OK, so I'll bring one of my smc M 50mm F1.4s and an SMC K 55mm F1.8 to test the fast manual lens performance.

Any other requests?


Steve

Looking good for Sunday . PM sent

Have you (or any other PU member) got any particular ideas on any M or K series lens that would be of particular interest to try out on the K7? I've got a fair selection from the common to the not so common, and as I've only got 15 miles to travel, I can quite easily bring them along if I've got a copy or a near cousin if not.


Steve

Red Lion has sprouted an appendage on the front curtesy of the the film crew (and a lock up in the middle of the main village street!). The Red Lion tends to be the busiest of the 3 "watering holes" - The George at the other end is furthest from the NT car parks and thus quieter (all things being relative).

It's a good spot - the informal photographic group I subscribe to meets there most thursday evenings between autumn and early summer.

I think I'll be free - done all the tasks associated with the current domestic project on her list, so will drop you pm later in the week.

Steve

The stamp needed is a 1st or 2nd Class "Large".

You can get 3 rolls in a small light weight padded bag (19-25p each) and still stay within the weight limit. Need to be careful the containers all line up so the o/a width stays within the 25mm depth allowed. The old Fuji Film prepaid envelope wasn't padded but still would count today as "Large".


Steve

Andrew - Pete beat me to it by a minute! So reworked my comments a bit.

Park Cameras or LCE are other good vendors to look into - as Pentax Pro Centres all 3 give 2 yr warranties on kit bought through them. Sometimes they will edge SRS on price (but not often)

The 18-55mm is good value, as is the 50-200mm. They will cover most of your immediate requirements but the 55-300mm might be a better bet if your budget will stretch that far as it will give you a better option for wildlife subjects.


Steve

Oggy - just weighed my copy in it's case - 17.3lbs (or 7.86kg if you prefer). Yep, it's a beast alright


Steve

Martin - try Kingston Class 6 SDHC from 7dayshop. I've not had any problems with them.


Steve

Max - I'd go for the Hoya Pro because of it's narrow profile. At 17mm, there is a chance a "standard" filter will cause vignetting - especially if combined with other screw on filters. They are quite a lot more expensive though.

There has also been a debate on the forum in recent times about whether UV/Skylight filters should be used - it boils down to personal choice as the hood that comes with the lens should also provide protection from acidental damage.

I'm in the UV/Skylight filter user camp - old habits die hard as most of my lenses didn't come with a hood.


Steve

I would start with writing down which camera bodies and lens combos you have now, add any lens that you are definately going to add to your collection in the next year or so and identify the heaviest combo that results. This will define the minimum performance in terms of weight bearing capability your tripod has to have. Then use SRS's web site (or anyone elses with a good range of manufacturers options) to identify which models meet this minimimum criteria, then sort by actual weight/collapsed height/extended height/spirit level/carrying bag/price - then make your purchase (or not).

I've just relegated my old Velbon 444 to the reserves bench as most of my combos are in the 2.5/3kg range - double it's capacity. Replaced it with a 660 - 4kg capacity, spirit level, 1.7kg weight (only 400g more than 444) and carry bag. £46 from Chris/SRS


Steve

A3 gets my vote. Proportions are all out of kilter - bit of a rush job to get a built in autowinder model on the street I think. SF range is a bit lacking imho because of the choice of material colours - grey's never a good choise and the shape ain't that great either - but they sold well - lots of SF7s about.

'P' range is bit drab because of the use of grey elements but the shape is still classical.

My 2p's worth


Steve