[Biff]

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Howdy-

I'm seeing some pretty low prices on the K5 lately from some of the discount houses. They say they have a one-year US warranty, but does that mean it's a US version a Pentax warranty, or might it also mean a non-US gray market version with maybe a third party warranty?

I'd like to grab a good price but want to make sure it's a US market body with the Pentax warranty. Any thoughts or experience with this is appreciated. I've only experienced this with lenses, not bodies.

Thanks.

[bobmaxja]

Which store?

[Docrwm]

ajrichies.com has it listed at $899. Just google them as a seller. Oh, and look at the prices of the "additional recommended" items......battery for 2.5x what amazon sells it for......

[Biff]

That's the one I was referring to.

[stormtech]

I guess I just don't understand - saving $100 ($899 grey market vs $999 for the real deal) and you would be getting a questionable camera (grey market) and even a more questionable warranty - why take all that chance for $100?

[rtpguy]

ajrichies = former ajrichard.com - good prices, but seems to be the typical scam for grey market, call to confirm, upsell crap - I had seen them for my initial K5 purchase and after a little research, quickly disregarded ever buying from them again and bought from Adorama.
Here's but one link - seems like they pump their own reviews, but look at the experiences of those not giving perfect ratings - I'd personally stay away (and am).
Ajrichies.com (formerly: Ajrichard.com) Reviews - ajrichies.com/ Ratings at ResellerRatings

$100 potential "savings" just isn't worth the runaround and aggravation.

[Adam]

1049 on amazon if you want to be safe: Amazon.com: Used and New: Pentax K-5 16.3 MP Digital SLR with 3-Inch LCD (Black Body Only)

Isn't the $999 deal gone?

Adam
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[Biff]

That's the essence of my question: is that a gray market? If so I won't take the chance for $100. Just thought I'd mention it since it otherwise would be a good price.

[Biff]

I think I'll stay with B&H or Adorama.

Thanks all.

[eddie1960]

Easiest way to be sure it's not grey is to fire an email off to Pentax and ask if they are an authorized dealer. Looks to be legit but there have been some scam sites that looked very (and I mean VERY) similar

[GDRoth]

Why not just stick to Amazon, BH or Adorama? I also don't see the value of agonizing over $100 or even $150 when you consider how important this is.....If you are buying a P&S that is normally $199 and find it for $149, that's a different story....

[riff]

ajrichard

Avoid these clowns like you would the Black plague. One (they have many) of their spammers has been banned here.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-talk/141244-anyone-buy-their-k-5-ajrichard-com.html

I imagine ajrichard is just a couple of smucks with an office in the back of a strip club.

[rtpguy]

The other consideration is the very reasonably priced $20 extended Pentax warrantee, available via B&H or Adorama..which includes a free checkup and cleaning. For $20, it should be a no consideration purchase, but one you may have a tough time getting for a grey market or unlicensed dealer sale.

[lurchlarson]

Check out Prodigital2000. They are an ebay store out of canada. I bought my K200d brand new 3 years ago for $400 when they were still selling for $600+ everywhere else. They are pretty reputable. They don't always have the best prices but when you are pricing things out they are worth a look.

[Docrwm]

They do not appear to be an AD for PentaxUSA. I'd wait, at this point, if I were looking for the week before and after Christmas myself and look at the usual AD suspects (Adorama, B&H, Amazon).