Buying another body

Good comments, thanks. And I like the food and wine idea!
Not sure that at the moment getting a K-1 would be worth it.
So that narrows it down to another K-3 or K-3II if it's likely to give improved images on the K-3, being a newer camera.
If it isn't, then K-3 it is - and wine and cheese 😋

Problem with the K3ii for me is that it has no onboard flash. So no means to fire the AF540fgz Flash off camera.. No TTL or HSS mode off camera... For me, this has stopped the purchase of both the K3ii and a K1..

On the issue of the AF not working - it may be as simple as dirty contacts. You may well have given them a good clean, but in case you haven't then give it a go. I experienced this a couple of years ago and by cleaning the camera mount contacts with a soft cotton cloth (or was it my shirt tail) the AF returned perfectly. You should probably do the same for the contacts on the lens mount(s).

On whether you should "upgrade" to a K1 then you won't go wrong taking that route and it future proofs you a bit - but if you're happy with the K3 (and by now you're probably very familiar and comfortable with it) then there's a lot to be said for sticking with another K3 (or K3-II).

I am personally waiting for the K3 successor to be announced before deciding whether or not to buy the K1. It would make sense for some of the K1 functions to be ported to the next APS-C. If it comes with a bit better low light performance, improved autofocus, the screen from the K1 than it may very well be a sweet choice. As much as I like how the K1 handles and the IQ it produces, both the lens prices and sizes scare me a bit.

Good comments thanks.
Think I'll be sticking with another K-3 for the time being and maybe in a couple of years, Pentax will bring out something between that & the K-1.
As for the contacts, yes I've cleaned them since although no idea why I didn't think of it on the day! But I couldn't get a sharp image with MF either so wondered if it might be something else.
I should get in the habit of cleaning the contacts more often anyway.

why the rush i would think that at some point soon chris will have an offer on for ether the k3ii or the k3 so why rush
infact it would not suprise me if there is not a k3iis in the works of pentax that is only a guess not a rumor lol

Not so much of a rush, but been thinking for a while that it might be a good idea to have a second body available. I've now got seven different Pentax lenses bought over the last two or three years, but if a body develops a fault, am stuck.
Plus it seems prices are likely to rise - the 560mm I bought recently has just shot up £700 - and the K-3 is listed as final stock.
But yes I think you're right that it wouldn't be surprising if Pentax released something else.

I do plenty of one day courses, and thoroughly enjoy them, and occasionally get a good shot or do, but find I enjoy them more for the social interaction. That said, I also get a lot out of seeing how everyone on the course sees things differently to each other, so same subject, infinite interpretations.

I know I'm straying off the OPs original post but:

I spent years snapping negative and slide and although been well up on the technical side those elusive shots never seemed to materialise, then I tried 3 separate photography courses which did help a little, but the biggest change was joining a camera club. Listening to judges comments and saying what they thought would improve a picture (or what they thought spoiled it) was a great help, learning first hand and been able to question others on their technique is also another good reason to join one. Of course all clubs are different and you need to find one with friendly people who will share their knowledge, I was lucky and found a great club first time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AmAZyZrYHs

K70 could be a way to go for you.

Regards Ian

Or you could have the K3 serviced?