I know this is off topic but...

the archiving of digital data is something I have an interest in. The problem is not with the hardware. Provided you have a program of making back-ups you can shift from one format to another as time goes by. The bigger problem is the format of the files. Wordstar v. 1 anybody? Locoscript? For digital images the current recommended archiving format is tif. The idea is that if all your files are in one format, when the time comes to convert them to the next format it can be done as one massive batch job. The second big issue is metadata. What is the image of? When and where was it taken? Who owns copyright? There are extensive guidelines for this sort of thing too.

Best wishes, Kris.

I like the strap idea!

I have one of those which I got in the great Jessops sell-off for about 1/10th I am expecting to get for this lens (and about half what most people pay for it)!

A digital LX with interchangeable viewfinders please...

Nine weeks ago I picked one of these up on my way through Heathrow before Amin cornered the market. In consultation with Amin I have a good idea what he sells them for (thanks Amin!)

Before I put this up for a straight sale (either here or on fleabay) I was wondering if anyone had something(s) of approximate equivalent value for a swap? The main bits of my gear are listed in the signature.

Needless to say it is a brand new lens (although in a tatty box) which has been out of the packet once and put on my K10D just to test it.

Cheers, Kris.

Not entirely sure what you mean here. If you mean that your depth of field will be greater because it is f/2.4 then that if offset by the longer focal length. The rendering of the out of focus highlights is the result of many different factors including the number of blades in the aperture.

K

I bought the K-version from ebay a while back at - err - a members recommendation and like it a great deal. It doesn't get used as much as it might, however, as (a) it is heavy and (b) I have run out of room in my camera bag and have to leave something behind! I was thinking of buying the A version simply for convenience of the A setting but was dissauded by bad reviews. I have the SMC Takumar 135mm too but that is usally on my ES.

BTW, if anyone fancies selling the correct lens hood for the K lens, send me a PM

Cheers, Kris.

Looks like you got a good example. I am especially interested to see the differences in colour. Were you using auto white balance or a specific setting?

If a lens provides what you want, then it is a good one. Doesn't matter if it costs a thousand pounds or a couple of quid.

Cheers, Kris.

I bought the Sigma 50mm lens for copystand work. A longer lens would have required a bigger copystand and a stepladder. Having bought the lens I have got into taking photos of wild flowers. For that I would prefer a 100mm (or even 200mm) lens as it would require marginally less grovelling on the ground and would be easier to light (at 1:1 the front element of the 50mm is very close to the subject). I tried my SMC Takumar 55 on some bellows with an adapter and was amazed at the results. Although less convenient, extension tubes, second hand bellows and reversing rings offer more affordable alternatives.

For general work in the 50-100mm range I used the DA* 50-135mm, or did until it broke.

I don't really 'do' portraits although I am looking forward to trying out a Jupiter 9 85mm lens for that purpose. If I win the pools I shall get a 77mm ltd. Just had a thought... the Jupiter 9 on my bellows might be a useful combo.... hmmmmmm

Just my tuppence worth. Kris.

I like Pentax but I know it isn't perfect. Tilt/shift lens anyone? But I am happy.

On the project this year we were using 1 x Nikon, 3 x Canon and 5 x Pentax cameras... I didn't bring the Horseman, and that really is a niche camera!

Cheers, Kris.