Originally posted by Ed Hurst OK. Quick update. The camera has been received/assessed by C.R. Kennedy in Melbourne and they have decided that the camera needs to go back to Pentax in the Philippines. They are of the view that checking the mount alignment (and ensuring there are no other issues with the body) can better be done there. I think Pentax also want to see it themselves so that they can take the issue up with their shipping providers...
In the meantime, they are sending me a loan camera (which they indicated, when I initially wanted the shutter to be replaced, wouldn't be possible; I suppose there's a greater wish to make things possible after I have the camera was damaged!). There will be no charge to me. All of this seems like reasonable handling of the issue.
I have indicated that I remain worried, even after the repair is done, that other problems might eventually surface due to the knock my camera received. C.R. Kennedy have indicated that they think that unlikely, but that they would take responsibility for that if it arises. Of course, I would rather have a new replacement camera, but I am willing to take the chance and see what happens. But if anything else goes wrong that could in any way be attributed to this knock, I will certainly change my approach and insist on a replacement. I realise many of you believe that I should be pushing for a replacement camera now; I see this point and thank everyone for it. However, given the provision of a loaner, the ongoing responsibility for issues that arise and the very helpful support I have received from C.R. Kennedy throughout, I am willing to accept their approach for now. But my attitude will change if any other issues are experienced as a result of my camera being badly bashed.
The main thing, which no one can ever resolve, is that I will receive the loan camera just after two perfectly clear nights which would have been ideal for astro photography. Not just normal clear nights, but the sort of special clarity, all the way down to the horizon, that I haven't seen for years. That is extremely galling... But there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Bruce - I hear you on having a second body. But there's a problem here... I am so addicted to the results I get from my 645Z, and am such a hard core obsessive, that I just wouldn't be happy with anything produced by anything else. I realise results from full frame cameras now are very good; I also hear you that other types of camera might encourage me to produce different sorts of work. But I know myself - all I would do it look at the results and wish they had been taken with a 645Z. I would rather go through the wringer and wait for my 645Z than put energy/money into other cameras and just not be happy with the results. The answer would be two 645Zs, of course - but I just can't afford that. It's a terrible bind. I know what you say makes logical sense, but I also know it wouldn't satisfy me. So I just have to work on the basis of the one 645Z and constantly hope for the best! It's hard being a single-minded, inflexible idiot about this stuff, but I know that I am.
As for everyone else's excellent points above about the mystery of how it happened, I am as mystified as you all are. I don't see how this could occur within a proper package. I don't see how it could occur at all and leave the body cap unscathed. And if the body cap wasn't attached at the time, I don't see how it could have been mounted after the damage. I am unable to produce a clear or logical account of what happened. All I know is that it did happen while not on my watch and I am just mightily glad that C.R. Kennedy are taking responsibility for offering me a solution here. They jolly well should, of course; but that doesn't automatically mean that they would. So kudos to them for that.
Looks like I will be back in action in a day or two. Just in time to pine for the conditions I have just missed!
Thanks to everyone here for your most excellent support, advice and empathy :-)
I think that's a pretty decent outcome. I actually wish Pentax had some kind of pro membership like other brands so that if the unfortunate did occur they could dish out a temporary lens/camera during this repair time, thus making the idea of you needing a second body null, you simply are covered. Of course you might have to prove some kind of professionalism and insurance for such membership but I think it would be very much welcomed.
In regards to second camera, I hear ya. It's just my little photography head is in love with
all genres and I know (for example) that the new K-new coupled with a DFA 150-450 will be able to capture images the 645Z will never manage, it's just genre specific is all. But if landscape/astro is your only baby yer concerned about then everything else will fall short of the Z that's for sure. Coupled with perfect clarity nights... no zoom lens or different genre is probably going to ease the pain
(sorry... I shouldn't laugh, evil bruce!).
It's not over yet, Pentax Philippines may deem a replacement is worthy rather than repair... who knows.
Keep in touch and god speed!