Sheeat, I couldn't pass up the deal on: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120541570003#ht_500wt_1182 41 quid and comes with a SMC-A 50mm f2 which I can probably sell for 15-20GBP. I like the case, I just wonder if I can make it work for my K10d.

Thanks for the info, Stefan, on all the different options. I was really close to buying a Metz 36 af-4 from SRS for 70GBP, but I figure I should learn the hard way first (like I did with my manual primes).

I wish I could fork out the cash for this - it's making me salivate!

Hey hey, congrats!

If payment falls through, I'm next in line.

Great help there Anvh, thanks for that!

As for how much am I willing to learn, the answer is as much as it takes. I just never thought there would be that much to learn in terms of flashes. I'd like to get into shooting some stock photo's (be it micro or macro) and putting some of my gear to use. I'd also like to keep the costs down, so that's why I'm not going to run out and get the biggest and best flash out there.

Google tells me that the Metz 45 cl-1 isn't a TTL flash, not even sure if it's an auto flash. So I guess that's out. Not so keen on the other things that come with the first flash I mentioned now either. Any suggestions for something that'd be a good ratio between cost / benefit?

I see, I had no idea flashes were that complicated. So if I had the Metz, I would have to calibrate it to each scene prior to firing? I.e. if I was to do a wedding (not that I plan to, but a good example), that I would have to choose a different flash setting for each shot?

Also, I see wireless adapters on 'the' auction site, do those work with the auto functions of newer flashes?

Ah - well I've got a K10d and I'm not sure what I'd use it for mainly - could be portraits, or via wireless for still life / water / smoke / etc.

Or how bout an old Metz 45 CL-1 (edit found the model number, and had started this as "How how")

I may be able to get a good deal on an older flash unit in a package with a lot of other things - the AF-200s. Is this flash model even worthwhile?

I'm interested as well - wish I could pm you but I'm in the same boat as Topgun 1984 regards to the 30 day thing. He does have first dibs though.

Just curious though, there are three variants (that I know of) for this lens:

- APO with manual focus but auto aperture
- Non-APO with AF
- Macro

Which would this be?

Damn this LBA!