If the K3 or k3ii don't provide sufficient resolution it's more straight forward to use a larger format camera., eg K-1 or 645 without the faff. K-1 images will take quite a lot of enlargement before the image degrades making pixel shift somewhat superfluous.
Whether one wants to emulate a larger format with APS-C is another matter so suppose it's nice to have for those that want it!

Back in the 1970s I used to take the scouts camping there. It hadn't been open long for public visits and some of its features have long since gone.
I liked the place so much I produced a film, shot on Super 8, and during the lockdown I converted it to video.
If you wish to watch it, it's here:
https://jkpg.myqnapcloud.com:8081/piwigo/picture.php?/3934/

Having a built in ND filer might not be much help.
Just ask your self what strength should it be? Everyone will have a different answer!

If it worries you, couldn't you just crop that bit off? IMHO You'll loose nothing of importance.

The safest way is follow the instructions that go with it.

Forgiven!

Don't be so sure! Why do Ricoh show two different downloads then?

[K-5II]

For Windows : k5_2_107.exe 10,134Kbytes, LHA type, self-extracting files
For Windows/Macintosh : k5_2_107.zip 10,064Kbytes, zip type

[K-5IIs]

For Windows : k5_2s107.exe 10,134Kbytes, LHA type, self-extracting files
For Windows/Macintosh : k5_2s107.zip 10,064Kbytes, zip type

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k-5_2_s.html

Or maybe I need a new pair specs or someone does?

Perhaps you'd have had the same issue as the OP if you had attempted an update.

You didn't by chance download and attempt to install the K5iis firmware on a K5ii or the k5ii version on a K5iis ? They're not the same!

Forget the older lens with the A setting for now. Do your tests using the 18-55.

Set the camera to Av and alter the aperture setting. Does the shutter speed change as you'd expect?

Then try Tv and repeat the test. The aperture should now change as you'd expect.

If neither of those have any effect on the settings it sounds like a poorly camera.

You could also set the mode to P and change the setting dial, now both aperture and shutter speed should change in sync with each other.

Does it actually take a correctly exposed photograph?

Have you tried M mode using the 18-55? There's less to go wrong!

There's quite a difference using a DSLR to the old SLRs like the ME .
With that you set the aperture and the and the shutter speed was set automatically.
To emulate that process you now have to meter with a press of the green button, but you should still be able to set apertures and shutter speeds manually if you wish to.

Sounds as if you're doing something wrong or the camera is faulty.
Can you set the camera to Av (making it like your ME Super) with your 18-55 and see if the shutter speed changes when you alter the aperture setting? That will give you the closest way to using the camera to what you're used to.