Hello Jim, As to the differences between the D and DS, there aren't too many, but they are noticeable. The D supports wireless flash, the DS does not. The D has two wheels - one for shutter and one for aperture, the DS has one for both. This becomes significant if you use manual exposure mode with A or later lenses. The D has an exposure scale for manual metering - sort of like a match needle. The DS just tells over and under more like the SuperProgram. The D supports HyperManual and the DS does not. All of those features are important to someone who likes to use manual exposure mode. If you don't, then on that front, you would not see much difference. The D tends to use buttons and switches to set most things, the DS uses a menu. Can't say one is right and one wrong, just different. The D supports a vertical release grip including extra batteries, the DS does not. The DS has a deeper grip than the D so some find it easier and more comfortable to hold.
I think that for you, since you are using a ZX-5n, that if you mostly use it in aperture, shutter or program modes, the DS might be the better buy. If you use manual exposure alot, then you will probably be much happier with the D interface. All lenses can be used on both cameras. Basically, screw mount lenses function in stop down metering mode - K and M lenses function in open aperture metering mode by pressing a button (different for each camera) that does a stop down, meter reading, set the shutter speed and then opening back up. This is from manual exposure mode only. A and later lenses function as you would expect. I own two D's and if I was to buy another, would choose the D over the DS, due to the easier manual control. HTH, Bruce Wednesday, January 26, 2005, 12:26:40 PM, you wrote: JH> Hi Folks: JH> I'm new to this list. Along with some other brand cameras, I've been JH> shooting with a Pentax ZX-5n. Since I have a bunch of AF lenses for it, JH> I'm thinking of getting the *isD for digital work. JH> I also have some Spotmatics with a bunch of lenses as well and would JH> like to use some of those screw mount lenses on the digital camera. JH> If screw mount lenses are used on the D, is metering available? When I JH> handled a D at a camera store several months ago I was told that there JH> wasn't any metering possible for those lenses... but then I later heard JH> that some sort of software upgrade had been made available. Is this true? JH> Also, can anyone here tell me if one can use screw mounts on the DS? JH> Other than the price difference, is there a reason to get the DS? JH> Thanks in advance, JH> Jim Hemenway JH> Some of my photos are here: JH> http://www.hemenway.com
