Originally posted by ChopperCharles I'd really like to know what their modification is before I go dropping $100 and potentially screwing up future repairs. I'm going to try appealing to Pentax/Ricoh first. I doubt they'll help me, but it's worth a shot.
I think it's worth contacting Ricoh to see if they will help. My guess is that, due to the age of the camera, they won't - but it's worth a shot.
As for the repair facility that @freddyisaac mentioned, why not give them a call? They list phone numbers on their website.
Originally posted by ChopperCharles If none of this pans out... what camera would give me all the same functions of a K-30, and yet not cost me another $500 down the toilet? It must work with the GPS unit and have the same type of LED indicators in the prism as the K-30. Really would just like my K-30 fixed, but if I have to spend the dough on a new body, which one has the most features for the best price?
Your
cheapest option (other than the repair) would be a well-looked-after, used K-5 or K-5II. I see very good examples selling for around $300. With the money you'd get selling your faulty K-30, that would make for a cheap and highly capable camera.
The safest option would be to buy a brand new, well-established model - such as a K-3 or K-3II - from an authorised dealer, and an extended warranty, just in case. That's a whole lot more cost, but you get what you pay for.
Originally posted by ChopperCharles Oh yeah, and it must not be prone to this kind of thing ever happening again.
No-one can give you any guarantees that any camera from any manufacturer won't fail. Even a $25k Hasselblad can develop problems. Digital cameras are complex devices with many potential points of failure, and every manufacturer has models that have, or have had, a reputation for specific problems. Most models have weak spots - some are worse than others. The best you can do is research the models you're interested in so you're aware of any known issues before-hand.
Originally posted by ChopperCharles My frustration and anger at money just thrown the hell away is overwhelming.
As I inferred earlier, don't let this consume you. The situation warrants some disappointment, for sure, but it's just a camera - and certainly not worth overwhelming frustration and anger.
Good luck and let us know what you decide?