Originally posted by Tom S. There is nothing wrong with sending a strong message to a manufacturer, but a forum is a poor place to do it. Spend the postage and send them a personal letter. Believe me, it gets a LOT more attention. It shows a commitment in your beliefs and opinions.
Well said, Tom. However, I guess we need to keep in mind that some OP's and replies are not aimed at actually illuminating the path to an improved product; rather they are targeted at some other objective related to forum culture and interaction, which is something else all together.
Frankly, I've complained (without rancor) in more useful threads about the tenative AF of my Pentax cameras, but the fact is - frequently supported by examples on the "Post Your Photos" section of the forum (as well as in some previous replies here) - that in the right hands these cameras can capture spectacular action pictures. Further, I think it is unlikely that simply changing cameras will elevate an inept sports photographer (and I include myself in that group) to a crackerjack NFL, NBA or Formula 1 photojournalist. Old guys like me can remember that people were proficient at action photography long before not only AF but also before auto exposure.
By the same token, I think it's not unreasonable to believe that cameras with exceptional AF capabilities could make action photography easier for those already adept at the practice - nor is it unreasonable for Pentax customers to ask for bodies with AF prowess comparable to that of their competitors. But - as you say - ask where the question is effective.
In the final analysis, if the nature of Pentax AF is a deal breaker for some, then their path is obvious, and has nothing to do with posting messages on forums.
Jer