Ps any idea whether the flashes are clever to read the aperture setting when auto mode, I read that the later digital models do this but perhaps not earlier models?

Thanks again gartmore, I've just fired up the 280t in auto mode with the K30 on manual and of course you are absolutely right! I don't know if I'd ever have though of trying that. Now I just need to decide whether to spend £99 for a Sigma 610 or £250 for the Metz 58 just to me to play at switching between auto and p-total one the same flash. I think it's not really worth it.

Thanks for the advice, I will try going for auto for now. With the *istD I had no idea which -TTL mode I was using it in, will now try to find out!

My cameras:
MX, MZ5, *istD, K-30
My flashes:
AF280T, AF400FTZ flash

My problem: everything worked fine until I bought the K-30! Can't get my flashes to work with it.

My diagnosis: neither of my flashes are P-TTL and the K-30 only does P-TTL (not olde TTL). Strange as the *istD worked fine but there you go.

My questions:
1. What new flashes are there which can do both P-TTL AND thyristor auto. Research suggests the 2 Pentax models (360 and 540) and the Metz 58 AF2 only. Am I missing something? Not that I'm fixated on auto, it's just I'd prefer not to give it up and always rely on P-TTL.
2. (and I'm sure this has been asked before) - any news on whether the Metz 58 has been tested with the K-30 (and presumably K-5II) - current Metz compatibility sheet implies they're still working on it.

Many thanks in advance for any tips!
Mike

For what it's worth I'd say stick with Pentax and if you've some money to spare change to a K5II or K5IIs. I'd imagine you're talking about a fair bit of money to switch systems for questionable gain. At the very least either borrow or rent the Canon/Nikon equipment you're thinking of changing to (and use it!) as there are bound to be downsides.

Great Bob, glad you like it.

80-200mm still for sale...

10-20 received with grateful thanks, really pleased.
Mike

First time selling lenses on Pentaxuser so please bear with me. I can reply to PMs but not send them yet so if interested please PM me your email address.

Both lenses owned from new, and including front and rear caps, no cases though.

Pentax K 24mm f2.8
Excellent condition, I'd say Mint-, very light use, tiny amount of paint wear to aperture ring and usual marks on lens mount associated with taking the lens off and on. Only selling as I also appear to have the A-version of this lens as well. Offers over £100 please. P&P at cost (RM special delivery)

Pentax M 80-200 zoom
Pentax made tons of these lenses, so why should you buy mine? First and foremost, I've owned it since new. It has always been well looked after, but it has been well used so there is the usual wear to the most exposed outer surfaces: the end of the integral lens hood, the end of the zoom/focus ring the aperture ring and the lens mount. But there is absolutely no damage to any part, the optics are fine, and I can assure you it has always been used with a filter in place (not included in sale) to protect the front element. Only selling as I have an FA100-300 so really no need for it. Offers around (ideally over) £30 please. P&P at cost (RM signed for)

sorry can't pm as I've only just joined.

Yes absolutely I'd bite your hand off BUT irritatingly this is about a month too early for me as I first need to sell some lenses myself and wait for some further income to reach my bank account. It's a crying shame and I feel gutted as I just said to myself a week ago if I could round off my current lens collection at sensible cost these two lenses would be the ones I would choose.

as a recent lens seller myself I know what I'd do which is to sell to anyone who can come up with the money now so I'm not much help in practice. Pls pls pm me if you'd like to discuss off-forum.

Please don't rush to eBay, have you considered a price for both together (I won't be offended if you say add the above together).
Regards
Mike