I recently acquired a few cheap old lenses, largely via eBay. Well, you never know, one might be a gem. One was a pure gem alright, but not in a good way. The first two went on my K5 fine and functioned OK. The last was a Sirius 135mm f2.8. Something didn't feel quite right when it went on. something definitely felt quite wrong when I tried to remove it, because I couldn't! To cut a long story short, after exhausting my considerable store of expletives, I started research on 't web and discovered the 'Ricoh pin', a design I feel was implemented by someone who still held a massive grudge about the result of the last war. After huge amount of buggeration with feeler gauges to no good effect I considered the relative values of repairs and replacements and decided to resort to brute force, one of many recommendations. It worked. The camera has been tested with other lenses already long in my possession at everything is fine. Does anyone know how to fix that damned pin?

Useful to know. Thanks to both. My only trouble now is that I'm thinking of saving my money and getting a top quality bridge camera, one of the 1" sensor jobbies.. They seems to have got a lot more going for them in the last couple of years.

I'm pondering the purchase of a used 300mm Pentax K A lens. No luck on the bay so far, at least not in the UK at a price that would exceed what I could get for one of my kidneys. OTOH, I've seen several well priced items from Japan. I realise that import charges would likely be significant but even then, the prices seem competitive. Question then has anyone here made such a purchase from Japan though eBay? If so, how did it go?

Interesting. Thanks to all. The option seems to be the Toshiba card for the K5. Food for thought.

Just wondering if there is an electronic doohickey that will allow a Pentax K5 to transfer files from the camera to a computer or phone from USB or HDMI maybe, via bluetooth.

Thanks for that. Well, if RIAT is wet I'm probably not going, especially as I'll be in a tent at night! I recall a few years ago getting soaked and frozen as Bisley one May and the philosophy developed then, "I'm supposed to be enjoying this!" It has applied ever since.

I like the idea of manual focussing. It makes sense as you describe it. I intend to go lurk at an RAF station or two soon to practice so I'll see how it goes. I'm quite sure that the K5 will 'out photograph' me but I'd be very tempted if a DSLR manufacturer was to bring out a high res SLR (preferably with a Pentax bayonet fitting) that operated pretty much as a K1000. All the bells and whistles can sometimes get in the way, I think.

I might add that my 'backup camera' is a Fuji HS50 which I rate pretty highly. I doubt very much that spending more money will improve my photography although it might feed my addiction to gadgets!

Correction to lenses. Sigma, not Soligor! Shows how long they've been in the cupboard.

Greetings all.
I've been away from photography for some time now, 2 or 3 years, but I've dusted off my two Pentax DSLRS, a K5 and a K20D with a view to practicing for an airshow or two (I've just bought my ticket for a weekend at RIAT 2022) I might be visiting the Mach Loop also.

To say I'm a bit rusty in using them is an understatement. I have a Soligor 18-200, a Pentax 55-300, and a Tamron 500mm mirror lens. I think I've got a Soligor 400mm telephoto too somewhere. I'll be out and about trying them out as and when, but some well informed hints on the K5 particularly, would be much appreciated in respect of photographing hairyplanes.

That's cheered me up. I've got an istDS and a Tamron 500mm mirror lens.

Whereabouts are you? I'm in Derby. If you're closeish then I'd like to come and take a look with it. If it appeals I'd take it less the postage.