It’s not April 1st is it? Camera supposed to use SR to work pixel shift whilst hand-held using the tiny movements generated. So does that mean SR doesn’t do what it is supposed to?

TBH I wouldn’t get too hung up on a tripod mount, I have used larger binoculars for as long as I can remember and never felt the need for a tripod, in fact most times it would be a hindrance. In a static position like a hide or looking at water birds there is usually some way of resting your elbows to get a bit of relief whilst viewing. However, once you are hooked there is the spotting scope...!

Give Johnsons Photopia a call, I have just had a lens repair done there and as a Plus member you get a discount.

I’m old enough and self-confident enough not to give a toss about what other camera users say but I confess I haven’t encountered any brand-bragging face to face. Photographers I have met are simply interested in discussing their mutual interest. The trip is a belated 70th birthday present to myself and following my new year’s resolution to get a better balance between doing things and working, although probably booking something at the other end of the year is overly optimistic given my age.

Texture, or lack thereof.

I did a day course last year and the tutor gauged the skill levels from a few pertinent questions at the start, and adjusted her presentation accordingly. In small groups it would be easier to get more individual attention but that of course is reflected in the cost.

I could easily book into the same hotel for a third of the cost and just do my own thing, but am I likely to get up before dawn in November in Northumberland? Probably not so a bit of incentive is needed, plus I like the look of the tutors’ work so hopefully something will rub off. Be a bit of pressure though as likely to be the only Pentax representative.

I have received a nice response to my grumpy email to Light and Land, promising to put Pentax on the camera list. A couple of excellent tutors so I think i’ll sign up.

Quite right Mag07, I went into Park Cameras’ online photo gallery the other day and saw some photos taken with a Phase One camera and lens which must have cost north of £40,000, and they all had really bad chromatic abherration and out of focus foreground. Did the owner think that this equipment would automatically produce fantastic images? Same with some of the tours listed, taken to well-known photo spots around the world in a neat package at eye-watering cost. The one I am looking at says the area will be deserted at the time of year, except, thinks me, the other photographers on the tour all getting in the frame.

I am thinking of signing up for a Light and Land photo tour of the Northumberland coast next November, has anyone any experience of these? A bit put off by the questionnaire which asks you to pick your camera make from a list which includes Hasselblad and Kodak (?) but not, you guessed it, Pentax.

Nice, looks warm. I vaguely remember warm.