Well done
It is funny that....
Matt

I started out with a Pentax S1a which I borrowed from my Dad when I was about 10. For me, everything "clicked" and I got some great shots. Saved and saved and got a Zenit TTL and a couple of lenses, then eventually managed to buy my own S1a with 50mm/f1.4 lens. From there I progressed to the ME-F, then to the MZ5, Z1, and now the *ist-D and *ist-DS.

What clinches it for me is the ergonomics and build quality. Everything is just in the right place and I never have to think how to set the camera when taking a shot. Having seen the viewfinders in the 300D and D100 I was amazed at how dingy and small they were compared to the *ist-D

And then there's the glass... Oh yes! Pentax make some screamingly good glass. If I had to switch to Canon (for the 5D or 1Ds for instance), then I'd have to buy L-series glass and you can imagine how much that would set me back And even then, I don't like the out-of-focus rendition of some of them... the Pentax has such a pleasing, smooth rendition I'm growing to like it more and more.

If the 16-50/f2.8 is as I hope, then I'm not switching at all. It'll be "can I justify the 645D as well?" LOL!

Matt

John,
I don't know why Pentax chose to drop the wireless-from-popup flash mode, but the *ist-D firmware code is very different to the DS/DL code. (User interface etc etc.)
There could also be electronic reasons as well as firmware reasons.

All Pentax DSLRs can support wireless with two AF360/AF540 guns. The gun on the camera can act as either a controller or master, and can trigger one or more wireless slaves. But, only the *ist-D can do this from the popup.

If you want some consolation, the *ist-DS works with analogue flash guns too, whereas the DL only works with digital guns (ie AF360 & AF540). Or so I believe...

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news
Matt

John,
I have both the AF360 and the AF540. The AF540 is larger than the AF360, but not by a huge amount. The price is high though

There are a few other points:
* There's a Stofen Omnibounce available for the AF360 - this produces lovely soft light even when firing straight on.
* When shooting vertically, bounce off the wall rather than the ceiling. This works well with the Omnibounc attached, not so sure about without.
* You can get the 5P flash extension leads, but even second hand it'll cost around £70 There are three parts - the lead, the hotshoe adapter and the flash part. Can't remember the exact part numbers off hand. One of the units will fit on your camera's hotshoe and still allow the popup flash to be used - so you get a fill in too

To be honest, the extension lead I found is the best, even with the AF540 (though it has the advantage of having the 5P connector built into the body). I have a modified old Pentax grip that works really well with the extension cables and feels really comfortable.

For portraiture I prefer to keep the flashgun higher than the lens, even when bouncing, otherwise you risk an unflattering illumination. With the Pentax grip I can detach the flash+grip very quickly from the camera and hand-hold the flash while still tethered to the camera - particularly useful for wedding stuff

If I'm doing snaps then the AF360 (and the AF540) work wirelessly to the *ist-D I have and that works a dream But it's not an option you have on the DS/DS2/DL/DL2

Hope that helps!
Matt

By that I presume you mean there's nothing to tempt you on the other systems then?
Matt

Gwyn,
That's really funny Great idea for a test - driving on a lawnmower to really give the SR a run for its money
The results look impressive though!
Matt

Just Google for them...
http://nedbunnell.blogspot.com/2006/07/sr-test-with-300mm-f28-lens.html
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/digitalcameras/0,39030232,49283165,00.htm

HTH,
Matt

It might be worth resetting the custom settings first - there may be a piece of data that's "out of bounds" and preventing the code from working correctly. A reset to factory defaults could well solve that (and is often recommended when changing firmware anyway )

Matt

Peter,
Take a look at Ned Bunnell's photo: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6872/1297/1600/IMGP5029.1.jpg

You'll see the K10D has contacts behind the lens mount They look very much like the same position as the powerzoom connections on older bodies - hence my musings I wasn't asking for the K10D to support powerzoom, but wondered what would happen to your nice shiny new SMC-DA*16-50/f2.8 if you accidentally mounted it on a film body that had the powerzoom (not supersonic) connections. Just a thought

Liam - you're absolutely right. It's interesting that there are two sets of AF/MF switches - one on lens, one on body. But still, these are pre-production lenses all the same. Wonder if they'll have quickshift focus as well (as in the newer SMC-DA line of lenses)?
Regarding the ISO rating, going down to 100 is very welcome! Losing ISO3200 but gaining anti shake is still quids-in when it comes to low light

Matt

Liam,
I fully expect the K10D to support body driven focus - indeed the camera is due out before these lenses so that has to be the case

However, I wondered what compatibilty these three new lenses had when used with older bodies. (And indeed what would happen if you mount one on a film body that has power zoom - because the K10D contacts look remarkably like the power zoom contacts of old!)

Matt