I have two drives - 550 and 250 mb Medion drives from Aldi - or was it Lidl? Either way, cheap, and I have two backups of my images - Just in case!

Agree...

Thanks for the comment Peter. I was concerned as to whether using the whole of the extension tube would cause any issues with vignetting but all seems ok. I had saved that original post re the building of the ring light holder for a good while, meaning to get around to building one eventually. Now that is done, need to look for another photography related project...

Well the results are in... Tried it out this evening - much to managements displeasure -(Supposed to be going out at 7!)

First impressions:

Very straightforward to do
No particular skill - just a good small philips screwdriver
The right adhesive and a bit of cleaning and paint removal prior to fixing
Patience - let it set overnight
Bingo!


Using the smallest of my cheapo extension tubes, removed the back place with male fittings. Retained the body and the front plate, complete with locking mechanism


In the space where the male fitting lived, a 49mm filter - with glass removed, fitted in just nicely. Looked like a good glue job to the naked eye


Ring flash attached to Pentax A 28mm reversed, using my new ring light holder


All the bits in a row


Quick test shot of the 5 on a five pence piece
Well worth the effort to do I think if you want to try macro without the expense of a dedicated lens!

The DA*300mm is a great lens:
Much faster and quieter focus
Weather proof/Dust proof
Would be a difficult choice to make.

The 300mm you know where you are on price!

The FA* will go for what the buyer is willing to pay I suppose and to be honest I wouldn't consider the price tag too high for this lens. Just checked back as I keep a database of lens prices £1800 I have recorded for a 400 FA* Lens. Gearbee sells good lenses and the descriptions are always very honest and accurate. Postage and packing is also excellent...

I have not tried the AF Converter with either lens I'm afraid. But I do know it is a great performer as I have used it on a few of my manual lenses in the past.

I have this lens and am very pleased with it. Build quality is great, and being one of the Pentax FA* Lenses, as you would hope/ expect, IQ is great. For a 400mm Lens it is quite light and well balanced is easy to use hand held - just my thoughts I must add, because the lens goes for serious money - as you have found out. It commands such a price probably because not only is it one of the FA* range of lenses, but also it is quite rare to find one for sale, let alone in good condition.

Hope this helps

And where is Stefan when you need him???

Well the deed is done. Left the bits to cure overnight and tomorrow. Will check it out when I get back from work in the evening...

Just out of interest, I wonder if there are any forum members who have made any useful mods or useful diy additions to their equipment?

Well, went for the Araldite Metal adhesive - didn't know they did such a thing. Proof of the pudding etc...

Many thanks Peter - will probably go for the long setting variant as you suggest, as I read that the quick setting variety is not as strong.