I like that idea John. However, there is the risk that the subject will decay slower than the photographer. Have you drawn up contingency plans for the guaranteed conclusion of the project?

The same as any other Pentax slr. So yes the FALtd's on and also a DA*300, A*200 macro. In fact as money were no object I'd just buy all the decent lenses for the hell of it.

One thing that bugs me about the 31 (which I don't have and probably won't get for this reason) is the built in hood meaning attaching square format filter systems is a pita.

Then you would have to return the item to the retailer in Japan, be protected by whatever consumer law is in Japan and arrange for the item to be returned to the UK, or you could invoke the manufacturer's warranty:

If your PENTAX was purchased outside of the country where you wish to have it serviced during the warranty period, regular handling and servicing fees may be charged by the manufacturer’s representatives in that country. Notwithstanding this, your PENTAX returned to the manufacturer will be serviced free of charge according to this procedure and warranty policy. In any case, however, shipping charges and customs clearance fees must be borne by the sender.

From the manufacturer's warranty:

Any PENTAX which proves defective during the 12-month warranty period should be returned to the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment or to the manufacturer.

In the second year I think you would have to rely on Japanese consumer law.

Amazon might be a big evil company forcing smaller companies out of business but I bought my K20 from a Pentax Pro Dealer (not SRS), a proper local camera shop. When it went wrong during the warranty period they simply didn't want to know. One of their staff told me that it was pointless returning the camera to them as they would only send it to Pentax, so I should just deal with Pentax directly. I have had much better service from Amazon, when I bought goods that turned out to be faulty there was an efficient returns and refund procedure that cost me nothing. In this case Amazon are (wrongly) passing on the manufacturer's warranty, but I think the problem lies with the inconsistency between that warranty and retail law and that conflict should be addressed in the interests of the consumer. Nuff said.

It would have been a greater piece of legislation if it also addressed the responsibilities of the manufacturer.

"All PENTAX cameras purchased through authorised bona fide photographic distribution channels are guaranteed against defects of material or workmanship for a period of twelve months from date of purchase."

Pentax should not be allowed under EU law to make that statement, nor any other manufacturer. I can understand from that statement why Amazon would want to say that Pentax cameras are guaranteed for a year. I understand the contractual position but I think the law is unfair on retailers and I am not surprised at their reluctance to comply. I am sure that Amazon would honour a mandatory manufacturer's two year warranty without quibble.

Great legislation has to be effective in achieving its aims and it seems that as customers have to resort to legal action to enforce their rights the legislation is not as effective as it should be.

Pentax loses a great photographer. I look forward to following your extraordinary images elsewhere.

The law is inconsistent. If the law intends six year warranties then six year warranties should be made compulsory. No retailer should be permitted to offer a one year warranty. The retailers would then require manufacturers to warranty their products for six years. That would be a good thing. As it stands it is unfair on retailers. It is only the manufacturers that can take positive steps to ensure goods are of a reasonable quality and it is they that should take the rap if they are not. I agree with you according to the letter of the law but from a reasonableness point of view I sympathise with Amazon.

It would obviously increase the cost of goods but I would be happpy to pay more for a guaranteed six year life.

Amazon have taken a bit of a bashing here but actually I don't think they have done much wrong. In fact they offered a contribution to the cost of repair to goods out of warranty. I think the fault lies with the law. If the SOGA requires goods to be free of manufacturing defect for six years or so, which I think is perfectly reasonable, then manufacturers should be required to offer warranties of the same period. All a retailer does is to pass on a manufacturer's warranty and to act as a conduit in the event of a claim. Some retailers have a secondary business in extended warranties but that I think is just a case of balancing the risk of faulty items versus the reward of large additional revenues rather than a deal with the manufacturers to cover the items beyond the standard periods (Richer Sounds are an exception as their extended warranties are very reasonable).

If you imagine yourself setting up a retail business. The manufacturer gives you a one year warranty and so for a year any problems are the manufacturer's problems. Beyond that the soga requires you to take a hit on faulty goods for a further five years, in all sorts of product lines which you can't be an expert in. Included amongst those claims would also be items malfunctioning due to misuse/accident, which you would find bery difficult to diagnose and distinguish from inherent faults.

I think for out of warranty items the best procedure and the one I recommended through my own personal experience is firstly to contact the manufacturer, as high up the chain as you can. If that does not deliver a result, then contact and eventually sue the retailer.

I am glad that this is being resolved, especially as I can sympathise following my own camera horrors. However, nothing here puts me off Amazon, I think they are a very good retailer. I can sympathise with their position too.

I shall give it a whizz. I prefer to manual focus all lenses so I shall see how it compares to my trusty right eye.

I'm not sure what it is but it sounds like a good idea. Presumably if they can add it to the Q then they can add it to the K5?

I am using MS Skydrive with 25GB of free space. It's excellent and the cost to purchase further space is reasonable.

25GB is about 1000 raw files worth.

I use it to backup my best 'precious' raw files of which I will only ever have 250 or so. That leaves me plenty of space to backup further full size JPEGS and to create and share lower res web galleries.