If you want tilt/shift DoF simulation in software, then Alien Skin's Bokeh looks interesting
(Check the video at around 2min 10sec)
Matt

The Pentax guns allow you to use them in "M" and "A" modes as well as P-TTL.
I'm not sure about the Metz - you may get P-TTL and "M".
(I have the AF360 & AF540 Pentax guns, and an old Metz 50MZ5. Both Pentax and Metz are great flashguns! Difficult choice!!)
Matt

Nope. West Sussex
(Burgess Hill to be precise)
Matt

Pentax provide a statutory 12 month guarantee.
The Pentax Pro centres themselves extend that to 2 years. So if things go wrong you go back to the Pro centre and they sort it
Matt

Or the "Hybrio" batteries... same kind of thing.
Matt

Huh?
My *ist-D, K10D and K20D all show "No Card" when you turn on the camera

Do you perhaps mean you didn't put the card back AND you didn't try turning on the camera until you went away??
(In which case there's nothing anyone can reasonably do - if the camera is not powered up it can't tell you!!!)
Matt

Alas, modern zoom lenses can indeed suck in air (and small particles).
I've had quite a few little specks like that - usually making zero impact on the image
Matt

Just to add another little twist...

You could use a faster lens to achieve a higher shutter speed. However, the flip side is that opening up the lens (e.g. to f/1.4) gives you an unbelievably shallow depth of field. If your subject is moving as well that will almost certainly yield out-of-focus shots (frozen, but out of focus).

As has been said, to freeze the action you need to have either a high shutter speed and/or the "freezing" effect of studio flash. To get the shot in-focus when there's movement you want to also be shooting around f/5.6 to f/11. That means either you shoot in bright sunlight, or you use a high power studio flash in controlled indoor conditions

Matt

Elements can
Hop over to www.hiddenelements.com (some tools are free)
Matt

I would heartily recommend the quality of Photo Artistry
I've heard some complain about their turn around times... but the quality is stunning!
Matt