Trevor,
To be honest I haven't used mine for many months although it was almost permanently attached to my SFX when that was my main camera.
I was never disappointed with the results, particularly when you consider that it was a real 'super-zoom' when first produced but I do feel that my FA 28-105 (purchased along with my Z1-P) is just a little sharper.

In reality there's probably very little difference, perhaps the FA just feels better but it did get very good reviews and handles flare exceptionally well.
I think I should try a few test shots to compare the two but I'm sure you'll be happy with your F 35-135 - it may just be psychological but I prefer my FA.

(Sorry I can't be more technical - it's a nice, versatile lens that performs well).

Not the rare, almost useless but highly sought after Grip Strap fdp

I got to grips with one at Focus on Imaging at the NEC a few years ago, the only one I've ever seen in the flesh - so to speak, couldn't justify the cost then but I really want one now!

Welcome aboard dawman

Most Tamron's are excellent performers, so I'm sure you won't be disappointed. It will work fine on your SFXn in auto mode and using it in manual will give you an idea as to handling on a KX - should you manage to get one.
My understanding of macro lenses is that true macro lenses offer reproduction of life-size or greater (image on the negative), whereas most lenses and especially zooms that are designated 'macro' are really 'close focus' lenses. That is to say that they are designed to focus closer than a non-macro lens of the same focal length.

Even the highly regarded Tamron SP90 Macro only delivers a half-size image!

I've used these people for years http://www.directfoto.co.uk/Default.asp?state_sessionid=blewuccrzttffziuwcecolauvrhogonjkplalmvxwezzkxgzcq

Good quality, fast service, free films / discs and excellent value.

I don't know of anyone else that uses them but I've always been happy with the results.

A relatively cheap but decent quality option might be the Tamron SP 500 mirror lens and SP 2x Flat-Field Tele converter, not forgetting that you'll need a Pentax KA adaptall mount to go with it!
You could probably pick up all three for around £100 on eBay

I'm the same as you, after all that is why you have the confirmation light/beep and it's really no different than using the split-screen/microprism in say, an ME Super!

I tend to use the confirmation signal for the main part of the subject and then adjust the aperture to control the depth of field.
The only way you'd be 'cheating' is if you used the camera in fully automatic program mode - although you'd probably select the same settings anyway.

At least using a lens manually makes you think more about the subject, rather than just pointing and shooting!

Wow...............whatever will they think of next?

Indeed Dent Arthur Dent but wouldn't that just be conforming to the norm?

Clockwork radios are a good idea because batteries are not always available and you wouldn't want to walk around with a rucksack full of spares, even if they were!

..............clockwork cameras - now there's a thought

I've been wondering for some time if solar cells mounted in the camera strap could be used to keep the batteries topped up

I love the way people make such a 'song and dance' about the merits of multi-point autofocus and how it is so much better than older cameras with just a single point..............and then switch the facility off!

Many people find that degree of automation to be annoying and in most cases unnecessary, normally you would instinctively point the camera at the most important part of the subject, ascertain focus and exposure and then recompose.
Multi-point is undoubtedly useful for fast moving action shots but it's certainly not foolproof.

I recall a review of the Canon EOS5, with five eye-controlled focussing points - a brilliant innovation, as you look at a part of the viewfinder image, the camera adjusts the lens to focus on that part of the subject.
Once calibrated to the position of your eyeball, the system works very well but the reviewer switched the facility off after just a few minutes because he couldn't look around the frame or at the viewfinder display without the lens constantly changing focus - understandably very irritating