I like the first one, as Mike says the exposure and the composition is better.
No2 is a little over exposed in the white areas around the head.

We have these Muscovy Ducks here in Aust also. One lives in our local pond, Its name is Margaret and comes when you call her.

Yep got a few hundred which I am sorting through as we speak.

This new prepaid internet anywhere is a godsend, a little slower than the home wireless setup, but i can live with that. Quite reasonable rates also at AU$30 per 2gig of download.

aaawww shucks now i'm blushing

Nothing i'm sure that any fellow pentaxian wouldn't do for another.

I will be home tomorrow from the sunny Gold Coast and I will post your flash on Monday. Its been a great week up here.

Excellent shot Don. I particulaly like the lighting, is it natural or did you use a flash : Well done

Pete is right about that canon flash, I don't think you will get much joy from it due to it limiled capabilities.

The AF 160 at least has 3 options Hi, Lo and manual which discharges the flash fully. I have 3 and used 2 of them as a dual head flash for macro work. They aren't the most powerful flash but suited my needs, until i got hold of a couple of AF200T flashes which i found a lot more versatile. They can be used in manual in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and full discharge, all with the flick of a button, (no tiresome digital menus to scroll through). very easy to use and after a bit of trial and error, you learn where you need apertures and shutter speeds.

If you still want the AF 160 i can send you one for the cost of postage, but i am in Australia and it will cost around 4quid. cheers.

I just typed Flash stand and got several hits.

link

Thats a great shot Ken, A lot going on in the shot and perfect use of B&W. Well deserved.

I sold a mint condition 40mm pancake a few weeks ago to a buyer in Japan. It went for AU$150 (£63) P&P included.

I am watching an FA* 85mm f/1.4 here in Aust at the moment, 3days left to run and its currently at AU$510 (£215) Posts to Aust only so don't get any ideas

Mine isn't a dud but I think the main issue with them was either front or back focus problems.
Meaning: Once focused on the subject and taking the shot it would look like the focus was in fact behind or in front of the subject as these parts of the shot would be sharper than the focus point.

I wouldn't fear if i were you, if it prooves to be a dud just take it back and exchange it.

I believe the problem was with some of the earlier examples.

I was wondering why all the buttons were at the bottom, Thanks for the tip