K20D purchase

Switzerland is outside of the EU so you have to pay import tax when ordering from there.

Plus you have the same guarantee/postage issues as from the UK.
For lenses I would consider it, but for the camera body I shall stick to Pentax NL approved dealers.

Actually I'm not sure you do pay import tax from Switzerland as it is part of the EEA. I'd have to look that one up.

Yes you'd have to pay the taxes when importing and that would cause an increase in the price of about 8-10% when getting the swiss 7% back. Wait until november, Switzerland will become a part of Schengen so no more customs.

Just because Switzerland becomes part of Schengen doesn't necessarily mean the end of customs, just the end of passport control - customs is a different thing entirely. Norway for instance is a Schengen land, but not EU and still restricts some imports. It won't affect mail order goods at all, we'll still pay duty on those.
I was wrong about Switzerland being in the EEA .

Indeed, Switzerland is a big white spot on all political-economic maps (according to motoring road map). They are not part of anything in Europe. Even Norway is part of Schengen or EEA as you said.

Just going back briefly if I may to the “grip or not to grip question”.

I use grip always fully loaded with the additional battery, SD Card and remote control installed, while each of the described elements in its own right weigh very little. I find the combined total gives me the extra stability/balance when using long or older fast manual heavy lenses. I also have large hands and the grip gives me more to hang onto in moments of shooting frenzy.

Maybe some of the good camera dealers/shops will allow you feel/play before you buy. As this is a case of each to their “own”, you need to be able to try before you can effectively compare to the pros and cons of grips for your style of shooting.

I will probably get a battery grip after the summer holiday as well allthough they are somewhat expensive overhere.

I hear a lot of talk about guarantee, but here in Canada, I bought my K20D (and K10D) with a Pentax 2 years international guarantee. It is the standard Pentax guarantee here, so why can't you have it?

I purchased the K20 with the 16-45mm lens for less than £700 including the PENTAX cashback offer
Then 2 weeks after this i notice the price hac SHOT up to over £1300 I know bargains can still be found but how does the price jump from £800 to over £1000 in two weeks

Well, of course, it doesn't.

The same kit is available from SRS right now for £895.00, and you can then apply for £100 cashback.

G

In Europe you get a two year guarantee in the country of purchase. Outside that country it is only a one year international guarantee. I checked this with Pentax. Also if you buy one on the grey market - which may internet shops use you also only get a 1 year international guarantee on it.
So if I were to buy a camera from SRS say I would only have a one year guarantee on the camera in Holland - but I could send it back to the UK under guarantee for two years. Given the price of postage and the risk of losing the camera for even longer that is not something I am prepared to do. I shall just have to accept the higher prices here and get the 2 year guarantee.
For lenses it is different - provided they are legally imported - ie all duties are paid on them they have an international guarantee anyway, so those i could buy from the US or wherever.

Thanks for your answer. I understand why you are reluctant to buy outside your country, now. After looking at my papers, I now realize I have the same coverage you do. If you ever want to buy material in Canada, you could look at "Prodigital 2000". They have very good prices and the reputation is very good too.

Sorry should have said the price increase was at one particular shop