I had exactly the same experience with a K-x. It may well be worth trying a set of Lithium AAs.

Mine was a Kodak Instamatic 50.
But the first SLR was a gift from my father - a used Soligor TM (fully manual) with an M42 mount.
I didn't really know what to do with it at first, but I had a friend who was the local road safety officer and a fellow snooker player who was a keen amateur photographer. He taught me all the basics, the sunny 16 rule, depth of field, how to load your own film cassettes, how to develop my own pictures (B&W and slides) and so on. We set each other photography tasks and compared results later.
Some valuable lessons, but I still have a lot to learn!

I went from a K-5iis to a K-3. I have mixed feelings about it.
I find the autofocus on the K-3 is better - seems faster and better for tracking moving subjects.
With the higher resolution there's more scope for cropping.
The placement of the rear autofocus button is much better (I found the K-5 a little awkward and uncomfortable when using it for extended periods)
I'm not convinced that the image quality is any better for 'normal' viewing.
File sizes are larger.
Overall I feel it was a worthwhile upgrade for me, but while it's undoubtedly better it's not a quantum leap. If I'm honest with myself I could have managed happily enough with the K-5iis.

All good, as always.
No. 3 is the stand out shot for me.

A nice set of pictures. I particularly like 1 & 2.

I'll look forward to seeing some of your pictures from Loton. If I get time I'll try and get up there as well.

I've been to Loton once and didn't find it so good for photo opportunities (at least not from the wrong side of the fence ) Still worth a visit though.

I could certainly recommend Prescott in Goucestershire for hill climbs. Their annual Bugatti event is worth a visit.
Shelsley Walsh between Hereford and Worcester is another good venue.

Seems like a good price in comparison to the going price a year or two ago. I'd be seriously tempted if I hadn't already got one - especially with the 12 month warranty and 14 day return!

There seems to be plenty of information here: http://machloop.co.uk/
and here: http://www.mjaviation.co.uk/MachLoop.htm

All good, but the last one is my favourite