Originally posted by telfish Wheatfield, most times I agree with you. However in this I would like you to tell me what I could do differently. All I want is a camera that will take macro shots without a load of dark circles in the picture, not much to ask for $1500 is it?
To go through camera after camera all with the same issue is not good. I could sit on one of the faulty cameras and eventually send it in for a replacement sensor but why should I have to do that just because Pentax cannot get their act together and do a replacement scheme with known good cameras for affected customers.
Really, I do sympathize, but lets step back for a moment.
The reality is, every manufacturer of every type of product has the occasional manufacturing defect, and price is not part of the defect equation.
The reality is, this defect came to light initially not much more than a couple of weeks ago.
Presuming that Pentax immediately realized they had a problem on their hands (not likely), they have not had a whole lot of time to track the problem, sort out what is causing the problem, and institute a solution to the problem.
And in the meanwhile, people on this forum (and I'm sure others) are going hysterical, like as if Pentax is going to do nothing.
People wondering out loud if Pentax is going to "stiff them" on a new camera, people getting their shorts in a knot because customer service seems eerily silent on the matter, people accusing the company of ignoring the issue, etc.
Consider that a couple of weeks isn't really a very long time to research what may well be a vexing problem to track down the source of.
Now you are complaining that Pentax "cannot get their act together". Do you really think that they have had enough time to ensure that any cameras in the supply chain have been recalled? Do you really think that they've had enough time to sort out every challenge that this has put in front of them?
Do you really think that you are going to be "stiffed" on your new camera?
I'm sorry that you are not fortunate enough to have a camera shop next door to handle this for you. I realize that isn't your fault directly, but it isn't Pentax's fault either.
Consumers in general cut the legs out from under the camera store, and now the consumer is going to be inconvenienced because they felt short term gain was preferable to long term pain.
You know there is a problem, you can bet Pentax knows there is a problem, but no one can just wave a magic wand and make it go away tomorrow.
If you think that you are playing roulette, then get your RMA from whatever mail order place you bought from and wait a while before returning the camera.
More than likely, this is the best strategy.
Without wanting to disrespect anyone in particular, the people who cannot get their act's together are the handwringers. Pentax has their work cut out for them, and from the sounds of it, already has some strategies in place (including free shipping of affected units).
Really, what more can they do? I suppose the president of Hoya could fall on his sword, but that wouldn't guarantee you a faultless camera either.