Despite being scrupulously careful when changing lenses, leaving the camera body exposed for a minimum time and removing the lens caps just as I attach the lens, some specks were appearing on the photos. I tried the in-camera sensor dust removal but that didn't shift them and of course leaves the dust in the chamber, so I took the body to London Camera Exchange where they cleaned the sensor while I waited. Apparently because the Pentax sensor is mounted on a moveable mount it is a more delicate operation than with fixed sensors. They charged £29.99 which isn't too bad. I did enquire about DIY cleaning kits but the staff advised that what they use is professional grade and best to leave it to them. What do others do? They did warn me about one thing - always make sure the battery is fully charged before exposing the sensor because if it shuts down then disaster!

I think the idea is to put the subject in context - looking at the gallery the setting is discernible, not like the completely blurred bokeh you get with a normal macro, so I guess you get a greater depth of field. Having said that the examples given would look better without the setting!

Me too, but....isn't Salisbury near the coast? It certainly ain't the Midlands!

Following on from Daronl's link it would appear that the FF could be a game-changer in persuading some other brand users to switch to Pentax, much like the 645Z. Presumably there will be a new FF kit lens or lenses launched at the same time and we are seeing the brand working hard to expand the FF lens range in the popular sizes. The professional market will be much harder to crack for all the reasons given, and Canon have such a huge advantage for professional nature photographers with their back-up and specialist lenses that mean they will stay loyal whatever - google Arthur Morris to see what I mean. Pentax really needs a body of high profile ambassadors to help promote the brand like in the current Fujifilm promotion.

Have just come across this Chinese macro specialist with lenses available in Pentax K mount and a macro flash compatible with Pentax hotshoe: http://www.venuslens.net/
The 15mm f4 macro has some tilt/shift capability and the 60mm f2.8 can switch from 1:1 to 2:1 magnification. The flash has two independently controllable flashes on flexible stalks which looks weird but looks like it gets good results. Available direct or in UK through ukdigital.

Does anyone know if this has been fixed now for new purchases?

It looks like the photos needed an extra something to reach that position, making the ordinary into something extraordinary, so well done Ian!

I bought an old 35mm era Vivitar 2x teleconverter with K-mount in perfect condition on ebay for about £30.00. It works absolutely fine but needs manual focus and exposure though, so with my eyesight it's rare that I get a pin sharp photo.

A bit of research shows that on new Nikon lenses there is a switch for M or M/A in addition to the selection switch on the camera body which seems an unnecessary duplication. M/A allows manual focusing whilst in Autofocus. Same arrangement for Canon lenses.

In the 150-450mm lens thread I noted that in a recent comparison the Pentax was unique in using a DC motor for focusing whereas the other manufacturers (Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Sony) all use an ultrasonic system. Does it have anything to do with the quick-shift system? I presume there are good reasons Pentax are making this choice for their new lenses, does anyone know why this is?