I bought another AF540FGZ. I plan to use two of them, with cables, so that I can put decent diffusers on them. I find the direct flash from the AF240FT's a bit harsh and the Sto-Fen diffusers don't stay on very well. I'm only worried that the whole thing will be too heavy.

The tripod screw on the twin flash bracket I have is not really long enough, it won't even screw into the base of my bellows because the heli-coil in the bellows is slightly recessed.

Learn how to make a correct exposure first time. Then learn how to make a creatively correct exposure.

To assist you, read Bryan Peterson's books "Understanding Exposure" and "Learning To See Creatively".

EDIT: All items that are still available will be in UK from Saturday 8th November and will be sold via ebay unless sold to forum members.

I have the following equipment for sale. All items are in used and excellent condition unless stated otherwise.

Prices exclude post & packing which will be charged at cost on a per package basis. Multiple items can be combined into one package for posting.

Please note:- All of these items are currently with me in Spain. I will return for a short trip to UK with any sold items in November. None of these items will ship before 10th November 2008.

Method of payment in order of preference is bank transfer, cheque, Paypal.

And before anybody asks, I'm not switching brands. I'm just allowing others to enjoy using some gear I no longer use having upgraded my glass and flash guns over the years.

Images of these items can be seen here.

You can checkout my eBay feedback, but I've not used it much in the last couple of years. Same user name as here.

AF240FT - NO LONGER AVAILABLE I decided to keep them.
SMC Pentax-FA 28-105mm 1:4-5.6 - NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
SMC Pentax-FA 80-320mm 1:4.5-5.6 - SOLD (includes collapsible rubber hood) - Original front and rear caps.

Flash guns:- (stands shown in images are not included).

AF160 - £15 - (2 available)

Prime Lens:-

SMC Pentax-A 135mm 1:2.8 - £95.00 - Original front cap, third party hard rear cap, built-in hood. This is a very clean example having no evidence of dust, fungus, or scratches to the glass. The body shows few signs of use and has been very well cared for.

Teleconverter:-

Takumar-A 2X Teleconverter - £35.00 - Original hard front cap (I think), third party hard rear cap, Glass is in mint condition, body shows minimal signs of use. I have owned this TC from new, bought in 1984.

Zoom Lenses:-

SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm 1:4 Macro - £65.00 - Original front cap, third party hard rear cap. This is the constant aperture companion lens to the 70-210 lens below. This lens has seen much more use than any of my other lenses and is still in fine condition.
SMC Pentax-A 70-210mm 1:4 Macro - £115.00 - Original caps. This is the constant aperture companion lens to the 35-70 lens above. This lens is in as new condition except for slight wearing to the gold QC label. It's a stunning performer and includes its original hard case which is also in exceptionally fine condition.
Pentax-F 28-80mm 1:3.5-4.5 - £10.00 - Original front cap, Tokina hard rear cap. This makes an ideal lens for use in situations where you would prefer not to subject your better lenses to possible damage.
SMC Pentax-F 35-135mm 1:3.5-4.5 Macro - £85.00 - Original front cap, Hoya hard rear cap.

SMC Pentax-FA 28-200mm 1:3.8-5.6 IF&AL - £115.00 - Original caps and petal bayonet hood. This is a superb walkabout lens on a film body, a useful 42-300mm equivalent on a dSLR. The bayonet hood shows some signs of wear. It's previous owner kept it with his MZ-S in a ER case which has caused the wear to the hood.

Mac, this thread is over a year old and it seems there was no reply from the magazine's editor.

Have a look at your link more closely. Do you see (in small type) the word "Replacement" immediately below the heading?

That means that it is not a genuine Pentax branded item, in fact, it's a completely no-name item.

If you have the money, have a look at the Sigma 100-300mm EX DG lens, it might suit you. It's bigger and heavier than those you have listed, but it's also faster with a max aperture of f4.

If you've done "quite a lot of wildlife and sports photography", what lenses have you used so far. If you are happy with the results, stick with the lengths you've used so far.

My opinion, a 300mm prime is better than any of the lenses you've listed. If I had to choose one, it'd be the Pentax 55-300mm because yes, the extra 100mm reach is worth it.

Search this forum for SRS and see if you can find a bad report about them.

I'll save you the trouble, you won't find one.

Doesn't the fact that they are a Pentax Pro centre mean anything to you?

Of course they are trustworthy, they are a professional and hugely knowledgeable retail operation, not just box shifters.

Where you get the impression that they are not cheap is a mystery to me. It all depends on how much value you place on a knowledgeable sales force and after sales service. Try getting Pixmania to do a warranty exchange, after you've read the French manual that they supply.

EDIT: Having re-read your post I realise that it is the package you have chosen that you say is not cheap. That's not surprising at all, but it's getting cheaper almost by the day.

Watch out for metering/exposure issues when using the M lenses. Nice collection.

It might be even cheaper to phone www.asahiphoto.co.uk or www.harrowtechnical.co.uk (might be .com)