I fully respect and believe David's conclusions on the IIs. However I cannot see that this is illustrated by the images.

I do not mean to be a spoiler, but I can't see significant evidence that one camera is sharper than the other. As others have noted it depends where you look within the image. If focus is not absolutely identical, like for like comparisons are hard to make.
Unless a camera boasts a phenomenal improvement, surely minor focusing discrepancies could account for most of the perceived difference.

Further to this, if it takes critical laboratory conditions to test and confirm differences, are the differences actually significant for real life shooting?

I am delighted that many seem to rate the IIs and can discern the difference.
However, for a strictly amateur individuals like myself, I reckon my own skills, technique and ability to obtain ( or even recognise) critical focus would make more difference than the camera body.

A Uniloc is a tripod, very versatile but quite different.

I suspect a Redsnapper might be more suitable and easier to use, they are good value for the quality. I do not think there are any stockists, I believe they can only be purchased on-line.

I guess it would be helpful to know what your friend intends using a tripod for.
If it is for an occasional stand for self portraits, she may get away with cheap and cheerful. However, if she wishes to use it to improve her images and extend her range of techniques, she would be wise to buy something decent.

A cheap, wobbly tripod, can ruin as many shots as hand shake can. In fact I would rather improvise and lean on a gate, fence, back of a chair or use any steady surface rather than a cheap tripod.

Pm sent regarding card holders.

neville

I am no expert and do not use flash a great deal. However, I have not noticed any problems with the two older flashes I own af200T and af280t with the k30.

Also I believe that the *istD had TTL as well as P-TTL, was this the mode you were using?

No, pentax are not guilty of scamming.
The worst that is likely, is that T&C have been amended at some stage and somehow two versions have gone public.

If you submitted your claim before 31/1/13, you will get your cash back. Just may take a little time to process it.

My own case is a little less certain. However I have faith that Pentax will honour the T&C that have been displayed by Amazon, stating 14th feb.

Thanks for the input, I have forwarded the claim, so we will see.

blackplanet

Point taken about downloading from manufacturers site. Also I had not noticed the different font used for the date,it was only when I rechecked and looked at the 'a' in February that I could see what you meant. It does seem odd to say the least!

Just wondering if anyone else has been caught out by the recent pentax cash back?
For various reasons I had not had an opportunity to send off my claim until this weekend. The terms and conditions I had downloaded from amazon, stated a closing date of 14th Feb 2013.

On printing the claim form I then discover that claims to be received by 31st jan?

I had made my purchase from Jessops ( double tesco vouchers being the deciding factor). Due to the failure of the business pentax forms and T&C were not available on line through jessops, hence sourcing from amazon.

I have contacted Pentax this morning and they are unaware of this particular set of terms and conditions, but have advised me to forward the claim and they will investigate.

Does anyone know where I stand? As far as I can see the link is an official pentax/ricoh document. I assume that they would be obliged to honour the dates specified?

I can't help wondering if this is the 'critical eye' that ronniemac is referring to, at least in part? Not an academic assessment of a shot, but an eye that is artistically discerning.

Is 'gut feeling' another name for a swiftly critical eye that assesses in an instant, without much conscious thought? Is this what ronniemac is striving towards, to be able to shoot freely because a critical eye has become instinctive?

As I first read through this thread, I felt I had most in common with smeggy's arguement ( at least aspirationally), however on re-reading the posts again, I think you both might be close to saying the same thing.

Camera received, well packaged.
Thanks for your help and the easy transaction.

pm sent