Got a similar problem with my 135-400. Neither my K7 or K20 can pick up the aperature info when in A setting. Works OK with an MZ-S in non A setting, so must be a contact associated with the A setting. No joy with cleaning solution.

Was thinking of sending it to Sigma for a service but haven't got round to it.

Be interested in how your problem is resolved - especially if you decide to go the DIY route.


Steve

Matt - if your paying for processing, try The Darkroom UK in Cheltenham. £7.25 a roll processed and mounted (no numbering though) and free post. 24 hr turn arround promised and delivered in my experience.

Boots is OK for film processing - 1hr/3day/7day - which ever you choose but no good for slide. Jessops even deny (so I heard on Saturday) that it can be processed in the UK - 14 day round trip to Gremany


Steve

I've got 2 ist Ds, one's in regular use for work related photos of various building elements (and their faults) with my DA16-45 attached, the others on loan to a colleague.

The 6 MP sensor gives good results, and I've seen some stunning prints at A3+ of the reflections in the water around one of the islands in Venice produced from it.

It's the only Pentax DSLR to shoot TIFF - a great bonus because it's lossless and supported by most/all software. I'd recommend it - especially with the grip.


Steve

Better still - the FA 43Ltd. Slightly deeper true but practically a stop quicker @ f1.9 v f2.8 AND it will work with any K mount body, not just the crippled KAF2.

Got better curves as well


Steve

Not run any full size prints off, but have done 3 sets of contact sheets from my slide archive that I've been scanning - quality of the colour reproduction much better and the image is definately a lot sharper (printer is an HP 8450).

Only other difference to my set up is I've just installed an HP B9180 (special offer at Clifton Cameras - £400 inc postage - irresistable )

So is it LR3 or my set up (ie the software that came with the B9180) that's responsible for this improvement?


Steve

Better to have reversed the drivers placings, confiscated the constructors points, banned any team management contact with the drivers and then fined them - imho.


Steve

Cokin P series aren't classed as hard or soft grads - soft is probably the most accurate. Comes as one strength - confusingly it looks to be ND2 (ie 1 stop at the darkest part of the range) when I put my grey grad next to my ND4 (mid range - 2 stops). The other options are ND2 or ND8.

Most useful - ND4, Grey Grad, Blue Grad. See 'Halki dawn' in gallery - ND4+Grey Grad for some idea of what that combo can do.

I'd get the special wide angle holder for the 10-12mm end of the range.

Cokin is supposed to have a colour cast - but I've never seen any evidence of it in any of my work.

Lee Filters are a 'nice to have'. Part of the cost of ownership of any system is the holders and the adaptor rings to suit the lenses you use - Cokin is at least pretty economical and won't damage the bank balance if you need more rings and/or holders. Once you are certain what you need and what you'll use (not always the same thing), then you could change up to Lee - potential idea for the birthday/christmas present wish list.

HTH


Steve

I see you're a K10D user. Could try a LL-80 focus screen - not in thirds its true, but has a 4 x 4 grid which allows you to a) judge the relative proportions quite well and b) aids getting horizons true (one of my failings). Put them into both my K10D and K20Ds.

Rule of Thirds is a tool - but it's not the be all and end all - some of the best images you'll see break the 'rule'.


Steve

Have to agree with Matt that on initial inspection, a light seal looks to be the prime candidate.

But, having also had problems with shutters on an LX (a tear) and an *ist (sticking), I'd suggest putting it on to manual mode with a low F number and slow shutter speed, then firing it with the back open so you can watch the shutter movement. That will hopefully give you a better idea as to where the problem resides. I think the sticking or damaged shutter blades will be the actual issue.

HTH

Steve

May be we shouldn't enter a team - no great build of expectations, no disappoints, less cost for the TV rights, less competition to even show the games

Even better if we pulled out of the European Song Contest.


Steve
(yep, you guessed - no fan of the round ball game)