on the BG3, i'll only add that despite the feel, Pentax claims it is weather-sealed as well... and I agree with the palm hitting the grip release... I just try and remember to keep the grip release switched off till needed...

You also have the option of choosing which batteries the camera uses first. I chose the grip batteries since they are more easily accessible.

Some more information ...

Prices: all prices are in EUROs. Therefore, please convert while evaluating the items above. http://www.xe.com shows GBP 1 to equal approx. EUR 1.16. The current state of the Euro does present an arbitrage opportunity for non-Euro buyers...

Shipping: I have been looking at http://dhl.de/content/de/en.html for the rates...
- weight less than 2kgs, package size not greater than 60cms per side, without insurance/track+trace is EUR 8.60
- above, plus insurance upto EUR 500 and track+trace is EUR 17
- weight upto 5kgs (incl. insurance + track+trace) also seems to be EUR 17

Payments: I do not have a PayPal account and would not like to get one since I am very circumspect about Ebay/PayPal in general. My preferred mode would be a bank transfer. I am also checking with Dresdner about cheque payments. If you pick some of the larger items (two or more from (1), (2), (4), (5) and (9)) then I am happy to discuss any additonal costs vs. PayPal payments.

Price updates!!

(9) Metz 48AF1 flash (like new) ... EUR 140

Also, if you pick two or more from (1), (2), (4), (5) and (9) then the total would be less than the sum of parts.

Since this is pretty much a complete starter kit, in excellent condition, if you decide to pick the whole bunch then of course you get a very good deal ... and the EUR is not at it's strongest right now ...

Please PM me if you have questions, need more snaps of the gear, or have offers to make ...

the 18-250 is a more general purpose zoom, rather than a specialist birding lens... but check it's review at photozone.de, it does pretty well stopped down, so as a general walk-around lens than 'can' reach some birds as well it's an option...

if you are doing some serious bird snaps then you would need tele primes with maybe TCs but at a much higher cost.

as for second hand, I am currently selling the Pentax version... so if you do come about to the 18-250 then you could PM me.

Danke Schon Alle! (I am working on my German... )

Thanks for that tip, looks like the prices here are way over the top ... EUR 200 new!!! Hmmm...

If you are still on the lookout then I have a Metz 48AF1 on sale, like new, with box and manual. Asking for EUR 170 for it.

Well, I am a K200D user, and the camera is on sale ... but only because I am eyeing the K7 ... I decided against Kx because I use the focus-point indicators and would miss them ... I like the weather sealing as well ... I like the top LCD and that saves me wasting batts on the main LCD view ... I have occassionally used the BG3 with it and till I switched to Eneloops, they have saved a situation or two for me ... with the Eneloops now I use the grip only when I want a 'single' package to shoot with for extended periods ... K200D+BG3+18-250 gets me that ...

I am not looking at the K10D/K20D because I know that I will get the upgrade itch pretty quickly once a few more cams come out ... and the K20D is still retailing for EUR 700-800 here, so i'd rather add the extra 200-300 and get the K7 ... else stick with K200D which has been a solid performer ... and would make a great light backup body as well ...

Are they any specific questions regarding the K200D?

Thank you folks!

I believe there was a Youtube video of a K7 in the shower ... in fact here it is ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op9mBbo92Ik

Don't know if the previous ones are sealed to the same level ...