If you re-read my posts on this thread you will see that I am arguing the same thing as you. My point here is that there is no need anymore for a "standard" or "normal" 50mm lens, the zooms have taken over. The lens we are eagerly awaiting will be very far removed from a "standard" lens of the past. Pentax are to be congratulated for going down this route in my opinion.

Very nice work.

My criticism would be that the first is lacking light to the face and shoulders, and the last image has the sunlight overexposing a couple of patches on her legs.

Having said that I would have been very proud of these.

3 is my favorite.

Back in the good old days 50mm primes were the workhorses of a photog's kit because zooms just didn't cut it optically by comparison. Today a 24-70 zoom produces great results so the need for a "standard" prime is almost non-existent.

Pentax have done the right thing here I think. They have invested time and money into producing what I expect to be a superlative lens. It will be bought by those who will get the best out of it as well as those who just like to brag about their kit. I actually don't care what the motives are for purchasing it as long as it brings financial success to Ricoh/Pentax at a time when it is sorely needed.

We have seen countless posts on a number of Pentax forums ever since the K1 was released asking "where are the primes?". If nothing else this should shut up the whingers.

ps. yes I will buy it.

Post here the exact details of the card and the card reader you are using. As others have said you cannot use the latest cards with older card readers.

If you get nowhere yourself you would do better trying to find an expert in file recovery to help. I would not pin my hopes on Pentax especially as the fault may actually lie with the card itself.

This may help https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/guidelines-for-leads-to-deals-23518

A quick browse of the other posts will give you an idea. Basically any link to a Pentax/photographic interest item which you may consider being of interest to forum members is good. Letting us know Allied Carpets have a sale on would be bad.

It is clearly intended to be a spectacular lens, not a "normal" standard prime.

It will, according to Pentax, deliver exceptional performance from the centre to the edge even at 1.4. It has 15 elements in 9 groups. Heavy ...... of course it is going to be heavy !

I think these will fly off the shelves.

Fot the K-1 (not K-1ii)

The BULB timer was part of the 1.40 firmware update.

When in BULB mode the bottom right of the lcd display will show a green button icon and a timer symbol. Press the green button (on the back of the camera) and the timer can now be set with the front dial.

If you want to return to BULB (without timer) just press the green button again.

Excellent Nigel. These are professional quality. Helpful explanation of the technique as always.

I have been a photographer for 40 years. Never bumped or banged a lens (tempting fate here I know). I take the view that lenses are tools to be used to the best of their and your ability. I won't fit a filter on a lens for the purpose of "protection" unless it is warranted (sand, salt spray) if it has the potential to degrade the quality of my picture.