I bought my DS and K10D at the local store . They do stock Pentax gears . I think because the general manager is an old ( very nice ) guy so he would used or heard of Pentax . Lots of people started with K1000 .
Anyway , I had to wait for my cameras but they were very nice about it . Their standard answer from a few sale men/women was : " We don't have it in stock but we can order it for you " ! Their services was very helpful .
If any of you have a problem , I suggest you demand to talk to the managers . Let them know . That is one way to express the demand for Pentax . Also it will weed out the bad sale reps.
The major key for local stores are SERVICE ! That is the reason people willing to pay for more than online price . There will be bad sale reps / workers anywhere . We , customers , need to let them know .
My local store ( one of 3 locations ) are located next to a big shopping mall with all the big box outlets and yet they still doing good .People is going to them for the services .
On the other hand , lots of folks don't know much about Pentax because they really don't read/see much about it . We should let them know . I always let people play with my camera because it is an "exotic " item in their eyes
. A K10D with grip , 50-135 , lens hood is a serious looking combo
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