Hi Clarky,
P-TTL won't be possible with anything but the very latest Metz guns.
That said, the Metz guns give a lovely light, are built like a tank, and work well with the Pentax dSLRs in "A" or "M" mode.

As you have the SCA300 (IIRC that's the "dumb" module") you can use this just fine. Set camera to either "M" or "A" and set flash to "A". Fix the ISO rating, and set corresponding aperture. Make sure shutter speed is slower than 1/180s and fire away!

With the Pentax SCA adapter you'll get a degree of dedication - the flash should track ISO and aperture. Also, the camera will know the flash is connected and will limit the shutter speed

The latest is SCA3702. However, that's probably not the right one for the 45 series. You should be able to pick up an older Pentax SCA adapter for less than £20. (Metz say the SC300 series is analog, whereas SCA3000 is digital - http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/faq.html#c2135 )

I have the 50MZ5 - it's a fine flashgun. Has more "beef" than the AF540 even (not sure why given the guide numbers).

The 45CT5 is worth around £60 here in the UK (from Ffordes, which can be expensive!).
http://www.metzflash.co.uk/pages/pdfpage.htm
http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models.html

http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/faq.html#c2139
(Manual for 45CT5 isn't online, but you can phone/email the UK service department).

Hope that helps!
Matt

When using a tripod and long exposure - TURN OFF SR! (On the back) Ideally you should be using the 2 second mirror lock-up too (which automatically disables SR).

When using long exposures - YOU have to keep very, very still too! Any movement from you will cause a blurred image.

Keep the ISO reasonably high (800 or 1600) and the aperture fairly wide (say f/5.6), use a tripod and keep still!

(If the viewfinder figures flash at you then the light metering is out-of-bounds - it's too dark to get an accurate exposure anyway.)

Some sample images would certainly help to identify the exact problem

(And any dSLR will have similar issues - it sounds like you need to gain a bit more understanding of photography in general, rather than get frustrated with the equipment, per se).

Hope that helps!
Matt

Totally agree
The "Portrait" setting is lovely!
Noise levels are, IMO, much lower than the K10D.
Have fun John!
Matt

Quick answers:
17-70 - much sturdier than the 16-45. It does appear to be somewhat weather sealed
Distortion - no problem in real world scenarios.
Zoom range - almost perfect (for me).
Contrast is unbelievable - I have to turn down the contrast in RAW. Probably the most contrasty lens I have.
Only niggle - mine underexposes by about 0.7Ev. Easily sorted, but odd (perhaps it's compensating for the contrast? )
Resolution is stunning
EDIT: Bokeh is beautiful (Nicer than the 16-45 IMHO)

Yes, the 16-45 is definitely the bargain lens at the moment, but I use the 50-70mm end all the time (And I paid £335 for the 16-45 when it came out - so not much difference there.)

This is a GREAT lens Especially on the K20D.
Matt

"Lost in Translation" - brilliant
Matt

The dimensions are correct for the cardboard box.

But as they say "If something is too good to be true, then it probably is"!
Matt

Three test shots for ya
http://www.pbase.com/mattmatic/smcda1770

Be warned - the full size JPG images are between 8 and 13Mb!!
(Processed in SPDS3 with "Natural Fine" sharpening, a little extra contrast and "Film V1" colour type.)

Should give you at least some idea of what this thing is capable of
...next project is portraiture
Matt

No, actually quite expensive


No, it's not FREE. The zoom barrel does extend when zooming. Maybe it's not fully weather sealed, but has precautionary measures? At least the seal on the mount will protect the body
However, the zoom ring does require quite a bit of torque to turn... as if it's sealed.

Matt

Jim,
So it does!
Though the manual states only the DA*'s as weather sealed. However, given the seal on the lens mount and the stiffness of the zoom - you may well be right
Either way, I'm chuffed with it, and will probably worry less when out in the rain

Matt

(Just going to process some test snaps...)

Clarky - yes, I'd thought about the 16-50... but I really use the upper end rather a lot for portraiture
It definitely has the coating on the front element for dust/grease/water repelling. Just checked the manual... it's only the DA* lenses that are sealed, alas.

Still, it seems better built than the 16-45

Off for a "snapping" lunch...
Matt