Thanks Gareth. The kit shown comprises:-

Pentax K20D + Grip
Sigma EX DG 180mm 1:3.5 Macro
2 X AF240T flashes
2 X Hot shoe adapter F
2 X cables for above
Pentax Macro Focussing Rail
Stroboflex twin flash bracket.
Manfrotto 055B tripod and 488RC2 ball head.

As I said in a previous thread some months/years ago, this is not the way that Pentax recommend cabling multiple flashes. These are in parallel effectively. Pentax recommend serial (daisy chain) connection. At the end of the day, it works for me.

A conversion to wireless P-TTL would be very simple too. Replace AF240T's with AF360/540GGZ's and use popup flash as controller.

The key to good macro images in my opinion is plenty of light, more than you need if possible. Apart from focus stacking, lots of light and a small aperture is the only way to get reasonable DOF.

Images of the FA 50mm Macro.







The apparent bubbles in the glass are reflections from the bedroom wall.






The dust is on the filter, not the front element.



The original clamp knob was broken and I replaced it with a new one. Unfortunately the little black plastic sticker that covers the screw beneath it, is no longer available so black electrical tape has been used.



To demonstrate that the filter ring damage is inconsequential, here it is with a ring flash fitted.

My rig looks like this. The two Omnibounce diffusers are from my AF360FGZ's but fit the AF240FT's well enough.

You have a PM.

Found some in Australia. And here.

And here in UK.

I've never used any of these sellers and I accept no responsibility for anything.

Good question. I believe it does cause an issue. I used Hama hot shoe adapters for mine initially and I recall having to hack/drill/file away the area of the metal shoe where one of the four pins made contact with the metal shoe. I don't think having the cables plugged in prevents this issue but I can't remember what actually was the problem. All I know is that something didn't work properly else I wouldn't have had to do it.

I had to do exactly the same thing to my Hot Shoe grip.

My current rig has insulated flash shoes anyway.

You could try simply insulating the flash from the shoe temporarily.

Best wishes and good luck in whatever you choose to do Martin. It's been a pleasure having you as a member and you are of course welcome to drop in anytime you feel lonely .

Welcome Attila. I used to live in High Wycombe, not far from where you are. There are a few other members in Bucks as well so you might get to meet some of them.

SMCP-FA 50mm 1:1.4 + original caps sold pending transaction completion.

I will soon have the following lenses available for sale. Please PM me and register your interest. First come first served. I will post images as soon as I can.

1 X SMCP-M 50mm 1:1.4 - (unknown condition as it's in UK and I haven't seen it yet.)
1 X SMCP-F 50mm 1:1.7 + original caps - £139.00 - Superficial damage to filter ring, filters fit fine and lens operation is not affected in any way.
1 x SMCP-FA 50mm 1:1.4 + original caps - £165.00 - Bought in the last couple of years, used very little, boxed as new.
1 x SMCP-FA 50mm 1:2.8 Macro + original caps - £245.00 - Superficial damage to filter ring which has had a 'ding' straightened out. Filters fit fine and lens operation is not affected in any way.

I am selling these lenses because I don't use them enough and I've just bought a 55mm SDM lens. These deserve to get more use than they do at present.

I can accept bank transfer, cheque, Paypal as gift - buyer pays fees.
Postage will be charged at cost.

I stress that these lenses are not available yet, but will be in the next couple of weeks depending on the arrival of their replacement. Just PM me for now if you are interested in any of them.