Here you go:

http://www.pentaxusa.com/docstore/index.cfm?show=6

Download the manual in PDF form

To open the back, pull up the film rewind know

Have fun!

Matt

Hi all!

Thought I'd let you know that the Pentax *istD profiles are now available for NeatImage 4 at www.neatimage.com

In addition, some other standalone freebie noise reduction programs are available from:
www.helicon.com.ua
www.imagenomic.com (this one is very good indeed )

Matt

Pano,

I too have the DA 16-45. It is 16mm in the 35mm format, so you do have to multiply by 1.5 to get the results spec'd by Pentax. i.e. it behaves like a 24.5-69mm lens

(There is an SMC-DA 14mm due out, which will give you a 21mm result.)

Fabulous optics - ultra sharp, wonderful contrast and bokeh. Definitely worth it! So good, in fact, I'm seriously considering the SMC-FA 24-90 to complement it

Matt

You can use any Pentax compatible lenses with the *ist-D.
(You didn't specify which lenses you had - only the camera.)

It works best with lenses that have automatic aperture, though it will support fully manual lenses. I've not tried it, except for using the extension tubes which put it in that mode. Works a treat.

If you specify exactly what lenses you have, maybe we can enlighten you as to what features you will get with the *istD

(However, I found that after using the *istD it showed up the flaws in the lenses I had... so I eventually re-invested in some decent Pentax SMC glass, plus the new SMC-DA 16-45mm.)

One final point, don't forget that because of the APS sensor size, you get an effective 1.5x focal length multiplier (so a 50mm gives you a 75mm's field of view).

Matt

Angi,
Did you mean: where should you post your pictures to?

If so, I use these sites:

www.ephotozine.com - excellent community, but you can only upload one a day, maximum size 500x500 pixels. You'll get critique from lots of experienced users and pros. Great site to learn more about photography.

www.pbase.com - huge site. You'll need to pay ($23 I think minimum). They now run credits 200Mb is one credit for one month. You're not restricted to image size, though I would recommend you downsize to around 1000 pixels so people can't pinch your images

www.photobox.co.uk - a commercial printing company. You'll get about 50Mb for free, which is upgraded to 200Mb when you order. That space is used for publicly viewable galleries. You also get a temporary gallery which is unlimited in size and used for large print orders - photos are deleted after 2 weeks and are not sharable. They print fabulous images on 5x3 all the way up to 30x20 (and more). Superfast turnaround and amazing, amazing quality. You can also have a professional portfolio where they'll sell your images for you, and you get some profit Galleries can be private or public. Check this site out for sure!

There are other, but watch out for the small print - some (like Microsoft) stipulate that they can use your images for whatever they want!! With PBase and ePhotozine you retain the copyright.
Matt

Angi,
Glad to help
Wakehurst Place was excellent at the weekend - but in a few more weeks the walled gardens will be superb. I've posted a couple on ePhotozine ( http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=78044 and http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=78581 )

Hopefully I'll get a montage up there soon.

Looking forward to your images

Matt

No problem

Wakehurst is massive, and it can accommodate a huge number of people... as long as you don't expect to get into the restaurant

It might be worth giving Nymans a ring to make sure the bluebells are still out in force - they keep an updated blackboard of what's in bloom

Have fun, and come back with lots of great photos!
Matt

Angi,

Wakehurst is fabulous but very, very large. Arrive early and stay late. Wakehurst is on my to-do-again list for sure

There is also Nymans Gardens, although there are not so many flowers out just now - another 2 or 3 weeks and it should be superb.
As a National Trust member I try to get to these places as often as I'm able.

Here's some images from Nymans: http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=75926
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=76191
(Might give you an idea)
Oh yes, and Nymans has a beautiful bluebell wood - Pookchurch Wood. It's quite a hike down a steep hill, but definitely worth it
http://www.ephotozine.com/gallery/showlargepic.cfm?photoid=76684

Hope that helps!
Matt

Yes, I have the Z1. It's a very capable camera, really solid and a good feel. Loved using it... just the *ist-D has now overtaken it, and I've not used it at all. Soon to be sold

Matt

If you want a serious tripod (like a Manfrotto), then www.bobrigby.com is a very well priced supplier

Matt