If those are all genuine Pentax lenses you've bagged some crackers. The 28mm f2 (assuming it's an f2 rather than f2.8 ) is a bit rare, the 35-70mm zoom sounds like the M series version which is a little-known and slightly rare gem, the 70-210mm is a very well regarded lens and the 100mm macro is probably one of the best macro lenses you'll find for the money.

You could probably sell them on for much more than you paid, but my advice would be to have a play and keep what you find you like. I'd probably sell the ME Supers and the non-Pentax gear but keep the rest.

I'm just wondering if this flashgun was ever officially sold here, as I only ever see them listed in the USA? Anyone know?

Right, first you need to check the trigger voltage on your Metz. You'll need a multimeter set to measure DC voltage, switch the flash on, let it charge, then touch the positive multimeter probe to the centre pin of the hotshoe connector and the negative to the side contact. Some Metz flashes have lethally high voltages while other later ones are fine, this can even apply to the same model (IIRC early Metz 45 CT-1 units have a trigger voltage in the hundreds while later ones are a lot more sensible).

AFAIK all genuine Pentax flashguns are safe on digital, at least those in the AF series such as the AF160 and later. Those with TTL will not work in that mode, but any Auto modes will work perfectly as they use the flash's own light sensor to decide how much light is needed. You just set the shutter speed, ISO and aperture in M mode to what the flash expects (flash set to A) and shoot, the flash will handle the rest. This goes for the AF160 and AF200S.

Weirdly if you go back a generation before the TTL units you come to the Program flashes - these will work perfectly on your DSLR, if you set both units to P and change the ISO the aperture will be changed to suit the flash's expectations.

Some TTL models are still useful to you such as the AF200T, AF280T and AF400T. These all have assorted manual and auto modes, in fact when using the auto modes they behave like a Program flash. Just don't switch them to TTL as it won't work.

I have tested the following models on my K-m:

AF160
AF200S
AF200SA
AF200T
AF240Z
AF280T

All worked, none blew it up. They even illuminate the "flash ready" icon in the viewfinder, just as on my ME Super!

Of these models I would say to keep an eye out for the AF240Z (Program/Auto/Manual modes, has a tilt head with built-in telephoto adapter), AF200T (fixed head but incredibly flexible with two auto modes and variable power in manual) and AF280T (pan/tilt head, two auto, three manual modes).

My other advice would be to avoid anything with "SA" on the end - these are usually program-only and while they will work very well you'll be stuck in point and shoot mode. Same goes for some of the later TTL models. If you're not sure then try searching for a manual for the flash you're considering - you can download these free from a few places and you should be able to figure out what the flash can do.

I tend to buy frames from pound shops and supermarkets. I recently cleared our local Tesco out of their entire (reduced) stock of "Value Picture Frames" which are plain light wood frames with no ornamentation.

I do tend to wince at their more expensive offerings. Generally they appear to be aimed at magpies judging by the ghastly fake silver bits!

I've looked at those adapters and the 6x7 one too - do they involve any glass or are they simply an extension tube? I'd imagine you'd get pretty impressive results assuming the latter!

I wish I knew what the squirrels around here were drinking. I had five attempt to throw themselves under the car within a mile today!

Managed to avoid all of them AFAIK, although I think one made its escape between the front and rear wheels as I hit the brakes to avoid squashing it.

Best one I heard: My Dad managed to drop a holdall containing his then-new K2 down one of the steep bits of the Brecon Beacons. He still has the slides taken immediately after looking back up the mountainside to where it fell from!

It still works now, and has only a dent in the baseplate to show for its brief Superman impression.

To be fair, how often do we all use anything longer than around 200mm anyway? I know I only want longer lenses for aircraft or wildlife, as with most subjects I can get close enough with a 200mm.

I would like something like an 80-200mm f2.8 but that's more a lack of funds than a lack of available lenses!

Didn't someone quote an interview with a Hoya exec a few months ago where they said they wanted Pentax to be a high-end brand rather than chasing the mass market?

If you look at historic models Pentax generally only had two or three different bodies available at any one time. The original K series numbered three, then the ME and MX, then ME Super and MV/MV1/MG, and so on. In all of these cases there was a premium model and a budget one, although I'm not quite sure how that fits with the KM/KX/K2 where the KX has some features that the supposedly top of the range K2 lacks!

Equally, he might just be posting a sob story in an attempt to provoke sympathy. We've all heard the tales about supposedly destitute beggars seen strolling off to their parked BMW at the end of a successful day...