I noticed there is another one on Ebay at the moment, just incase anyone else is looking for a cheap 1:1 macro lens.

My Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 F2.8 records as a FA 28-105 (even when it's at apertures and focal lengths that lens is not capable of) but it doesn't appear to affect anything as far as exposure or focusing goes.

There is an MX with 50mm 1.7 on Ebay now which has a buy-it-now price of £50 and is supposedly working except for the self-timer.

There is also what looks like a decent ME-Super with SMC-A 50mm 1.7 with a buy-it-now of £55.

The top buy-it-now bargain though is a Program-A with 70-210mm zoom for £20.

The reviews I've seen place the D50 and D/DS/DL as much the same quality of output, however Pentax seem to like to use less in-camera sharpening which can reduce the immediate impact.

The 350D is without a doubt technically the best of the entry cameras at the moment, however whether you like it's handling is another matter. I actually nearly went with the 350D instead of the DS although that was as much because of availablity as anything else. I could have got a 350D just about anywhere but I ended up having to try a couple of different cities before I located a DS (couldn't find one online either).

I still think the Pentax cameras handle better than the others (plus I had a substantial investment in glass) however I think the move away from an exposure ring has reduced the gap significantly.

"SMCP-FA 50 1:1.4 £120.00
SMCP-FA* 85 1.4 £650.00
SMCP-FA* 300 4.5 £400.00 "

Those sound pretty about right to me, although you might get a bit more for the 50mm and 300mm and a bit less for the 85mm.

I do like the idea of the FA* 85mm F1.4 being worth £650 used though because I paid £475 for mine new!

I'd be interested in the FA 50mm F1.4 if you do decide to sell. I wouldn't mind the 300mm either but I need a decent wide angle zoom more that I need a long telephoto.

"But Apple is all the rage now. With great computers, wonderfull software and the best operating system on this planet, everyone seems to want to move to Apple (ok, the iPod helps a bit). "

Although Apple it would appear want to move to being a Linux PC...

I hope the Samsung tie in will boost lens range and availability.

A 200mm lens for M42 will still be a 200mm lens when fitted to a DS, however it'll be the focal length equivalent of about 300mm (compared to 35mm film) because the digital sensor size is smaller than the 35mm film area.

I suspect you'll need to put it on 'M' and press the AE-L button to set exposure - but I don't own any M42 lenses so I could be wrong!

Any chance you could write a review with some example pictures?