So it is now clear I've missed a good deal of functionality with my SMC-A 24-50...
I've been using it as a poor man's 24-70 walkaroud replacement when I'm not using my FA 28-105. Apart from the manual focus, it's a nice toddler-chaser on the K1, and I absolutely love it on my ancient K1000.
Normally, when I do macro-ish work, I'm after things like this (with my new-to-me SMC-FA 100mm f3.5):
But then, after seeing zzeitg's stuff, I figured I was doing it wrong...
So I did this... (straight ooc Jpeg, only scaled for the web)
That's not a regular photo... that's a dream a flower has about itself...
And my wife was wondering where I got the raindrops.
I haven't ever seen that lens do that before... and it's not something I would always like, but it's really cool to know I can do it if I want...
Thanks, zzeitg!