Originally posted by cxdoo One of the main reasons why Pentax Is Doomed is poor availability of the gear in stores and (some would say consequently) in general population. We're at a point where we report sightings of fellow Pentaxians, as if we're some elusive species on a brink (or already over?) of extinction.
First thing that comes to mind seeing some poor soul with that familiar strap around their neck, at least to me, is -
How come you have a Pentax? Where did you buy it? Why?
This sounds
awfully similar exactly the same as condescending questions I sometimes get from people carrying one of two more popular brands. But my questions arise for a very banal reason; I had to seek out all my gear online, and I bought practically all of it without seeing it / holding it in my hands / trying it out. I suppose it requires some faith (naivety? stubbornness?).
I also suppose I am not the only one who did so, so I'd like to confirm my feeling with wider audience.
So the question is very simple: Did you see in real life the Pentax camera you use, before you bought it?
I am aware it is a bit ambiguous as you might have seen the first one you got, but not the next one, however there is always an option to tell your full story.
As for myself:
* bought K100DS in 2007 online, haven't seen a real one before. What I did see is a K10D which was too much of a camera (and price tag) for me at that time.
* bought DA 50-200 the same year online, the same.
* bought K5II this year online, the same
* bought Tamron 17-50 & 70-200 & Pentax M50/1.7 online this year, the same
I had to purchase my K-x (and K-30) without trying them. There are no stores around here that stock Pentax gear. That being said, at the time, Frys did have a K-x out on display as a dummy model.
Why did I buy it - lots of research - best bang for the buck, and I liked being able to use NI-CD/NIMH batteries
Where did I buy it - Amazon - clearance pricing.
Why did I buy it from Amazon - no stores carry Pentax, most had 'webstores' that cost +$100 more + tax and/or shipping.