Manipulation began long before photography, so your point is doubly true.

Thing is, this lens is in fact soft at the top half of its range. Just a fact of the optics.

Yes, it was only the FA43.

Well, if they increase the cost of the photographs enough they will be the most profitable local fair on the planet!

The best answer is usually: buy glass. Lenses keep their value better and do not go out of style. Whereas there is always a new body just around the corner.

There are a couple of exceptions. First, if you are very active the ergonomics, especially the dual dial system, of the K10D / K20D / K-7 might be a big improvement. Second, if there are particular features you need that are not available in your current body. Like the intervalometer in the K20D or video in the K-7.

As I see it, you have several options:

1. Request that SRS get in a long Sigma or similar. Maybe once they have built up a revenue stream they will add such lenses that have less demand.

2. Buy the existing DA*300 and possibly add a (third party) teleconverter.

3. Buy/hire a different system. There is nothing sacred about Pentax after all.

No, I disagree. Anyone shooting landscape can benefit from tilt. Anyone shooting city and architecture can benefit from shift. (And also for applications with product shots, still life, etc. etc.) That is a lot more applications than a 600mm lens. In fact, these are essential features on large format cameras. Though among smaller format brands apparently only Canon recognises their importance.

It is only that our smaller format bodies are so dumbed down that people do not see the usefulness of geometric control. Do you want verticals that are vertical? Do you want infinite depth of field without sacrificing lens acuity? I sure do!

Given that Pentax already have 6x7 and 645 lenses that cover a bigger image circle, all we need is a high-quality adapter. It used to be the Russians made these, but no longer, AFAIK. Such a product from Pentax would be a lot cheaper than a 600mm lens and infinitely more useful to most people.

Thank you!

Absolutely none. If you want a long lens, buy one. if you cannot afford one then you are not in the market anyway. If you want SRS to provide a rental then ask them.

There are many more important things than a 600mm lens, for example how about a fast normal? Or a tilt/shift?

You should instead consider an A 50/1.7, which might set you back 40 sterling. This would give you an excellent field of view for portrait work and much more depth of field control.

And if they did provide niche lenses with such a small market share they would fall even further. They cannot afford the loss-leaders that Canon has in their line-up.

Their website is enough to put me off doing any sort of business with them through the post.