Originally posted by JeffJS I was about to order one until I read this..
That, though I have no confirmation, suggests that they may not be an Authorized Pentax Dealer, which may affect the actual warranty. For the people taking a chance, I hope I'm wrong. They still show 4 in stock (body only).
I saw that too. I spoke with provantage on the phone and they stated they are an authorized US seller for everthing they sell - they have pretty much everything Pentax makes in their inventory (and even include the # of items of each in stock), so I don't see a reason they aren't a US authorized dealer. I also chatted with Pentaximaging through their site, and had the following conversation:
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to Matthew P.
Matthew P: Thank you for contacting Pentax chat support, how may I help you?
paul: I wanted to check if provantage.com is an authorized reseller in the US
paul: business name is provantage corporation
Matthew P: Ill check. Although I do not believe.
paul: thanks
paul: if they are a wholesale distributor, does purchasing from the affect warranty?
paul: or will there still be the full 1 year US warranty for the K-5?
Matthew P: No.
If you buy it in the US and keep your proof of purchase, you will have the warranty.
Matthew P:
So, the K5 that is for sale. You just have to make sure it's coming with a warranty.
paul: ok.
I was also curious if Pentax is offering an extended warranty for the K5, and if so for how long and how much is the cost?
Matthew P:
It's 99.95 and its for 2 more years. Making it 3 years of warranty.
So according to their own customer service if it is purchased from a US retailer and that retailer indicates in their description that a warranty is included (which the provantage description does), then it is warranted by Pentax USA.
So, everything I have asked points to a valid US warranty. I guess I'll find out tomorrow, paid for 1 day shipping.