Well, it was even rarer here in Turkey 2-3 years ago
With the help of pentaxturkey.com community Pentax has been heard more widely and user count had been come to a decent number.
Most users had manuel lenses and DA zoom.
Then, users who wants to advance questioned the way must be taken.
We even had not a Pentax distributor. Lenses were hard to find and there is the guarantee issue.
So some users switched to Canikon FF.
Then things started to change
First K-7 has come out, then the K-x.
That gave us boost, new members everyday and still on.
That little K-x made people know Pentax and buy Pentax
Moreover, a decent company-Toshiba distributor- have taken over Pentax distributor and brought lots of lenses and supplied confidence.
Guarantee issue was holding us back recommending Pentax to non-enthusiastic because there was no distributor here.
Moreover, a second official technical support has been started to serve in Ankara. He says he even will help with the SDM issue. Who would believe : )
Now people who wants to advance buys limited or star lenses instead of switching to FF.
We even don't talk about FF anymore would you believe
We talk about DA35 macro or DA100mm WR macro ; FA77 Limited or DA* 50-135
For now limiteds win over stars because of compactness, especially with a K-x .
Yes we are still rare but growing rapidly here