Ahh, that may explain it then as I always use the remote release or self timer on a tripod (as there wouldn't be a lot of point using a tripod and then shaking the camera by pressing the button!)

I chose them for pretty much the same reasons as the OP. Plus the K-m was the best camera around for the money at the time I bought it.

All manufacturers offer much the same modes and image quality is probably pretty similar, but all Pentax bodies will work fully with all of their current lenses (unlike Nikon) and they never make the base model feel crippled or cheap. The K-m feels solid and well made, as though they've just left a few features out rather than skimping on the build quality. The fact that any K mount lens will fit, work, and benefit from shake reduction just makes life so much simpler than Canon or Nikon users who seem to have to choose legacy lenses incredibly carefully.

All we need now is for the old film bodies to be decreed "cool" and we'll all be popular!

"FISH" looks like pure Dilbert to me!

Depends on the situation. For fairly static subjects I agree, but sometimes it's difficult to get focus spot on (especially outside in strong sunlight, makes it hard to see the in-focus indicator). I do have one of the cheap split focusing screens but TBH I'm reverting to a standard one I think, if I put a polariser on the front with the split screen it's horribly dark!

My main manual walkabout lens is the M 28mm f3.5 which is pretty much focus free from distances of about 4m+, either that or the F 35-70mm which isn't much larger and is very fast to AF.

Keep the 18-55mm and buy the 55-300mm to go with it. Megazooms do have their place, but I can only really see the point in very specific situations - say if you're going on an expedition and the truck is already packed to the roof with survival kit, so you can only take one lens and you don't fancy changing it on dusty trails.

Although in that scenario I'd be sorely tempted to take the MX, as it's a lot tougher than a DSLR!

Maybe, but it just puts me off buying any more M42 lenses as I don't have to fiddle around with exposures if I stick to K mount. The Super Tak 35mm came attached to a KM which is in superb condition and worth the purchase price alone, so I haven't spent a fortune on a lens I don't use.

If you want a 35mm have a look for the old M 35-70mm, it's an f2.8 at the wide end and has excellent reviews. I know I was very happy with the test shots from mine, although I don't use it on digital as manual zooms are a bit of a pain. I bought it to use on my MX, where it's a very good fit.

Weirdly the M 35mm primes seem a bit rare of late, I don't see many up for grabs.

All Pentax DSLRs will work with all Pentax K mount lenses, with some limitations in the case of K and M series lenses (stop down metering, manual focus) and the fact that the A series lenses are still manual focus (but support program mode and allow you to set the aperture from the body).

Hmm, see, I've always left SR on even with a tripod. I can't see any signs of it making my images worse, providing I get the focus right they come out perfectly sharp.