Almost right. It is in fact a Praying Mantis. Insectivorous, Harmless (unless you are an insect) and native to many countries. We get a lot of them in Spain.

Looks like yours may have been caught in a spiders web.

And yet another user takes their turn to resurrect these same old posts with a quick cut 'n paste of "Hi and welcome to the forum '.

Yes, it uses 52mm filters. Details here.

I wouldn't recommend taking the attachment lens apart, you'll probably need it. Without the attachment lens the 135-600mm min. focus distance is about 6 metres, with it fitted you can focus down to about 3.3 metres, but you lose infinity focus.

I don't have a K-5 so can't comment first hand.

My thoughts are that if the sensor and Bayer filter are supplied as a complete assembly by the manufacturer (Sony, I think), surely it's a problem introduced by Sony, not Pentax. I suspect their 'clean' assembly room is perhaps not so clean.

Conversely, if Pentax assemble the sensor/filter components themselves, the problem originates there.

It'd be interesting to know if these spots have developed over time. If they have, it might not be a dust contamination issue, more a micro-organism one. Maybe a fungus of sorts.

Pure conjecture I know, but will we ever know for sure.

Your choice of ISO 3200 has meant you've got a fair bit of noise in the darker areas. Easily reduced or removed with software though.

For me, the white space/steam at the top is somewhat detracting from the remainder of the image.

Don't waste money on filters until you know what you need. Notice I chose the word 'need' rather than 'want'. Advice of others doesn't always fit everybody's needs.

All you need initially is batteries, spare card, and some practice. Let the filters come later. When they do, the first you should buy in my opinion is a circular polarising (CP) filter.

UV filters are of limited use and neutral density (ND) filters, graduated or otherwise can be simulated in software for now.

Now go and find out what each of these does. No point in buying them without knowing what they are for and how/when to use them just because somebody says you should.

I've just had to have the clutch replaced in my Citroen C4 after only 4 years and 54000 Km. All because a lug on the release bearing broke causing the clutch plate to not fully engage and making it slip on occasions.

The DA* 16-60mm lens had issues with early batches. If you buy new you shouldn't have any problems. It's superbly sharp, fast, and quiet and is my most used lens.

I'm happy to know that you are still enjoying it.

Jules, if you want exceptional build quality, look out for a SMCP-FA 100mm 1:2.8 macro lens. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Expect to pay £300 - £400 for one. It's solid, heavy, built like a Challenger tank, and delivers superb image quality. I used to have one, I replaced it with the D-FA version which is much lighter but I still prefer the FA.

Pentax made two 'Takumar' labelled 135mm K mount lenses, the Takumar 135/2.8 Bayonet and the Takumar 135/2.5 (Bayonet). Note the correct spelling of Bayonet.

These were budget lenses with no SMC coating. The Bayonet / (Bayonet) in the model name differentiates them from the older and more superior Takumar screw mount lenses.

They will never be stellar performers I'm afraid.