We seem to be in a 'hold off' sort of situation ... its good to see some names back in action again here and more real discussion - we can certainly do with more of that and less of the attempts to destabilise things. It does appear to me that there are so many who have a kind of attachment to this site - its been a place over the years where so much has happened thats its clearly hard to just let go finally - although I appreciate that those who are banned don't have the choice.

For the record, I don't have anything personal against any other site, nothing to 'slander' it with at all - I feel a commitment here, thats real, and the practicality is my internet time is fairly limited and there's just not the time to check different sites and threads split between two forums to keep up with things and follow where I contribute.

Suggestions from the 'other side' that I'm on the staff, a moderator or working for PU are ridiculous - frankly I've never been flavour of the month here really, but I just have my own way of dealing with issues and holding to my points. But I would support any changes they can make here that will increase the appeal to more and bring members back.

The worst thing about all this is the way we Pentax photographers are being split ... Worse than any forum policies or mod behaviours. We should be a close knit bunch, there's not that many of us anyway. Its not fair that we should have to face this 'them and us' type of choice between forums. I want to feel free to make a choice based on what's most important to me, not just respond to peer pressure.

I've been mentioned in despatches over in the .eu and described as 'slandering' that site, accused of 'working for PU'! All because I have stood up and resisted attempts to disrupt and denigrate this forum. I have heard all the frustrations from the upset ex members, and I understand them, but we can't all share them ... Just because I have pointed out the things I still value here, such as the presentation, gallery and navigational strengths, and that I don't feel comfortable with the .eu site, that makes me an enemy? It shouldn't be like that. That is the real pity. We ordinary members need to find a way to stay together so we can all benefit from everyone's experience and skills.

The one with the two puffins sitting is excellent, and looks very sharp. Maybe some of the in-flight ones are a touch soft ... Did you feel you had the option of a higher ISO or wider aperture? In any case its a set of great variety and all with natural colours.

You've lost me with 'spuggie' there Alan ... Hmm, I guess that's one of those Franco-Czech cross bred ones with the, ah, the wings, you know!

300? In Paris & Prague? Is that really a useful fixed focal length in those dense city environments? ... And I am raising the genuine question because I don't really know, but I would have thought it would be very limited ...

Could you do without the 10-17mm? 16mm is wide enough for most travel stuff I'd have thought, that way you've got 16-135 covered on the two bodies plus the teleconverter if needed. I'm assuming you have some space & weight considerations. Perhaps 1 small prime also for low light stuff if you go out in the nights and want to keep a low profile?

Have a great trip and I'm looking forwards to seeing some pics

Great detail and nicely exposed, so easy for this sort of image to over-expose but you've controlled it perfectly.

No3 is excellent with the snake-like depiction of the race along the winding road, and it is a nicely framed but of countryside. So you did really well to be there af the right time, that's for sure!

Thanks for showing your great pictures here which give a very strong taste of the raceway and its atmosphere.

I appreciate you showing these, even as a 'work in progress ' so to speak. It has invited some good critical commentary and general all-round good advice for this genre and shooting conditions, and that's good for us all.