I'm right behind you on the "saving money" side of things. when everybody else was buying Golf GTI's, I preferred to have a Seat Ibiza Cupra Sport. When everybody else swore by Blackberry and/or iphone, I preferred Nokia and HTC. I've only ever used Pentax cameras because I like the look, feel, and picture quality.

(here comes the "controversial" bit, though...)

I cannot for the life of me fathom out why people buy Nikon/Canon/Olympus, etc simply because other people have bought the same camera. likewise with "designer" clothing and accessories. IMO, most of the time it is people with more money than sense that must have the "must haves" to keep up with their peers. I also believe that by making Pentax my choice of camera, or Seat my choice of car, or whatever, I am expressing my individuality and not being driven by peer pressure.

Take TWO cameras into the shower?... I just Wash'N'Go!!

Don - it's the basic principle of electrics. AA Batteries are manufactured to produce an average voltage (when fresh) of 1.5V. The different chemical types you mentioned may discharge their stored capacity at differing rates, hence the reason why high-capacity devices such as flashguns should not be powered by standard batteries - the capacitors inside flashguns cause the chemicals inside to literally boil, and results in leakage. The batteries you mentioned have a less volatile reaction, thus they are recommended for use in such devices...

Bottom line - AA batteries are designed to hold a voltage capacity of 1.5 volts (give or take a few millivolts).

link (comparison) shows that you are correct in what you say, but it also backs up my point.

Charlotte - I have a genuine Pentax adapter, but no voltmeter. Having said that, the adapter is designed to connect 4 batteries in a serial pattern. Since AA's are rated at 1.5 volts per battery, all 4 should provide 6 volts.

Are you encountering a specific problem then, hence your question?

Ooooh!!... Me likey!! This has a definite "real-life" feel to it!!

Yes it does, Adam. Firstly, press your MENU button. The first screen you are presented with has a little RED CAMERA icon - press the RIGHT-HAND controller button on the 4-way controller unril you see a blue SPANNER icon. Highlight option 4, then scroll down to SENSOR CLEANING.

As far as I can determine, this is the only time that the mirror is capable of being locked up. If you are thinking of taking exposures in BULB mode, I'm guessing it will lock up in that function as well.

Don - I can't speak for others, but maybe, on reflection, you could have responded to all the PM's you were sent, to let us know what was happening. I know I was keen on doing a meet to relieve you of the camera.

Jim - SRS have it on their site at £29.99. I'm sure if you shop around, you'll find it around the same price range.

I think it's still "snail-mail" only, Jim. You could try giving Pentax in Langley (Slough) a call on Tuesday.

£40 is a rip-off!! I bought a GENUINE one for £24 (ish)...