Speaking as a *ist D owner (I think JR owns something else), I would say that the *ist D has a number of advantages that may make it a better bet for your particular requirements than any DSLR other than the K10D.

To whit:
Two wheel operation.
PC Sync.
Wireless flash.
More knobs (as opposed to menus).
Remote operation from PC.
And a number of others which I forget

The K100D has two advantages over the *ist D:
SR
Recording speed

If you tend not to shoot in lowish light (and hence have little need for SR), and have a rather deliberate style of shooting but nonetheless value a full set of features, then the *ist D would be a good choice.

I have never seen a shred of evidence that picture quality is better on later models.

And finally, as the owner of both a *ist D and a K10D, I have to say that whilst the K10D is a more "powerful" camera, the *istD is in many ways nicer to drive. This is especially the case if you value the traditional Pentax virtue of petiteness.

G

I had forgotten that he had the 18-55, and my advice was based on keeping costs down. I certainly wouldn't suggest he swaps the one for the other.

G

In your shoes, I would consider the Pentax-FAJ 18-35. It's not a bad lens for the money.

G

If you don't need AF, and can live without zooms, stick with what you have. The only problem is that you lack a wide-angle (the 28 is equivalent to 42 on digital).

G

Of course you do. Like any honourable gentleman.

Actually, in correct English, we do pronounce aitches like the French, though gradually the aitch sound is creeping in where once it was silent. I still say 'otel, but I confess to pronouncing the aitch in History, unlike Churchill.

But you should get with modern usage, and say Haitch. (I 'eard it on the BBC, guv, hhhonest.)

G

They haven't given their word. They have simply told you what is planned. And they have no control over the plan whatsoever.

If you want a more reliable answer, cast a few runes, or disembowel a chicken.

If you go the runic route, I commend using the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. It's especially good at divining lens availability, which is, of course, essential for successful gear freaks.

G

As far as they know. If you had emailed them six months ago, they would have said March (for sure).

We will just have to wait with as much patience as we can muster.

G

You were lucky, because the limit is £18.00, not £180.00.

By not declaring the proper value of the goods, you have evaded VAT, which is a criminal offence.

If I were you I would adopt a slightly lower profile.

G

It's the rarest Pentax K lens that there is!

But your Nikon should be worth a bit. Enough, perhaps, to get a second-hand Pentax 31mm Ltd. Then you'll have something quite superb (and I am not knocking the Nikkor, which is a great lens).

G

It can't be done.

First, even if you can find an adapter, it will not be possible to place the the lens close enough to the sensor to obtain focus on distant objects (with a wide-angle that's anything over about twenty feet).

Second, you will lose all automation, including stopping the lens down when you press the shutter.

Old Pentax K mount 28mm lenses can be found very cheaply on Ebay. Metering can be a problem with the K10D, but nothing that can't be overcome.

G