Interesting thoughts Gareth, I am extremely successful with my images, all taken on Pentax cameras.
John seems to know all the right people, I may contact him.

Thanks John, I will investigate. I went to SRS first as I've always had excellent service from them.

I would like to know how much better the IQ and low-light focussing is before I take the plunge, hence the hire seemed a good idea, and after this trip I probably won't shoot much for 5-6 months, as the outdoor nudes season is generally April-September, and I think there has got to be a good chance of a new body by next April.

I am patiently waiting for Pentax to bring out a new camera body either later this year or early next year, but I have an 8 day trip coming up soon where I would appreciate the better low-light focussing and slight improvement in IQ of the K5-IIs over my K5 MkI.
So I thought the ideal solution would be to hire an K5-IIs to get my better images, and then I can hang on longer for the new body to be released, whenever it is. I have had a quote from SRS which is a little more than I would want to pay, does anyone know of other places that hire out the K5-IIs?

Hi Thomas
I went through a similar process as I needed to change my Tamron 17-50 as I thought it was on it's way out.
After a looooooong process looking at lots of reviews and sample images I went for the Sigma 17-70 and am very pleased with it. I find the extra 20mm is worth the loss of the extra stop at the top end.

The Mk I K5 is really dreadful in low light, and has seriously made me consider changing to another brand. However the ii seems to have solved that problem, so when they bring out a new body that will probably keep me happy

Stop taunting me Matt

+1

Pleeeeeeeeeease bring out a new body sooooooooooon......

Let me know the details as I would love to attend.

I have done rather well again in the Edinburgh International Exhibition of Photography, see my blog post

The exhibition will be on during the festival.

Thank you all, it's all down to hard work and having a great, easy to use camera.

And I do believe that this forum is far friendlier and more helpful than those for other brands that shall remain nameless