I always think longer.

The longer macro lenses can be used for just about any macro subject, including flowers, documents, creepy bugs, crawly bugs, jittery bugs, and flying bugs.

The shorter a macro lens is, the closer you need to be to the subject so you can start ruling out flying bugs if the lens is much less than about 90mm.

For some potentially dangerous subjects like snakes, spiders etc. The further away you can be when you press the shutter button, the better.

I couldn't decide what I wanted when I was buying my first macro lens so I bought the middle-of-the-road in focal length terms, which was an SMCP-F 100mm 1:2.8 Macro lens.

Since then, I've sold the SMCP-F and replaced it with the FA version (stonking lens). The FA is now in new ownership since buying the SMCP D-FA 100mm. My favourite lens of all though is the Sigma EX DG 180mm 1:3.5 Macro, but it's heavy.

My advice is to start with a Tamron/Sigma/Pentax lens of 90mm - 105mm focal length, and start practicing. You'll need a decent light too, but that's another topic entirely.

How did you guess

This might help.

#2 for me, super image.

Artistic creativity aside, I'm not sure that this subject warrants the use of HDR.

It is obvious in the colours that 'something' has been done to them, but images like this, taken in daylight shouldn't really 'need' HDR to improve them.

I do like them though and would not want to dampen your artistic creativity in the slightest. In fact, I could use some if you have any spare.

No, nothing to do with that.

Pentax changed something in the aperture mechanics department after the first few models and exposure calculation using stop down metering has some issues, but none that can't be easily resolved.

I can't give a more precise answer because I have no manual lenses any more, but I'm sure others here can enlighten you further.

Personally, I would wait for the K5.

It's not likely that PS CS3 will handle K5 RAW files, and your M lenses will work fine, but not as well as they do on the *istD.

All Pentax DSLR's having a custom Lithium Ion battery are supplied with a charger.

Your AF360FGZ will work fine too. With regard to the bellows issue. I solved the problem by attaching a short extension tube between camera and bellows.

SRS Microsystems in Watfod are having an open day on 9th October where you will be able to tryout the K5. Just don't be surprised if the queue extends to Bushey.

Pentax have never yet taken features from a new model and retrofitted them in the form of a firmware release for older models.

I'm reasonably certain they will not start now.

It does look a bit OTT sometimes.