The problem with Metz strobes (and probably other after-market strobes) on a K1 has to do with focal-length communication. I have Metz 24, 44, and 52 strobes. In pTTL and FF mode on the camera, none of them work.
BUT, if I set the camera to APS-C format, all three strobes work correctly. SO, if you have a flash that allows an "extended zoom" setting (= flash sets the reflector one FF wider than it thinks is correct, but which actually IS the correct setting for the FL of the lens on a FF camera), use that and the flash will function correctly. Otherwise the flash is communicating an APS-C focal length which the K1 identifies as wrong for the FF focal length that the camera is using. For a strobe without an "extended flash" setting, unless Metz issues a firmware update, the unit will not work on a K1.