Don't have the K5, but understand that this is related to a faulty batch of electronic 'boards' from one supplier, so Pentax know what it is and it is fixable.

I see over on the other forum that Pentax have permanently reduced the price of the K5 in the US by $100, and there's an additional $300 instant rebate off the already reduced price until the end of November.

Wonder why?

As a retailer you won't want to tie up capital in expensive, slow moving, lines if you can help it. The manufacturer needs to put the effort in to produce high quality goods that everyone wants, in which case retailers will stock them.

I see the occasional small Pentax advert; I see Nikon all the time. In the camera market if you can get them young with a great P&S, or superb entry level DSLR you've probably got them for life.

For me it's straight forward. If the functions are in the camera they should work 100%. It doesn't matter whether I use them or not; others will want to.

Surely the issue is not to let any manufacturer off with selling stuff that doesn't fully meet its own specification. They're the ones who set it. Seems stupid if 'you' fail to meet your own specification.

It's the manufacturer that decides what the product should or shouldn't do. The least they can do is make sure what they sell works properly and as advertised.

As consumers we should never accept poorly made goods simply because we might not use a particular feature.

It's our money that keeps these manufacturers in business, and it is, after all, business, so let's not let them off the hook! That said, and before anyone asks, I applaud manufacturers who do get it right, contact them to say 'well done', and support their brand.

End of Meldrew moment

NO STEFAN!!! The issue is simple. If you, the manufacturer, offer a product with a collection of functions, they should ALL work properly and be 100% in operation, regardless of whether you, the owner, choose to use them or not.

We are in the 21st century now after all, and if manufacturers can't make things that work, then they (a) shouldn't make them, or (b) stick to things they can do properly.

Keep it simple; make it properly. Happy users/more sales.

Over complicate it; make it poorly. Unhappy users/lost sales.

How difficult can it be?

Keep it as simple as possible. Make it perfectly.

Seems to me that Pentax in the K5 has tried to keep up with Canikon but hasn't asked Pentax users what they want. Video? Buy a video camera. Level? Buy a level.

Me too, largely because if I shelled out a grand on a camera I would expect it to be perfect and I just don't want the hassle of having to keep changing it.

I once bought a new VW Golf that had rattles and squeaks. Asked the garage if they were in the specification when I bought it - answer 'No', so it kept going back until it was to specification. It's principle.

If I want a camera with an unlevel level, or a stained sensor I'll order one, if not, a level should be level; a sensor should have no stains, etc.

Thanks for all the responses, especially the one from MattMatic pointing out how software might be the only difference between standard and pro versions.

I like the look of the SpiderPro 3, and can get it at a good(ish) price new, but initally evilbay - might be another 'Gareth' bargain out there?

Oops

This better?

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?filterwords=variable+ND&filterwordsa...

I don't really do anything with my photos. Store them on a multitude of hard disks, look at them occasionally, never share them.

Notwithstanding, is it worth me calibrating my monitor?

For those of you who do calibrate your monitors, how often do you need to do it? I keep seeing calibration hardware on evil bay that's 'only been used once or twice.'

Are there benefits to monitor calibration other than photographic, i.e. games?

Anyone tried one of these? Cheap, but is it cheerful?

Edit (link removed - thanks John)