For me, when I purchased my K-1 about 3 years ago. It wasn't about cost or weight. Though these are very imortant factors. But one of "Excuses" I owned a K-7 and a K-5II. And was reasonably happy. But I kept seeing over the internet on sites such as this one and flickr, far better images being produced than mine. Frankly, I was jealous..! And like you do, in these situatuions. Put the blame firmly at the door of the equipment....lol.
So there was only One thing to do. Buy a K-1, and then any reason for not getting the best images was "Me." So I contacted SRS and at the time. The K-1 came with a free battery grip. Never had one before on any of my camera's. Beauty of My Pentax camera's. They all take the same battery. Didn't think I really needed a grip. But Hey !! it's free. So dont look a gift horse. 3 years later. I would kill so to speak. If someone took the battery grip away...lol. Two reasons. You can shoot all day and the power dosn't run out. The shutter button is still in the right place when you hold the camera in portrait position. It's true. The camera, grip and lens combination. Is a heavy one. When in a bag with a tripod You really know about it. But the camera just fits the hand so well. You soon forget about it.

I didn't really have any full frame glass at the time. Just a FA 50 f1.4. And one thing I still cant bring myself to do. Is use the K-1 in crop mode...! Luckily the 55-300 more or less fills the frame. And with the K-1 images you can almost crop a pin head and its still sharp. Went on ebay bought a couple of very cheap film lenses. And honestly.. Quality was rubbish...! So again I used my no excuses theory. Contacted SRS and bought a DFA 24-70.. On a special offer deal. OMG...What a lens this is.. Fast, sharp, Landscapes, walk about Portraits it does them all really well. Almost a one stop shop. But i like a slightly wider view for my landscapes so Purchased the DFA 15-30 Again super image quality. But very expensive, very heavy and a problem fitting filters to. Without going to more expense. To do it properly... Sorry to ramble on a bit... At the end of the day. This camera is far better at phography than I am. Had it for years now and dont see a need to change it !!

Well now just look here young Nigel...!! You just cant pack in..!! I used to think there was only me n you that ever owned a K-7. What must be the most under rated camera Pentax have ever produced..lol. I get inspiration from seeing your work. Makes me want to give things a try. And who am I gonna chat off camera lighting with ? So buck up, and saddle up the horse once more and lets hear no more about it...!!

"Snapseed" wasn't that why Google bought NIK Software. Just to get hold of the mobile program...?

If we are talking "Light Meter" Then there is no advantage over using your camera's meter system. If we are talking "Flash meter".. Them I'm not as yet aware of any worth getting involved with as yet.... But if you see any be sure to let me know

Only problems i've ever had before. (Sliders falling off ) Have always been on Sandisk cards. After the third one Sandisk refused to exchage them under their lifetime warranty scheme. Simple solution. Stopped buying Sandisk and no problems since.

Think thats a wonderful idea Chris.. Love to pick your brains at some point..

Great images.. Not much of a train fan myself but can appreciate the images...

I opened an account this morning (4:30AM.) So another contributor with a K1. Uploaded 3 images. But I'm not expecting them to turn any heads....!!

Thanks Chris, I thought this Just after I had typed my entry. As you know I'm more of a manual strobe man... But have been very tempted by the more portable TTL system.

Nice portrait... Well done Chris..

I'm interested in more info on the HSS set up. Mainly in what you have used to trigger the flash..?

Even Pentax didnt stick with D-FA glasss. With their last lens release not even WR...