I do exactly the same (main reason why I recommend everyone with a Pentax DSLR buy a prime of around 28mm-35mm as a standard lens). This was one major reason for picking the DA* 50-135mm in the end, as it's a much less obtrusive lens than the big 70-200mm Tamron or Sigma.

On film, I find an ME Super with 40mm f2.8 extremely handy for walkabout use. Slip a 28mm and 135mm into pockets and you've got a very unobtrusive three lens system.

I'd guess that these were done up by the Asahi works sumo team (I keep finding parts on cameras which appear to have been tightened with a torque wrench). Try a tiny drop of lighter fuel on them as this can sometimes break the friction and enable you to turn them.

I've also had success with an instrument screwdriver and a pair of small pliers. Grip the screwdriver with the pliers, then while jamming it hard into the screw head use your free hand to attempt to turn it. The extra leverage may help (or may equally shear the screw off, so be careful!)

I can see some use to the unboxing videos. They do at least show you roughly how big the lens is and what accessories are included.

My approach is to use a smallish Lowepro bag and add extra lens cases as required. The main bag can handle a standard kit with zooms covering 18-200mm, 35mm prime, flash, etc. If I want to carry a lens I don't often use (or an extra body/tripod/whatever) I can easily strap it on the end.

Had an interesting experience comparing them to another retailer a couple of weeks ago while buying a £640 lens.

Retailer C: I emailed regarding trading in some old gear against a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 and got a response which effectively said "We haven't got one and your gear is worthless". Oddly enough I won't be bothering to make the trek down to their store ever again, if this is their idea of customer service. I was about to spend £600 with them and they evidently couldn't care less whether they had my business or not!

SRS: Responded next day to my emails regarding availability of various lenses (I was looking at the Tamron/Sigma 70-200mm or the DA* 50-135mm), as a result I ordered the DA* from them and it turned up via next day delivery. Definitely the first place I look for any new camera stuff.

You might be able to use your ME Super if you can find a way to hold it (maybe a Gorillapod wrapped around the cast?) Just fit a cable release and use your left hand, it should be possible to steady the camera and press the release at the same time.

I'm not so sure about that, it really depends on the wildlife. I've got some very good shots of birds from my DA* 50-135mm due to the fact that the images can be cropped mercilessly without losing sharpness.

Well, if it is a poor sample then it was that way from the factory. There's no sign of paint rubbing or any rough handling, even the chrome plating on the lens cap lettering is unmarked!

I see he has a 120/2.8. Starting bid is about what I paid for mine, not sure about the comment on it being "softer at large apertures" though. Mine is noticeably sharper than the M 135/3.5 wide open!

It does rather stand to reason that any machine needs time to settle in. Besides which, I can't understand how anyone could get in an unfamiliar car and immediately drive the wheels off it. I've just bought a Subaru Forester Turbo to replace the Discovery and it'll be a few weeks before I'm driving it to its full capability!

It's funny how that happens. I always advise people who're after an M 50mm to search for ME Supers/MVs/etc as they so often go for less than the lens would on its own. I have an absolutely perfect 50/1.7 which came with a near mint black ME (a small paint chip on the side of the lens mount. That's all) in original case and with original manual and strap. Price was £20!

Bidding has ended on the £120 one with no takers. I would wonder whether they just put the decimal point in the wrong place, as £12 BIN or £8 starting bid would be much more realistic.