Reversing a lens will reverse its design concept, so the subject-to-lens distance is short. This results in superior close up performance. The shorter the focal length, the greater the magnification. a 28mm lens will give remarkable close up shots with a relatively flat field as well.

For the sake of the minmal cost of a reversing ring, definitely worth having a go.

Also try a short telephoto mounted on the camera, with a wide angle reversed on the front of it.

That sounds like good advice - do please let us know if it works.

Nice to see the info rolling in!

K and M lenses have exactly the same mount. The M designation only means a "compact lens" specifically designed to complement the diminutive size of the M series cameras.

A series lenses have electrical contacts and an "A" setting to enable use of shutter priority and program modes with the A series cameras.

I don't think that any of the pentax bellows or extension tubes make use of the electrical contacts, but I'm not 100% sure, so others will have to confirm that....

The placing of the post is fine, I'm sure someone will pick it up.

Sorry I can't help - not my area of expertise!

I would appreciate the info, but if "adverts" got out of hand I suppose that would be a different issue.

eBay is still a pretty good place for buying and selling IMHO, and I use it for both. However, I must say I don't normally highlight any Pentax sales I am offering in this forum.

I don't know if the *istD is the same, but the *istDS has a timeout built in, adjustable by the user, that will switch off the camera after a defined interval of non-activity. I have mine set to 30 minutes to avoid it being a nuiscance in prolonged shoots, but as a safeguard against leaving the camera on indefinitely.

The Pentax lens with SMC coating has an excellent reputation, and the "A" setting will be much more convenient with the DSLRs.

I have used the 24-35mm and the 100mm lenses, and they are both excellent. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

I'm feeling tempted by the 16-45 as well, as a replacement for the 18-55. Just a bit wider and sharing the same 67mm filters as my 24-90, which is useful.

The 12-24mm is of course very appealing, but expensive and needing huge 77mm filters.

I know i don't often use filters with digital cameras, but it's nice to have the option.