Let me elaborate....

You have resized the image with Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows, and it has removed the most important parts of the EXIF for diagnosing issues.

In the original image is a lot of information about the Ev readings of the metering, the temperature, the lens type - really everything!

Unfortunately, since resizing and uploading to the gallery you only have left a rudimentary EXIF info

(my original offer still stands!)
Matt

Unfortunately the JPG in your gallery has no EXIF data
It is completely and utterly white.

I've never seen this issue.

If you can email the original JPG to me, I'll be happy to see if there's any explanation. Use mattmatic at hotmail dot com.

Matt

Huh?
The DA17-70 wipes the floor with the FA28-70! (And is a tad better than the FA24-90).

Put it this way - I've had them all, but the DA17-70 is staying put
Matt

I have two with rear element separation

TBH I mainly used it on the MZ5 with Provia & Velvia where it performed admirably. A very light and versatile lens. Construction is a bit plastic and "vague" as Don says.

The FA24-90 I find a much nicer lens - even on digital
Matt

There's some nice Topaz examples here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=19955996369&aid=201133
and
http://bobtowery.typepad.com/bob_towery/topaz-tuesday/
(Some are a tad OTT for me!)
Matt

I use the whole Topaz bundle
Remask 3 is excellent (though I've been using CS5's quick mask too with good effect).
I mainly use: Adjust, Detail, InFocus and Remask.

Matt

Asahi Photo did a superb job of repairing my FA24-90. Worth talking to them on the phone

Johnsons did repair my DA17-70... eventually In the end repair itself was faultless, but the time taken was a problem for me.

Matt

Aha! I forgot Ken's configuration. I use that too
(You have to do a slight modification on the hotshoe of the grip extension, but it certainly works a treat.)

TBH, I found the 50MZ5 too heavy for weddings. I've done two with it, and I just end up with arm ache! I use the AF540 (because I have it), but as far as power levels go, the AF360 is certainly up to the job

Whatever you choose to do, you're going to need a lot of practise with a new flash/camera combo! I'm used to all kinds of flash combos, but still fried a couple of images by using the 50MZ5 indoors, then moving outside too quickly and forgetting to stop down!!



One BIG failing of the Pentax flash system is that the camera just doesn't tell you if you are already overexposed!!! It's a real PITA, because all they needed to do was to flash the exposure reading in the viewfinder! The VF blinks if you are overexposed without flash, but as soon as you enable the flash it stops showing the error!

Have fun
Matt

If it's just for portraits, then why not get a cheap Pentax 5P extension cable from eBay?

Or a piece of white "Funky Foam" cut to shape and held with an elastic band as a reflector (so the AF360 points straight up).

Or, if you have a body with wireless control on the pop-up (e.g. K5/7/20D/10D, etc) then use the AF360 in wireless mode?


Having said that, I do have a huge Metz 50MZ5 that I'm willing to sell on. It's big and heavy, with plenty of light, but you'll get just "A" and "M" modes.

Matt

Matt