No, the viewfinder is clearly ok, it seems to be inside the prism (?), could the prism be cracked, perfectly vertically? I'll try to get a macro shot of it.

Yes, I've seen this as well.
The repair is quite easy, but becarefull putting the lens back together again, because of the small parts for the contact pin and the tiny sphere for the aperture clicks.
The problem is the build quality of the SMC-A F1.7 is abismal compared to the F1.4. A small piece of metal that acts like a spring is attached to the lens body by a bit of melted plastic, this tends to brake easily... I've seen people use plastic as well as super glue to fix it. Its quick and easy

I just noticed that if I try to focus my eye in the middle of the viewfinder instead of the screen, I see a small vertical line. Is this normal?

Well, I know of one MX which will be available soon...
*wink* *wink* *nudge* *nudge*

I'm on frame 21 of the 36 exposure film, I might end it this week.
Its funny how now, I ask the question "is it worth it"?
Dunno if my photography will change, but it sure has been fun.

BTW, a friend at the photog. society said he'd help me with my first roll, so I might be going to the dark room sooner than I thought.

Unfortunately for some Americans, not being as trigger happy as they are means you're a p****. You'd think people would learn after they'd shot themselves in the foot, but no...

hmmm, was almost afraid of opening this
Good coordination, that was have been exhausting.

50mm sold.

I have a friend who has it and he says its fine (nothing special).
The K20D's sensor will probably demand too much of it, so don't expect stellar results. It compactness is cool if you are thinking of saving space, but then you are thinking of a more casual use I suppose. Casual use indicates quicker shots, less worry fiddling about, so I don't think most people would be happy doing that all the time.

I'd like to get this lens purely for the coolness of it and because it'd be great compact kit with the MX, for other cameras and uses, there are better for the same price.

Because I'm afraid of scratching my glasses against it. And if you back out a bit, you can't see the whole screen.

Side note: Just noticed that I'm a "pentax master" now... I feel embarassed, I have to watch what I say, being a master and all