I googled to check the latest prices - didn't want to shell out the full MSRP myself. Low and behold Provantage.com has it listed for $196 plus $5 shipping via ground.

Here is the link: http://www.provantage.com/pentax-39012

They are a totally legit company - they do a lot of drop shipment sales. On their site it says it is special order, and once my order was placed the details stated it would be shipped direct from Pentax.

I bought my K-5 from them last year within the first 2 weeks of its' release for $120 less than MSRP - most places didn't get that low pricing for a couple of months! Not only were they fast shipping, but they also took back my stained K-5 after talking to their Pentax area rep and sent me a replacement at the same time due to our 10th anniversary trip to Italy. I basically can't say enough or recommend them enough, they were great to deal with, and occasionally have great deals on top of good customer service.

[pxpaulx]

Just to update looks like this will be drop shipped directly from Pentax - estimated ship date is the start of October - I can wait a month to keep $50 in my wallet!

[jimr-pdx]

I shall keep this in mind. Budget is in a snit right now, but once it clears up I'd like to pick up one of these. Thanks for the link!

[pxpaulx]

I noticed my credit card had an authorization run on the 24th for this, hopefully the wheels are finally turning!