Very useful link - thanks

Lua is one of the languages I use regularly... didn't realise it's available for Gimp. Pretty neat!

Matt

Have been on holiday in Brittany
Back now... will try and answer messages and PMs as I can (have a HUGE backlog, and a ton of work to catch up on as well!!!)
Matt

Forgot to say... there's an album export module available for Picasa. Think it's on the SimpleViewer website. It means you can quickly create the XML file needed for SimpleViewer without any hassle
Matt

I spent an age building a nice website with CSS, and SSI (Server Side Includes). It worked pretty well and use the "SimpleViewer" flash viewer.
You can view it here: http://www.photon.me.uk/mattmatic/index.shtml

However, in the end I got fed up with checking the code under Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Netscape and Safari (and then having to tweak the code to get it right) and ended up paying for a Photium site (which I can heartily recommend!): http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(It's an absolute breeze to setup and include PayPal shopping basket too).

Hope that helps!
Matt

I didn't misunderstand

You are quite right - the camera tries its level best to keep below 1/180, because it has no real idea of the flash amount required Using HS mode cuts the guide number in half, as you correctly stated, but the amount of light you actually need is not just based on the ambient exposure - it's based on the scene too (and the camera can't possibly know that).

That's why you'll find George and I recommending fully manual for any controlled situations

Matt

The exposure is controlled by the K10D. If you find P-TTL a problem with the AF540, you will find it a problem with the Metz

Please read my post about P-TTL and flash control: https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4950
(I hope you can translate it!!)
Matt

I just tried the AF540 in Av and P modes... and it happily chooses shutter speeds faster than 1/180s in HS mode.
However, auto ISO does tend to make it more difficult to get that situation - indoors at least the K10D seems to prefer a shutter speed somewhere between 1/focal-length and 1/180s - presumably so it can use non-HS mode (don't forget that HS mode cuts the guide number in half).

You can test it by forcing the ISO to 1600 and the higher shutter speeds will appear in HS mode

Outdoors it should be no problem at all.
Matt

Oh, obviously. Yup. Blinding logic
That's why I use it and love it
Matt

(Personally I don't like "advertorials". Some might... presumably that's why they do them.)

Here we go again (I thought when looking at the topic title...)

Actually I see that as very good news
First the K10D is a run away success for Pentax - demand exceedingly high.
Now the DA* lenses!
Excellent stuff - shows they're doing the right thing

Can't wait... but I'll have to

George - you will let us know what the DA* is like, won't you? (You know, to rub it in!!)

Matt

Wow!
Being forced to buy camera equipment - that's a pretty good situation! LOL!

As chirpy, I use the Lowepro SlingShot 200AW - fabulous bag. Actually, it's probably the best bag I've ever used. Not too big, but holds 4 lenses and K10D with grip and accessories. There is also the 100AW if you haven't got much gear.

I find it invaluable for lens changing. Plus it's got the All-Weather cover if you get caught in a downpour!

(Got mine from Tecno.co.uk for £39.90)
Matt