Originally posted by fsge I love pentax but entry level dslr have not a great lifespan, though they are not cheap.
My old k-x was not affected by any crazy mirror or solenoid problem, it just refused to turn on one day. When I asked a quotation for repair, the only option they had was an electronic card change for 250+ euros in the hope it would fix the problem on a 7yo - 23000 clicks body. That is when I decided to use a 2nd hand K5 ii instead.
Manufacturing in China is a cancer for many reasons, I hope corporations eventually understand it...
Most corps don't give a damn. You still bought the Kx didn't you (not China I know but the priciple is applicable) ? And your K5II was still manufactured in such area wasn't it? That's enough so most corp won't move.
Not that I agree with such reasoning.
Let's take another example. Vertuous, really vertuous. Fair Phone (Android, sold in EU only AFAICT). It really is a thing well done (can always be better though). Easily repairable. No blood minerals etc.
Even this one has mostly chinese components. It costs hell for a "dated" phone.
That's the price to pay (and it is still mostly chinese).
Each one will judge if all this is important or not. Just providing food for thoughts.
We as buyers can make choices. But the cost of making really vertuous choices is high. Very high (IMO).