Not tried on the K5 mk1 yet. I'll give it a try on both that and the K 01 when I get a chance and let you know.

Well I picked collected my 18-35 yesterday from Jon (aliengrove). I was a bit concerned about these reports of AF problems so I spent some time this morning with my K5 II firing off random test shots at f1.8 in both good light and poor light at various focal lengths. I am pleased to say that I have experienced no problems at all. Very quick and accurate every time. A very pleasant change from the frustration I have experienced with SDM lenses.

The other good thing is that it is not as big and heavy as I feared. In fact it feels little different on camera from a 16-50.

I have a Giottos monopod which looks very similar. The little legs are not as useful as I hoped because when they are in use the unit does not feel very stable because the centre foot is suspended above the ground. I have used it with the legs as a lighting stand for off camera flash.

PM sent re 18-35

I'm very interested in the Sigma 18-35 if you do decide to sell.

As a JPEG shooter my aim is to set up the camera correctly at the time of shooting - exposure, white balance, vibrancy and so on. On the rare occasions when I get it spot on with no PP required I feel pretty pleased so I can see the point of a competition like this.

Just had a play on my K5II. In live view neither the histogram or bright/dark area indicators react to manual exposure changes but both respond to EV +/- changes - so maybe that is the way to go.

These are good
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lastolite-Straight-TTL-Sync-Flash-Cable-Cord-for-Penta...

Or for something shorter
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251501046141?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=S...

but be aware that the curly lead does not comfortably stretch to anywhere near the claimed 1.7 mtrs, about 1 mtr is more like it.

Camera delivered this morning in pristine condition. Thanks John.

If you are using it for still photography the simple Manfrotto tilt head (as on the one Tony has for sale) is ideal. You may need something a bit more elaborate for airshows or birding but for most photography a sophisticated head on a monopod is a bit of a pain.