I don't think I could afford to switch back again, Vic - not for some time, at least - but I will keep an eye on the K-1.

And calling me a 'pro' is a slight exaggeration!

Hi all - and thanks for the interest, Vic.

Yes, I am still about - and log in to PU every so often to see what's happening on the planet Pentax. Thanks to AndrewA for drawing my attention to this, though.

As Barrie mentioned, late last year a pro friend lent me another system so that I could do some back-to-back tests (conducted over several weekends). In terms of IQ there was nothing much to choose between the two, and I preferred the Pentax's colour rendition, but I was swayed by the alternative's AF performance and with heavy heart decided to switch. I kept my K-5 IIs and a couple of favourite lenses, which I will still use, but I am using the other kit for all my motor sport work (and for obvious reasons can't post them here).

I continue to attend 45-50 motor sport events per annum and look forward to bumping into Pentax folk during my travels.

All good wishes,
Simon

I trust you'll be recording the occasion with a Spotmatic, or perhaps a K1000...

The 18th is the only day that might work for me that week - although I'm also supposed to be popping across to France to buy wine, cheese and other sundries for Christmas. Not sure whether you can get Pouilly Fumé for £6 a bottle in Sheffield...

Andrew et al

It hinges on the date and work commitments, but if I can escape I'm definitely interested.

Keep me in the loop,
SA

I'm not sure that these are a great example, Richard, as they're all taken with the DA300 and are mostly quite tight. The set is also short of any slow-speed pans - I took lots at each meeting, but not with my Pentax.

As a rule, I tend to move around a lot and endeavour to shoot from two or three significantly different angles during every race or practice session. I do have the unfair advantage, though, of a media tabard, which helps immeasurably. I never use the machine-gun technique, but frame one shot at a time - largely because I didn't have a motordrive when I started taking pictures in the 1970s and old habits die hard.

I usually use the DA300 for longer stuff and a 70-200 for panning and to provide a greater sense of location (largely absent in this instance). I usually carry a 17-50 or similar, too, foe paddock work and panoramas. If I'm shooting head-on, I tend to go with aperture priority - usually fairly wide to provide a bit of separation between the leading car/bike and those following. When panning, I tend to default to 1/125 and move up or down as required. The shot below was taken at 1/100, for instance.- I've posted it here before, but it remains one of my favourites because it was taken with a K-5 and an FA28-70 f4 that cost £36 on eBay...

I haven't posted any motorsport galleries on here for a while, not because I haven't been shooting but because my Pentax output has been slightly reduced while experimenting with another system (kindly loaned by a friendly agency). The past few weeks have been interesting in many ways... and confusing in others, as I forget which camera I'm using and reach for a button that doesn't exist. I've always had the K-5IIs and DA300 on one shoulder, however, so here are a few snaps from around the land...


1 - Goodwood Revival


2 - The art of showmanship, BSB Brands Hatch


3 - GT Cup, Oulton Park


4 - Historic Sports Car Club, Brands Hatch


5 - Vintage Sports Car Club contrasts, Snetterton


6 - Jaguar XK150 interlopes at an Aston Marton Owners Club meeting, Brands Hatch


7 - BSB, Brands Hatch


8 - Dawn at Le Mans... or just a misty morning at Thruxton?


9 - Shane Byrne in vain pursuit of a successful title defence, BSB Brands Hatch


10 - A hint of opposite lock on a bike, BSB Brands Hatch

Tricky light, great results. A really strong set, David.

I have done both on numerous occasions, Percy, and they are indeed wonderful. I have the unfair advantage of being on t'other side of the fence, although I often shoot from the spectator areas at both venues as I find they provide a better vantage point at certain corners.

Loton will be a voyage of discovery, but I'm looking forward to it.

I'm taking the scenic option this weekend, George - a hillclimb at Loton Park (quite close to Oulton Park, oddly) on Saturday and then either vintage or historic racing (Snetterton/Brands Hatch respectively) on Sunday. Haven't posted too many motorsport pics of late as I have been running my Pentax kit back-to-back with another system, kindly loaned by a motor racing photographic agency. It has been an interesting experiment, but I'll have to hand it back at some point so normal service will doubtless resume shortly.

Enjoy Silverstone.

There's also a promising meeting brewing at Mallory Park, should you be interested - a Formula Ford extravaganza on October 11. Admission is a tenner and there are relatively few debris fences...