Most of the time my K-5 is set to P-Mode with the MTF Program Line, in one of the saved User Modes. Compared to some other makes, the Pentax P-Mode seems more versatile as, although when set in this way it gives an exposure set up around the lens sweet spot MTF aperture, it still allows the user to control the ISO value, shutter speed (front dial) and aperture (rear dial). After any user alterations, pressing the Green Button returns the exposure settings to those suggested by the MTF Program Line. I think the camera also uses the selected Program Line when the Green Button is pressed in M-Mode.

Philip

Went for a stroll at Dunstable Downs this afternoon, mainly as the first time out with the DA 21mm Limited on a K-5. Still a bitterly cold wind here but most of the snow has gone: looking west -




and looking east -




I also went for a meal at the National Trust Visitors' Centre there -




On reflection, it was confirmed that no-one seemed to fancy a picnic -




I think I am going enjoy this lens, and it looks so neat and compact on the K-5.

Philip

Three great shots with the kit lens, John. I would imagine that the Pilgrim would also look good in colour, as would the Great Kitchen in mono.

Philip

Dave, I would keep and use your old HP - the quality is good on HP Premium photo paper and you would probably need to spend quite a sum to get better. Have you tried using the 351 colour with the 348 photo cartridge? - this 6 ink pairing can give very good results. I am still using a much older HP 7760 printer (2004) which still prints well. One advantage is that OEM cartridges for the older printers often appear cheaply on eBay - and with these simple printers we get a new print head with each fresh cartridge.

Philip

It's the low camera angle that makes this a good image. Nevertheless, I think it would benefit from losing the bottom inch - the most out of focus bit.

Philip

Alistair, if you still need more than David (beakynet) has given above, when you Run the .exe file downloaded from Pentax on your computer, it will self-extract two new files - the firmware update file and a readme file. The latter contains the detailed instructions for updating your camera - just follow them carefully.

Philip

And SRS -
http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/5766/Metz-Mecablitz-44-AF-1-Digital-Flash---Pen...

Philip

Darren, regarding the numbers - I have recently got a Vivitar 2x macro converter and it also has green and white numbers. They refer to the magnification when using it with a 50mm standard prime lens - white for when the lens is set to infinity, green for when the lens is set to its closest focus distance of 45cm. What happens in-between, or when a different lens is used, I have no idea, sorry!

Philip

The one aspect on which all should agree is the importance of honesty - a photograph should not be claimed to be what it is not.

The literal meaning of photography is drawing or writing with light. In practice it starts with capturing information about the light reflected by a scene. The information is then processed into a form that will either reflect light (e.g. a print) or transmit light (e.g. a monitor signal) in the way that the photographer desires, to create an image of the original scene. The extent to which the representation is or is not realistic is irrelevant to the fundamental meaning of photography, as are the particular tools and techniques used by the photographer in creating the photograph.

Philip

...and the Emperor's new clothes.