Clarkey

dragon2 is right - i use a 2KC helmet and the focus ring is inside the box with just the waycool lens sticking outside, so I've never had to worry about knocking the focus! it's in autofocus mode that the focus ring is inactive...

If you follow Snafuhere's method, once you have hit the 'fix focus' button, you can then select any of the auto settings modes (Beach/Ski, Landscape etc) as normal. You won't need to secure the manual focus ring as it is inactive in fix focus mode, just tape over the night shot switch as mentioned!

Depending how much I'm taking, I usually just take cash with me to the US. Pre-order through www.travelex.co.uk and you pick it up at the airport you're flying out from. You will lock in the exchange rate at the time of the purchase, and they're usually very competitive. £1 = $1.8037 at the moment with no commission. I think you need to pre-order at least 2 days ahead, and it's a lot better rate than buying from the banks or the counters at the airport.

You can remove the chunky swivel point fairly easily by removing the 2 screws on the back of it (from the inside of the tape loading door). That was enough to make mine fit in my 2K helmet comfortably, and it's not too difficult to put back on if I need it for normal stuff. I believe you can get to the screws at the other end of the strap, but you will need a small screwdriver with a flexible shaft - it is a bitch though so I've left that end connected on mine as the strap fits quite snug in the helmet without the swivel point.

I jump a 300D with the 18-55mm kit lens. Haven't used it on paid-for tandems, but it works well enough for mates doing tandems, fun jumps and from above a 4-way at a filming distance... An 18mm on the 300D translates to the equivalent of a 28.8mm on non-digital (1.6 multiplication factor between digital & non-digital) so essentially the wide end of your lens would be roughly the same as what people are getting from the 18-55 on the digi... A lot of people doing professional work on tandems are using a 15mm fisheye with the 300D, which translates to about 24mm on the 300V so you wouldn't be far off and it would probably be fine for learning on, but I'd imagine you'd probably want to go a touch wider when you've got the experience to get in super close for that 'money-shot'!

Hi Rob - Don't cut the strap off yet as Steve at 2K will most likely be able to help... On my 330 he managed to remove the bulky swivel point without damaging anything, so at least it's all still intact in case I need to do any normal stuff with it. If you still need to get your reserve re-packed, Hinton is only a 15-20 mins drive from 2K

Seeing as the 75-300 is £120 on it's own, the £220 bundle is definitely a good deal... Park Cameras seem to be really good on the digital bundles, but not so many deals available on the non-digital side. I did have a quick search for 300V on the Jessops' site before I replied to you the first time and couldn't find a deal that comes close to the one you mention, unless it's a store-only promo or price match. Happy shopping!

Hi Bigway - Park Cameras (usually very good for comparing prices in the UK) have the body for £139.99 http://www.parkcameras.com/cameras/slrcameras/canon.htm What make are the lenses in the package you're looking at? It does look like you're getting a good deal... Cheers - Clarkey

Some useful info here: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1268512

Side Mount: PC330. I like the 350 as well, but in general I am happy to take the slightly heavier 330 so that the firewire & A/V connections are on-board (rather than via the docking station) Top Mount: HC1000... 3 Chip Quality!

Also check out: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1192350

Pictures...!

Here's a view of the same system used on 2K's Azimuth which is similar in size to the Flat Top Pro.

Just to back up what mr2mk1g is saying, it's a 2-ring system (see photo), and I have had similar success during our wonderful British weather hold fun!! Also, the cutaway handle is not as obtrusive as it looks from the photo as it sits just under your chin pretty much out of the way. It's a very comfortable and versatile helmet.

Sebastian has fantastic views... but for something that only happens a couple of times a year, check out Kenya: Kenya Boogie Jump run over the reef in a Twin Otter, followed by a beach landing on every jump - then drop your rig off with a packer and go for a dip in the Indian Ocean while you wait for your next load! You can also do your AFF there...