Thanks for that John, I'd already discounted the LX on the basis of reported problems and (more importantly) the prices that used ones fetch. You've really confirmed my thoughts that I'd probably be best off going for either an MX or an ME Super - I'd been swaying towards the MX due to the all-mechnical speed range (and the dial operation) but I hadn't realised the ME Super had a brighter viewfinder so it's just earned another tick in its column. I'm saving for the FA31 at the moment to complete my Limited set and once I have one it looks like I'll have a tricky decision to make - your information has been very useful!

That is an awesome collection! If it were me I wouldn't be in any hurry to sell it off.

I've been thinking recently about getting an MX just to have a play with (using my current lenses) - any thoughts on which of the M series cameras is the best? I'm quite happy with all-manual cameras and the idea of a small, rugged and battery-independent body appeals. You obviously have the experience so please feel free to share your insight...

If you're using the 18-55 kit lens then 18mm is one of the extremes. When using the lens at either end (18 or 55mm) try stopping the aperture down a little to boost sharpness levels - around 1EV from the maximum should do the trick.

There's the effect of a small sensor to consider too; the sensor in the Panasonic is much smaller than that in the K20D meaning that the depth of field (area in focus) is much greater at any given aperture.

If your focus is off by a small amount then it'll be quite obvious on a DSLR whereas compact/bridge cameras compensate for this by dint of their diminutiveness. The downside is not being able to achieve the razor-thin depth of field / three dimensionality with a compact sensor.

Wow!

I've gone all these years thinking it was just a name my mum made up! There's a moral there for any kids reading; listen to your mother, she probably knows what she's talking about after all...

The snow did for a lot of the smaller flowers (the purple one in #3 is in the same bunch as the ones on my other thread taken just before the snow came) but I've got quite a bit of variety and things like tulips and hellebores are sturdy enough to survive. To be fair, on the days when we haven't had a blanket of snow it's been quite warm and sunny so the insects have been making the most of it!

Thanks for the kind words and yes, the top bug does have a nice symmetry - I don't know what they're called but I always get quite a few of them and I've always called them Green Shield Bugs, although I doubt that's their real name...

Fiona: No! I wouldn't dream of parting with it as it's such a great lens, I'm sure your Tamron's just as capable though - I've seen some really nice pics from other folks using one of them. Almost bought one myself (the price difference was tempting!) but I just preferred the handling on the Pentax, so light and with the quick-shift too...

I must admit, as much as I'm loving my two Limiteds (and the 43's still my favourite of the two) the macro's great fun - especially now I've got some "wildlife" coming into the garden!

All taken with K10D / D-FA100 over the last week in my garden. C&C's welcome!

Thanks for the comments everyone, I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes bright colours!