That's exactly my point. It's made me see beyond the equipment. The A50 1.7 is fantastic and I wouldn't let it go. Well done to the previous owner for keeping it in such good shape as well (bought from these forums)!

Carl Zeiss created the Super Quatsch Gigantar although it's unusable. Created to prove a point, that it's not all about speed, or equipment.

Then again, this just makes one wonder "what if". I think my initial post is a valid query. Pentax risked being different, and I think it paid off. Not as well as they would have hoped, but they did create / fill in a particular niche in the photographers' world.

At the very least, there may be other people asking the same question. I'm hoping those thinking of "jumping ship" reconsider after they've read this thread.

I personally think, that Pentax lost a bet to Canon, Nikon, and all the other brands many moons ago. This is my humorous take on the situation we "K-mounters" are in. This is just my thoughts playing with me, so please don't take it seriously.

But I really do think, Pentax lost a bet.

Hence, they've had to make their lenses "different" (some may argue, crippled is the word) to the nearest competition. Of course this is my opinion.

But what do I mean?

Well, what are the alternatives to the following in Pentax mount (all lenses still in production):

* Canon has a 28mm 1.8 / Nikon has a 28mm 2.8 / Pentax has ?
* Canon has a 35mm 2.0 / Nikon has a 35mm 1.8 / Pentax has the 35 2.4
* Both Canon & Nikon have 50mm 1.8's for less than £80. Pentax has a 50mm 1.8 for over £200.
* Both Canon & Nikon have 85mm 1.8's for less than £300. Pentax has the 70mm Ltd. 2.4 which is a bit more expensive.

Imagine. Why would they make it different. And NOT different in a good way. But different, in a purposely handicapped way. I mean... why?

And you may think this is a negative post. But it isn't.

Considering all that, we still like Pentax as a brand, and we still love the photos that we take with it. Regardless of losing the bet, Pentax is still in the game! LOL

...and I hope this thread doesn't get deleted

Replied to several PMs.

I've used a GX-10, and now a K5 many times in the rain. More so the K5 & 18-55 WR lens. The amount of water was short of putting the kit under a shower head, and this is one of the many reasons why I really like Pentax cameras.

This particular issue has more to do with the very poor customer service you are experiencing than the camera itself. Don't let them play the blame game with you. I'd write letter now just to pass the ball to them. It is simply unacceptable for them to respond this way.

Talk about reputational damage. Let's see what Pentax have to do with this, as they've been banking on "weather-proof" cameras as a major selling factor. I hope we get more information.

Regarding water-proofing, the new mobile phones from Sony and Samsung (Z, S4 Active) seem to have it in their clause that even if you can submerge these mobile devices in water, water damage is still not covered in the warranty.

Whatever it is, we the consumers aren't exactly the winners here. It just seems like it.

Just bumping this thread. Have decided to hone in on the following:

D-BG4
DA 70mm 2.4
or
Samyang 85 1.4

Drop me a line if ever! Muchos gracias.

Looks like you'll be up for a new adventure with your new equipment!

You'll still have the community here. Something I can't find in the other camps. We got a very good bunch of people here.

Considering that Microsoft has not denied that each copy of Windows has backdoor access by PRISM (amongst many other things), a good move on your part!

I'd still have a backup Windows machine though.

I personally have each computer dual-booting into a flavour of Ubuntu on my end. The oldest one running Lubuntu (and it flies!).

I'd second Gareth's tip there. Candlelight is all about the ambient lighting it gives. Having something in the background helps as well e.g. silhouettes, blurry faces, smoke.

Wow! Crazy colours going on there! I haven't seen any butterflies in London for a long time.

Beautiful framing on the third photo by the way.