[anemone]

I wanted to save some money too and get cheap Chinese flash. My thread:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/125-flashes-lighting-studio/308628-thinki...new-flash.html

I wasn't going to most cheapest Youngnou III but something better. I think I made a good deal. Charging times are long without external charger.

[RKKS08]

The Pentax AF-280T is certainly a good flash, and obviously also very reliable and long lasting.

Comparing the power between this one and the Metz 32MZ, there seems not to be much difference (GN28 / GN32).
But both guide numbers are valid for FF at 50mm focal length, which would give you the same GN for 33mm focal length on APS-C.
And a zooming reflector will provide you with a higher GN with increasing focal lengths, which does not happen with the 280T.

By the way, manual zoom reflectors are a PITA, specially when you use old flashes on APS-C bodies (you have to calculate using the crop factor to get optimum zoom setting). Sadly, the mechanics of the motor zoom flashes is most times the first thing to fail when the flash gets older.

One thing about the Metz 32MZ I forgot to mention: in full manual mode, you cannot reduce the power. With the 40MZ you can step down to 1/64.

[fullmental]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I have gone with the Sunpak 433D model flash which had the auto thryistor, a very good GN, and had the bounce and swivel options the Minolta Auto 200x I own lacked. I was able to find a like new model for only $25 including expedited shipping to get it before my trip, which was great! This left me with enough budget to get a few travel accessories for the flash as well, so I think everything worked out nicely