For the sake of your own safety and security I really hope that is not your name and address on show. And if not yours, whose?

If you want me to remove that shot, which I suggest you well might, then please let me know.

I don't know about ivory towers, but you may notice a new lower cost range of Pentax lenses and also that the kit lenses are actually very good.

Clearly Pentax nor probably any other marque will ever be at the right price/quality point for everyone.

Ergonomics is indeed personal, but if it's a blank canvas then in one sense it matters less because people will get used to whatever they have. In some instances it's the getting used to things that actually impedes moving to something more efficient.

Giving advice is a dangerous sport and should be approached with care.

As for things being comfortable, I know you are trying to make a point in a roundabout way, but we all have plenty of freinds who own cameras. Have a look at theirs. Watch them struggle or operate well as you see things. See what they leave behind because it's too heavy. Observe the sagging shoulders from huge camera bags.

Ergonomics is more than just the camera. The next essential component is the right means to carry and deploy it.

I agree, Pentax products are generally better made than the norm. I expect that to cost money and it disturbs me that so many are only seemingly aware of price.

Other marques make cheap plastic cameras and lenses and they are welcome to do so. Frankly I wouldn't want to buy one. I also wouldn't want Pentax to be pressured into reducing standards.

Oops, forgot to mention lenses. Start with the kit lenses, and here the WR ones are obviously an advantage. Stretch to the 18-135mm if it can be afforded.

The advice I give to first time DSLR purchasers is very much dependent on who they are and what they are trying to achieve. So I ask them lots of questions and also of course establish what they have come from and what they have used in the past.

Obviously a veteran film user will have some history and the choice for them will be clear. It's then just a matter of how much they want to spend, although with some marques limitations on using some lenses will also be a factor.

When I'm on a general forum I advise in general terms, but suggest that they don't overlook Pentax as I firmly believe that the marque offers the best option ifn terms of cost/quality/handling. Some people may want mega-brick DSLRs but I don't. I want high quality, weatherproof, ergonomically well thought out and compact kit that I can carry anywhere all day every day.

Which is why I'm here at Pentax User and not somewhere else.

So, for our first time purchaser here the choice is clear. K-r for lower cost but a great camera. K-5 if it can be afforded and especially if weeather resistance is needed. K-01 if SLR viewfinders are not required. Q if something really compact wanted that's more versatile than compacts.

Not sure what help that is to a Pentax User....

If goths or anyone else would like to take photos of me taking photos, they are more than welcome. I don't even need a model release.....

I think that's fantasy to be honest. Please see my shot of the Vampire in my portfolio here. That was pretty much pitch black and I wouldn't have been able to focus manually. The K-5 focused with no problem and the noise level is very, very well controlled.

With performance like I have experienced there is no need to wait, it's here already.

There were a good deal more than two Pentax Users in Whitby this last few days. We counted as four, and there was the photographer who passed us on the steps of the sea wall at Robin Hood's Bay as well. So that's at least five....