Steve, as I said, where the family are visiting together. You would see two K-5, a K20D, a K10D, a K-x, three Q systems, a W90 all in one place. You might think it was a Pentax Club Outing.

Anyway, that is maybe out of the ordinary, but in general I suppose what you see depends on where you go. I see far more Pentax than Sony or Olympus.

It will be interesting to see what happens. A lot of cameras have been sold since Ricoh took over, hopefully some cash will have been flowing into the coffers and it seems it may be time to expand activities a bit.

There have been constant signs of a gradual ramping up of promotion in all market segments, but particular in the "younger" part of things. Twitter, Facebook, Outdoor activity magazines, sponsorship, and so on. I know these are not solely a "younger" market, but they are a much wider mix than some of the more traditional outlets.

I don't very often see anyone with a DSLR, apart from people I know, never mind Pentax. And when we do spot each other we don't check out what each other are using, we're usually too intent on image shooting.

If somebody was checking such things and came across the family on holiday somewhere, they'd come away with the idea that everybody was using Pentax these days.

All the cameras provided RAW conversion software on a disc. I never use such software, but many people do.

I wasn't aware that anyone was criticising Pentax or anyone else, we're discussing formats here and that could apply equally well to any marque.

I think the idea of having a love of Pentax or any other products is OK up to a point, but it's really a result of finding the product line that fulfils our own requirements. It's not a bias to decide that we like something and it's entirely possible that the next product we won't like at all. On track record so far that may be unlikely, but it's always possible.

Well you do make quite a few assumptions and dubious statements that are presented as fact but may well not be, for example the 110 is not more manageable than a 35mm SLR or a DSLR. We need to define "manageable" in which case my meaning is the ability to shoot the required image easily and effectively. It would be a real challenge to survive on a Pentax 110 or a Q for that matter.

No, it's what we mean by "better" that's the problem. Better for what? Better how? I could counter argue that those who have spent large amounts on a FF DSLR would be reluctant to admit that their pictures are not any better and from the large number of images I see around and about there's no difference whatsoever in the end results.

Anyway, the argument is futile because there isn't a Pentax FF DSLR so we don't know if it would be better or not. The 645D is better in some respects but still not so in others and the same applies to FF.

In the UK, the cards do not affect our statutary rights. To claim the original invoice should be quite sufficient.

eBay prices are often different to the website prices, so worth a check before purchase.

AS regards the faulty battery, I'd just return it to Pentax as a complaint. That way they have it and can deal with it accordingly. Discussing it could take ages and you'll still need to send it back at some point. Send your proof of purchase with it, keeping a copy of course.

You could ask other Pro dealers such as Park Cameras, but it's unlikely they will be any different price-wise.

If funds allow, the K-5 IIs is already lower in price than it started out, so why not buy one? You can always sell on later.

I can assure you alcohols will damage plastics - keep them well away from cameras would be my advice. The finish can be ruined very easily.

I would be wary about any unnamed report, why not just follow the instructions? The manufacturer is the best source as they know exactly how their products will respond.

It's possible to abuse things of course and even get away with it, I knew someone once who took great pleasure in driving his van and never using the clutch. I wonder if one day the gearbox fell apart.