Originally posted by link_1111 I upgraded from the Kx to the K5 but that was mostly because the shutter noise, low res LCD and ergonomics [K5+grip is snug in my hands] kind of irritated me. I also had some decent glass to back me up so the change to the K5 was a massive plus for me especially since i did alot more high ISO shooting. You didn't seem to state that neg's of the Kr irritated you at all, and its smaller, and if you are doing alot more low iso shooting, maybe the Kr with a replacement DA15 is the best shot since you liked the DA15 so much? But you said you will get that again, so the FA43 would be a nice time to try something different? Maybe you could pick up a variety of these objects second hand and get the FA43 as well =P
But if you were to get the K5, aim for local and not grey market, if there are problems which some people do complain about, then you will get a quick switch/repair. Note that not many people will come and go out of their way to post and say "oh, my K5 is normal and works like it is meant to. Thats all I wanted to say =)". As stated above, all brands have their problems, Pentax are quick to fix it and I am more than happy with my K5 with no problems at all. If you look for a problem, you will never enjoy the camera...and there will always be a better camera be released eventually but the faster you get your hands on the K5, the faster you can experience how awesome it is =) It makes my canikon friends jealous and it makes me happy in the end!
All the best with your decision and would like to hear what you end up picking though!
Thanks, yeah I think I will be going with the K-5 (unless there is something announced at the Paris show today).
I would be getting it new from Pentax Canada so hopefully the newest version of it with less issues.
I loved the K-r, I thought it was great but the biggest issues were: loud shutter, FF in Tungsten, small viewfinder, lack of extra controls
I assume the K-5 would likely fix all of those although I hear there may or may not still be issues with the K-5 in Tungsten