Thanks for the help. Now I have obtained a copy of the manual, I can see the table you refer to. I can see now that the meter is working axactly as described, although I haven't tried the other end of the range. These are extreme measurements, and metering can nearly always be taken at a different speed.

Having just obtained the camera, I was just trying all combinations I could in the available light, with an f1.7 mens on. I haven't tried the f1.4 one yet, and I haven't got a f1.2.

Cheers

Taliety

I've just aquired an MX, came with a marked screen, but that came off with soapy water (yes, I did take the focus screen out of the camera first).

I've noticed that the meter only works from 1 second and faster if the ASA is set to 100 or slower.

ASA200 at 1 second doesn't work
ASA 400 at 1/2 second or slower doesn't work
ASA 800 at 1/4 second or slower doesn't work
ASA 1600 at 1/8 second or slower doesn't work.

When not working, the red Underexposure led illuminates.

Is there something wrong with the speed dial switches, or is this just a normal limitation with this camera? I don't think this will be much of a limitation, as I can always meter at a faster speed, and then slow down, if that's what I need.

Cheers

Taliety

I'm not sure you're right about Sigma being the only independent with PKAF mount lenses .
I have a Tamron 28-135mm lens which is my favourite "standard lens". I have a Tokina 18-35mm which is good and gives some wierd perspectives, and I have a Pentax 80-320mm which you said was not covered by decent Pentax optics. This lens has given some excellent results. The Pentax 50mm f1.4 PKAF is a superb lens, second to none.
There is a better choice of many things with the Canon, particularly, I think the flashes available for Canon are probably better, but I'm very happy with the choices of lens available for my Pentax MZ6 and *ist. I think the *ist is the equal of the MZS in many ways, but I don't know about the ruggedness. My cameras are not normally subjected to the physical extremes .
I'll be intereted to see which way you go.

Oh, I don't know Kimbo, it's quite amusing really.

Seriously though, There's no point in having a go at each other, all it does is raise the blood pressure, and other people either go somewhere else, or watch to see how far you're going to go.

Gordon's entitled to see how much he can get for his gear, I fancy some of it myself, but I'll wait.

George, you've got a lot to contribute, but criticism is only worthwhile if it's constructive.

They're all good camera makers, but none is perfect, or else there would only be one. Apart from masses of Pentax stuff, I also have a Canon and an Olympus. My attachment to Pentax is purely emotional but I'm very happy with what I have.

Let's all help each other, after all, that's what these forums are all about. If we disagree with somebody, we don't have to look. Good luck to both of you. If I hadn't had most of a bottle of wine, I may have responded differently, or not at all.

Taliety

I have now had a reply from Kodak which was a bit terse. However, it said that Kodak had no intention of withdrawing film . Is it, perhaps, the press, creating stories where there are none?

I guess, I will continue with film for the moment, and hope for the best .

I am relaying a press announcement from a Computer magazine.

They say that Kodak has announced that they are withdrawing the sales of 35mm film in Western Europe and USA by the end of the year . This is obviously a case of trying to force the market to go fully digital, although they say they will continue to sell and develop new film for other markets.

I am amazed that they feel that digital technology is ready to take over completely from film. I have several film SLR cameras, and a couple of compacts, but only one 18month old digital camera. I am not ready to spend a fortune on a digital system of inferior quality to my film cameras.

I have sent an email to Kodak expressing my surprise and disappointement , a few more may not go amis.

What is the general opinion on this forum?

Chacked out the site, but the only infromation is on the *istD, not the *ist. Does anyone know if there is a similar possibility for the *ist?

RW says that a firmware upgrade has sorted out his problem with fixed aperture lenses. Can you tell me where and how I can get a firmware upgrade please? Would this be over the Internet, from Pentax, or from a dealer?
:

Hope you can help, as you've obviously had it done (or done it) to your *ist.

I posted on this subject under the "Pentax SLR Cameras" forum. I have had difficulty with my *ist when using my Centon 500mm fixed aperture, manual lens. The *ist is unable to work out the aperture, and therefore the metering doesn't work. Fortunately I also have an MZ6, which has almost the same capability of the *ist, but does meter correctly with the Mirror lens. The same is true for the reversing ring used for close up. So, although I use the *ist whenever I can, it's lighter, smaller, more accurate exposure, faster focus, and more versatile, but I can't dispense with my older cameras.

Sorry, didn't read all your original question. Yes, the autofocus lens works fine on the manual cameras. Pentax are the only manufacturer with almost no restrictions, except the FA-J lens when you need an aperture ring, or vice-versa with K series lens on *ist and presumably *istD. Also, the MZ-60 is a bit strange, not compatible with some lenses, can't remember which, but it put me off the idea of having one. I have an MZ-M which is a highly rated manual focus camera, and sometimes used at colleges for short term student loans.
I have the MZ6 and *ist, but they're not the cheapest autofocus around, but quite reasonable, and I rate them both highly.