Originally posted by kernos I had an aperture motor failure after a few years with my k-30. I replaced it with a k-50 since the repair would probably not be worth it. The k-50 aperture motor failed after 6 months. There is some concern that I may have inadvertently bought a grey market camera from Amazon, but that is besides the point. Has Pentax ever provided a definitive fix for this issue? If I do manage to get a warranty repair, would it be better to sell the k-50 while it is still working and buy a K3 or K3 ii or just abandon Pentax? I have a number of Pentax and Pentax compatible lenses and would hate to abandon the brand, but I'm feeling beat up by continuing failure on a part that should be good for 10000 or more shutter clicks.
My K-50 failed at about 6 months and was repaired and worked since the repair. I have since traded it but I never doubted it after the repair. The number of people on the forums with no problems with the K30/K50 makes me think there are a few lemons but it isn't the rule. I could be wrong but I wouldn't worry too much.
My K-50 was sold by a group in Canada and I bought it from Amazon. When I went to have warranty work I only needed to provide the Amazon sales receipt and that was good enough for Precision. (I was "lucky" in that the repair facility change over happened about the time of my failure so I was advised to wait and send it to Precision rather than send it to the then closing facility.
I would personally try printing my receipt from Amazon and having a go at getting it repaired. The worst they can do is deny it.
I upgraded to the K3 last year - WOW - I won't tell you it was a revolution in my photographs because we (the photographer) are the most important link there. However it is a joy to use and a great upgrade. A few small irksome issues that once plagued me (low light focus being one) have vastly improved. I highly recommend the camera. As to leaving Pentax - how invested are you? How many lenses and how much brand loyalty do you have? I and my dad have over 20 lenses and two K-3 bodies so the cost of switching is a real burden should we wish to do so. On top of that Dad worked for Pentax many years ago as a Sales rep which was his hey day of photographic sales. (He also worked for Canon and in Retail in Sales and his best friend was a Nikon rep and later a Pentax rep... )