Sigma state that if your camera does not support hsm then autofocus is not available. Does any Pentax camera support hsm?

Very well done! No.2 has a strange circular bit that you luckily got.

If you want a longer focal length than 200mm then F2.8 is going to be a problem.

It won't be obselete until spares are unavailable, so enjoy. I have to say for most purposes 6mp is enough for anyone and if you find the camera easy to use then your in heaven. I have the K100d Super which I think is not much different from yours, and I love it, esp as it's easy to use all my ancient lenses on.

The Prof was on XL5

I've seen these on your site and I think they are great. In these I can see why some people think you have used HDR, 'cos they have that quality. I took some by the lake at Capel Curig in Feb on a still day and the light was similar (but without clouds) and the results were similar. I do think the light in Snowdonia on a sunny day is special somehow, hence my results, not so much to do with my skill!

Started to read it, but lost interest. I like taking pictures and if I like the images, or they help my memory of a day out etc then I'm happy. I am not trying to make a living out of it so who's really bothered about my pictures but me. If some one can give me some constructive criticism so much the better. To take a photo you have to have a camera, so it makes sense to get the best you can afford for your needs. I joined a camera club some years back and one of the "leading lights" in the club kept banging on about "the photographer takes the picture, the camera doesn't matter" and he had a vast array of very expensive equipment!!!!

Keep your old lens as well as the 18-55

According to the Metz website the Metz 45 CL-4 is not a dedicated P-TTL unit.

Well the K100D onboard flash won't so I don't think the ist will. You would need 2 external flashes, one to act as master and the other as slave. Why do you want a slave flash?