The people in denial are those who bought a lower-specc'd camera, and pretend they don't need the things the D offers.

Those few who choose to use the USB connection are of course welcome to do so, but it's a feature that adds cost without advantage.

As for Compact Flash cards not being around much longer, or being more expensive, get real!

But if any wise men are still interested in a D, I know of a shop which had a new one with a 16-45 lens on Christmas Eve, and it may still be there. PM me if interested.

G

If buying from the US, avoid companies like Abe's of Maine, which use nasty bait and switch selling techniques. Most of the real scammers are Jewish, but then, so is the best: B&H, which is extremely highly regarded. They are also conversant with selling overseas. Although I have not bought from them, I would not hesitate to do so.

I imported my first *ist D from Aden Photo of Toronto. They were fine.

KEH is another good American outfit - best for second-hand items, and very conservative with their appraisals.

But consider also Technikdirekt.de, and ask Park Camera if they can still get you a D. Their last price was much lower than any American's.

G

PS: Don't forget to factor in VAT, duty, and agency fees if buying from America.

Yes and yes.

However, the D does have one drawback that will be important for some people. It is a little slower to write images to the card than later bodies. If you are used to shooting off loads of frames in quick succession, then a later body would be better. The other "disadvantages", such as USB1 and the smaller LCD are not a problem in practice. Most people use card readers, so the USB connection is redundant (in fact, they should drop it altogether), and the screen is quite big enough.

G

I was going to recommend either Park Cameras or Technikdirekt, but both have only the DL.

http://www.parkcameras.com/

http://www.technikdirekt.de/main/foto/fotodigital/digitale-slr/page.html?page=2&...

Empire have the DS, but they are not excatly a camera specialist

http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/content/products/details/index~modelcode~PEN-IST-DS-KIT~dt~Cameras~st~Digital+SLR+Camera~make~Pentax.htm

Pentax said the DS2 would not be sold in Europe. I bought my original D from Aden Cameras in Canada. It arrived with no problems. However, they don't have a DS2 at present.

http://www.adencamera.com/index.asp?Category=6&Manufacturer=4

G

Arthur,

I don't think we can expect full-frame on the K mount ever. I think it's more likely that the 645D will be able to use K lenses with an adaptor.

BUt otherwise, I think there's a lot to look forward to.

G

I don't think they have ceased production of the D; they've just stopped promoting it. Last time I spoke to Park Cameras they said the D was still being made.

G

It is still possible to get the *ist D, which is a much more flexible camera than the other two, and the price is now much the same.

G

Gorgeous colours, Joshua, and a nice composition.

G

My "auto" extension tubes have nothing more than the lever to stop the lens down, and I find them perfectly satisfactory.

G

Wireless flash using the rtf doesn't work on the DS. Either buy a second 360, or a D.

G