 as well for potentially hazardous trips. Reversed, the 1:1.7 makes a great macro lens but then, so does the 1:1.4.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

Daniel,

ISO can't be set manually on the SF7 but it will use ISO 100 for non DX coded cassettes (tape over 'bar code'). Contacts are gold plated so shouldn't tarnish but I've given them a wipe with a tissue and WD40, no joy.

Cheers,

Thanks Alan but i checked all that. The problem seems to be with the DX Coding circuitry. I'm guessing that the camera can't determine what film is loaded so it shows E(rror). With the back open, film cassette in place, I simulate the door closure to initiate film loading. The film loads and the error appears. If I perform exactly the same procedure but leave the cassette outside the camera (no DX info) then the film loads and the counter advances to 1 with no error and the camera works as normal.

I don't think that this is a mechanical problem, more an electrical/electronic one.

Thanks for your input anyway.

Cheers,

I have come across a SF7 which seems to behave perfectly . . . with no film loaded. AF works, metering, works, shutter etc. but . . .

When I load a film, close the back, turn on the power, the film advances as expected to the first frame and then stops with the E (error) letter showing in the display.

Anybody know of a simple fix for this? I'm guessing its beyond economical repair, but if it can be salvaged, so much the better.

If not, does anybody want it for spares? It does have its flash shoe cover which I guess is often lost. Battery cover is good too.

Cheers,

SRS Microsytems are getting some SMC PENTAX-FA 50mm F1.4 lenses in but they are still awaiting stock.

Cheers,

The AF280T will work fine in either of it's two 'auto' modes but the DL2 can't use the flashes TTL capabilities I believe. You might have to underexpose by one or two stops too.

Ah yes but . . . the FA 31mm would be better in low light with its max aperture of 1.8 compared to the DA 40mm at 2.8. ALso, the DA40 can't be used on a film camera. My choice would be, and is when I can afford it, the FA31mm Limited. If low light capabilities are not an issue but size and weight are then the DA40 is a good option.

I also happen to think that the 31mm Limited is a better investment with a higher resale value in years to come when we all switch to Canon or Nikon . . . only joking.

Pah, and I'm just around the corner from you at the moment as well. Too late for me but I'm sure somebody will be interested. I can always stick some black gaffer tape around mine when it arrives

SRS Microsystems have the 77mm 1:1.8 Limited lens in Silver in stock at £559.00 (I'm not giving any more information than that )

The same lens in Black is apparantly only available for the Japanese market or via grey import. I was tempted to get a black one from china but hey, they can copy anything and there's no Pentax warranty with it.

My silver one should arrive tomorrow. I hope it's as good as you say it is George