Adam

That looks like the Bluetooth symbol.  If it's blinking I think it means that the camera is ready for a connection, but that no connection has been made.

If you're not pairing your camera with a smartphone, then you should be able to just disable Bluetooth entirely

C will look just like B.  Focal length is focal length, regardless of the format covered by the lens.

The statement is a bit misleading, but it sounds like your friend was simply implying that older screwdrive lenses are less prone to failure than lenses with built-in motors.

Given that new lenses come with a 5-year warranty, though, I personally don't think there's a reason to avoid lenses with built-in AF motors.

To learn about the technology itself, check out this article.  There are numerous types of motors (AF-D, AF-S, AF-P) which go by different names depending on the manufacturer:

https://www.pentaxfo...comparison.html

Pull the battery, then put it back in after a few seconds and see if you're able to regain control of the camera.

The shutter count is stored in each photo's exif metadata.  So, the first step would be to snap a photo, and then check the metadata.  This can be read with a program such as exiftool.  There are also plenty of websites out there that read exif, such as:

https://www.pentaxfo...count-exif.html

If DX isn't written on it, then it's FX.  Is it this lens?

https://www.nikonfor...56-if-ed-vr-r71

The shutter count is stored in the exif data of every image the camera takes.  You can use a program such as exiftool to check, or use an online utility such as this one:

https://www.pentaxfo...count-exif.html

Not seeing the pics, but I'd be willing to bet that the subject was at or near the minimum focusing distance, which could lead to incorrect focus.

An extension tube will allow you to focus closer and thus achieve higher magnification, which in turn increases the resolution of the final product.  As long as you're able to focus stack to get the correct depth of field, this technique should always deliver superior results than cropping at the expense of time, IMO.

Yesterday I purchased a Nikon D300S Camera and at same time through the post came a 18-55 AF-P DX lens. when I tried the two together I couldn't get it to focus or take pictures. I was told that all DX lenses would work with this camera. it seems this lens isn't compatible with my camera so auto focus wont work but surely when I turn my camera to manual focus that would work ? when I do this and turn focusing ring nothing happens it just turns and turns ?? 

I believe the AF-P lenses are focus-by-wire.  So if the camera isn't providing power to the lens, the focus wouldn't move.  Could be because there was no firmware update to support this lens.

That's a small piece of hair on your sensor.  Try using a manual air blower to get it off.

It will be easier to see when you shoot at smaller apertures, and vice-versa.

The 35mm F1.8 or 50mm F1.8 would be great go-to options:

https://www.bhphotov...0mm_f_1_8G.html

I'd probably go with the 50mm, since the longer focal length lets you get shallower bokeh.

Done!  It looks like the D7500 was also missing, so I've added it too.

The 24-120mm is a very nice lens, in my opinion.  Note that the 18-55mm wouldn't be much good on FX.  I'd later add the 50mm for your low-light shooting needs and stick to the zoom for those wider shots, because of the added flexibility that it offers.

Fixed, and I've added the D850 too.  Any other models that might have slipped through the cracks over the years?

Welcome aboard!