I was hoping to do some star shots last night on my way back from Norfolk. Scattered clouds during the day had made it lovely, towards sundown the skies cleared so I got set up then before it got dark the clouds had covered nearly all the sky

Does the K3 have a threaded port??
I've not seen them on new cameras for ages.

Modern Pentax cameras have a PC connection for flash but not a mechanical cable release. For shutter release its a choice of jack or IR.

There are a few accessories that use mechanical cable releases (eg. some bellows)

Keith Rock normally has loads of them on his site (www.rockycameras.com) I'd find a dual one that operates both mechanical (lens stop down) & jack (camera) useful but I've never seen one.

I think it is, the road to Milford sound is it's self a fantastic bit, with many crystal clear pools just to either side. (Reflections of the mountains in these worked brilliantly through my sun glasses). There's also a lodge at the sound where you can stay the night & get incredible views of the stars if the weathers kind.

Certainly less people around doubtful - I suspect those I saw all either came out for the overnight cruise or where working as support staff for the cruises!

It displays as 800x533 pixels. If it's not been resized then there's nothing useful you can do to make it larger.
If it's resized to make it a smaller file then a slightly less aggressive resize would fit the bill.

I don't usually put on-line images that are bigger than 1000 pixels in any dimension.

I only had 2 weeks and part of that was working - so I couldn't cover as anywhere near as much as I wanted too. The drive south took about a week of that, but it may have been lengthened by my taking diversions & stopping for Photos...

Fiordland national park is a must. If you spend 2 weeks there it wouldn't be wasted, especially if you can include an overnight cruise on one of the sounds. I only managed Milford sound & a short cruise on Doubtful sound (started from Te Anau & ferried out by boat & coach), both of which were stunning. I think Milford sound remains my favorite spot in the whole world!

The volcanic spot of Rotorua is supposed to be another must see, though I didn't have time The smaller volcanic spot I visited instead wasn't nearly as impressive - it had been unusually dry when I visited so there was much less steam than usual, so it lost much of it's drama.

On the route down I found parts of the route between Taupo & New Plymouth (North Island) particularly worth finding - IIRC may favorite spots where along the 'lost highway' (part of route 43?) The ferry into Picton & the Franz Josef Glacier where other spots that stick in the mind...

I'm certain NZ has loads of other options that I missed!

I'm surprised at that I see them all the time.
Over 20 currently on e-bay (just within 50 miles of my home) & some in a local charity shop.
I don't often see the few models I'm really after though.
IIRC I have at least 5 adaptall 2 lenses including a swap of the Tamron 200mm f3.5 (model 04B)...

OGPS arrived safely, Thanks Derek very prompt!

I'm leading a session at the camera workshop tonight so won't be able to play with it till very late.

All fantastic shots, you certainly sem to have got to grips with IR quickly!

Unfortunately the descriptions are always inadequate & communications when you have a problem are non-existent. I've had 2 orders with small things missing
Though I must say the prices are low enough to bring me back despite this.

Like Andrew I also use both.
I agree with everything he's said, but would add:
As the rear screen a EVF is well worthwhile as well (I ended up buying the optional one for my GF2).
For motorsports & airshows I find the DSLR (K7 or K5ii) is still preferable to my mirrorless bodies (G5, GF2) the gap may have reduced with the latest mirrorless bodies.

As well as the much touted weight advantage most mirrorless cameras are much more flexible with adapted lenses. I can use my old pentax lenses on multiple adapters giving a range of added features (one has an extra helicoid allowing closer focusing, one has a focal reducer making the lens 1 stop brighter & reducing the effective crop, one allows the lens to be tilted to change the plane of focus)