Graham, do you A or S mode, since auto does not allow the ND filter? Or does it just depend on conditions? What shutter speed or fstop?, or does that just depend also ;)

Also does Image Stabilizer off help at all?

S mode, then just put the shutter at whatever you want.

I've been leaving shutter at 1000. I might lower that, to counteract some strobing I noticed today, but I'm not going to lower it too much because a low shutter speed will increase the light getting through.

I never go near the image stablilizer. It's off by default, isn't it?

Just so there's no confusion, this "Manual white balance/ND filter on/ISO 50/Exposure Centre/Focus Standard" thing I'm advocating. It's not perfect world stuff.

It's just the best combo I've found on this beautiful but flawed cam!

Got ya. I will try the settings out next time I shoot. Obviously these setting will only work where the is a good deal of light to work with.