I've used/owned Pentax cameras since Feb, '68. But I've also used/owned other camera makes in the past 5 decades. Mamiya medium format, Leica Range Finder, Zeiss Super Ikonta, Canon, Olympus, Yashicamat, Panasonic etc. Still do. They're all good cameras, but in the main, Pentax both in film and digital have always been my prime system.
I like the reliability, durability, ergonomics, lenses, camera bodies and most of all the images that I've got from my Pentax equipment. When I went into digital in 2005 (I think
) I got a small Panasonic. It was ok and it served it's purpose, which was to try out digital and see if this new format for me, was for me.
I liked digital, but wanted a DSLR. I looked at the ist D and it didn't appeal to me. I tried out the Canon 20D, the Nikon...but I didn't like the ergonomics. At this point I didn't know whether I would stay with Pentax or make the break and go with another brand.
I liked the Nikon D200. But then the Pentax K10D came out, I read about it, checked it out at the local camera store. It really appealed to me, I bought one with a Pentax 16-45 lens. Then got a 55-300.
I've stuck with Pentax and kept on buying Pentax gear. Km, K5, K-1 bodies...all sorts of Pentax digital lenses. I've been pleased with the equipment, pleased with the images.
Do I worry about whether Pentax will stay in business. Sometimes yes, but they seem to continue to bring out really good equipment, even if I can't figure out their marketing strategy. It's low key, kind of like Pentax cameras/lenses. Low key but really good stuff.
Back in the mid '70's , when I only had one Pentax body (S1a) and a couple of lenses, I almost bought a Nikon F Photomic body and Nikkor 50mm F 1.4 lens. I hemmed and hawed, then decided on getting a Pentax ES ll, which I still have...and still like.
Photography is a passion of mine, I love few things better than walking around with one of my Pentax bodies/lenses and snapping away. Mostly it's a singular pursuit as although I do photography with others, I find I concentrate much better on the business of producing images when I'm alone .
Pentax equipment have generally been my favoured photography tool of choice.
Don't know if my ramblings helped, but your thread triggered me to look back and analyze what I like about photography and the equipment I prefer to use. So thank you, OP for that opportunity.
Also good luck with your decision...most of us have been there doing the same thing. Should I or shouldn't I...kind of deal. In the end I believe you'll come up with the right decision for you.