I can't resist reposting this quote from John Riley last year, which I stumbled upon randomly.... Its interesting that he pitched the K7 as "half way" between the K20D and K5, even though in the same sentence he told us the K7 and K5 had the same body....

K7, K5, K3, K1... 7 was where that all started, so it's a real must that the K7 keeps going strong and performing as the true original flagship that it is!

I don't think the significance of the new model was perhaps fully appreciated at the time (2009). I saw evidence that many of its innovations, improvements and ergonomic strengths were recognised by reviewers and held up highly against the competition. However the Pentax community themselves appeared not to embrace any of this in strength.

Did it come too soon after the K20, in terms of peoples budgets and upgrade cycles? I don't think the image processing improvements were recognised, swamped perhaps by negativity towards the Samsung sensor generally . It took the offer of the Sony sensor in the same package to bring all the upgraders on board, in the reborn K7 called the K5... And that came very quickly, before the K7 was even fully established.

So ultimately the original model in this fine line of flagship cameras was left behind, and a few diehard stragglers (or latecomers like me being "budget conscious/broke"!) were left to keep the flame alive.

I'm glad to say my particular example shows no sign of any deterioration, although it does enjoy far longer rest periods between each use now than in the past.

Thanks Philip, Peter, redbussa99 and David for your responses, and I'm pleased you liked the shot.

No, it's not a view of the Solent, the photo is named after the boat....

Not too far away though, taken on Swanage Pier. This is the boat that gives regular trips between Swanage and Poole, passing of course near to the Old Harry Rocks and the beautiful Studland beaches.

The "spire" I referred to in my "Foreland Rocks" thread can be seen clearly here in front of the main cliffs. It is not visible from the location on the Studland side where my other photos were taken from. The "twisting thrust" rock is the one on the far edge of the image....

Shot with the K7 and Tamron Di LD 70-300....

Thanks also sry and Mr B... I like that description, the "twisting thrust"...that shape inspired me to do a little dodging to help the highlights out on the rock.

Philip, I've ventured there twice now and it's been a special experience both times, although with some sense of anxiety and responsibility with the kids in tow.

Next year I hope to move through the arch and make our way round the front rocks to see the "spire" which is on the Swanage side.

The strong diagonal seems to have a powerful pull, and its a great low angle.

Yes, you've got to love those purples, the colour one is great. I guess there's nothing really in the sky without the colour, hence your particular crops for each one.

No doubt they would be hailed in modern art circles if they were paintings! No less achievement by being made with a camera however, and I find an eerie atmosphere to them.

Nothing like a bit of gear porn Kris! That's a really creative framing which certainly gives us all the essential bits, with "1:1.2" taking centre stage.

Thanks for all your comments, and it is very nice to have something to show again. We "did" the rocks last year as well, but I didn't take the Pentax then and I only have phone pics to show for it!

It was fun to get the DSLR out again and I was very glad to be using such a rugged camera and lens in such an environment.

Now I know why you don't need to update your username! Incredible punch and delicious colours, and that's from me whos not interested in motorbikes....