The AF will function - the coupling is only from the body to the AF1.7x adaptor. The focus function affects elements inside the 1.7x only. So, as long as it can be focussed, it should

Incidentally, it makes it much quicker to focus when you use 1.7x+telephoto because the body hasn't got to rotate the lens, only the elements inside the 1.7

Matt

The list price is something like £130.
I bought one boxed and mint via ebay for around £60, so £20 is a real bargain. I'd get it even if you didn't have an AF body!
Matt

Whoops, I didn't read the original reply carefully enough.

You won't need to use a jewellers screwdriver with the *ist-DS

Here's how it works on the *ist-D (and almost certainly on the *ist-D):
* AF from the camera controls the elements within the 1.7x only
* You manually focus to ball-park
* Half press the shutter and the 1.7x does the rest

Aperture etc works as before.

I regularly use the 1.7x with an old (but very sharp) SMC-F 70-210, even in relatively dark conditions. The *ist-D autofocus is very capable indeed. (e.g. http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=245613 )

Sorry for the confusion!
Matt

The 1.7xAF adaptor will not work correctly with non auto focus bodies.

You can connect practically any lens to the front of the adaptor - including manual focus lenses. The adaptor itself will do the autofocus operation.

So, when using an AF lens on an AF body with this, it becomes a little tricky. You have to partially manually focus to get the lens in the right "ball park", then let the camera autofocus the 1.7xAF. Elements move inside the 1.7xAF so that you can achieve a focus lock. Of course, if the lens is focussed incorrectly, then the 1.7xAF will not be able to lock on.

If you try and use it in manual mode you can find the adaptor at either end of its focus range and you'll will not get the full focus range when trying to focus the lens.

Hope that makes some sense!

There are other third-party adaptors that may be more suitable for the M-series cameras.

Matt

Ah! They would have Huffman encoded the data then About time!

Wonder when they'll release that format onto the *ist-D... and when the other RAW people will catch up. I'd appreciate getting more RAW on a card than I do (have 2Gb + 1Gb cards and they're only just big enough!).

Still, the offer's there... I'd appreciate an *ist-DS RAW file if anybody has one handy! Please???

Matt

Colin,
There is a bug list on the Phase One forums... 3.6 isn't perfect. And I can't remember whether the *ist-DS was on the list. Definitely one thing was on their "to-do" - that's Adobe DNG (Digital Negative) format. For me the current version is perfectly usable, even with its oddities, and I think they've promised the fixes soon....
(updated) - just checked the forums. They say May is the release date for 3.7. The forums also have a few people requesting *ist-DS support, so maybe Pentax did change the format.
If someone wants to email me an *ist-DS RAW file, I'll check it out on everything I have
Matt

David,
The hot pixel removal is an integral part of C1LE. It just works
Sometimes when there's a huge contrast difference (say a very black background with a bright green pixel) you have a grey pixel left over - but it's soooo much less intrusive than a green one
I recently took some theatre photos and processed them blindingly quickly in C1 and ended up publishing them without any PS adjustments at all. My CCD has a couple of hot pixels that caused me trouble in the past having to edit them in PS. The results from C1 were stunning.
Matt

David,
Phew! Glad you've got some good results.
There is a way to put C1 into mono only mode

Here's the link:
http://www.outbackphoto.com/artofraw/raw_08/essay.html
(If you are using Windows, copy the .icm file to c:windowssystem32spooldriverscolor - that's where the ICC profiles are picked up from )

It might sound complex, but the results are stunning. Here's a link the first image I did in B&W: http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=235568

Enjoy!
Matt

Not entirely sure if the *ist-D and *ist-DS maintain the same RAW format, but there's a freebie plugin for PS from Pentax:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/customer_care/show_software?softId=1

Personally, I use Capture One LE. I also have Photoshop CS that handles RAW files, but Capture One blows CS out of the water, especially for tricky shots with wide dynamic range.

There's also the Pixmantec free RAW convertor: www.pixmantec.com
It's pretty excellent, given the price (Doesn't have hot pixel removal like C1, and I prefer C1).

I'd always go for a third party convertor, every time
The manufacturer's convertor is always a "reference", and you never get the best out of the RAW format. Shame

Hope that helps,
Matt

Tony,
I'm sure you won't be disappointed
Let us know how you get on!
Matt