Looks like they dropped the price (previously $589)

Pentax K-30 Digital Camera (Body Only) (Black) 15613 B&H Photo

[ASheffield]

If they're going to lower the cost of the body, they should lower the cost of the body/lens kit.

[glanglois]

Maybe the black body has not been selling as they expected and they are trying to free up cash by reducing inventory. No need to reduce prices for kits that are selling well.

This should be of interest to those whose core beliefs require all camera bodies to be black.

[Docrwm]

This is weird because Hunt's in New England has all 3 colors with 18-55 for $499 right now on their website. All of Hunt's locations are listed as Authorized Dealers on the Pentax Imaging site.
http://pentaximaging.com/where-to-buy#:13


Pentax K-30 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens (Blue) at Hunts Photo & Video - 100 Main Street - Melrose, MA 02176

[DeadJohn]

^ $499 for the K-30 plus lens is arguably the best DSLR deal ever in terms of price/performance.

[Adam]

I once tried securing a bargain via Ryther camera, who had a lens for sale for a couple of hundred less than Adorama & B&H. They call me the next day saying "do you want warranty, that'll be ..." and then whatever the B&H price was. I hope this isn't a grey market deal or something like that (I'm not sure if B&H wants to drop their kit prices by $100, but if it's a legit deal then I think they should).

[Docrwm]

I once tried securing a bargain via Ryther camera, who had a lens for sale for a couple of hundred less than Adorama & B&H. They call me the next day saying "do you want warranty, that'll be ..." and then whatever the B&H price was. I hope this isn't a grey market deal or something like that (I'm not sure if B&H wants to drop their kit prices by $100, but if it's a legit deal then I think they should).

Adam,
I checked and each of their stores comes up on the Pentax USA site if you put in the MA zip code. Several people have reported ordering them at that price, but none have reported back having received their order yet. One person reported asking B&H to price match and the answer was "No, that is below our cost."

[Adam]

I'll see what B&H can do. The kit was offered for $619 before, so it should at least be available for $519 now that the $100 rebate is around. Raising the price to $699 then discounting it to $599 doesn't make sense.

[magkelly]

The K-30 plus 18-135 is $947. That's dropped a fair bit too I think. I still have to wait till the end of Summer, early Fall, but that kit is looking more and more attractive to me, lol. That's almost $300 down from when it debuted most places!!! Arrgh!!! Why don't stores like this offer lay-a-way?

[RonakG]

The K-30 plus 18-135 is $947. That's dropped a fair bit too I think. I still have to wait till the end of Summer, early Fall, but that kit is looking more and more attractive to me, lol. That's almost $300 down from when it debuted most places!!! Arrgh!!! Why don't stores like this offer lay-a-way?

If you are eying that kit then go with Adorama. They have the same price + $100 Adorama gift certificate.

Pentax K-30 Digital SLR Camera w/18-135 WR DA Lens Black BUNDLE +$100 Gift Card 15635 A

[magkelly]

I am, but not till later Summer, early Fall. I have a ways to go before I can go there barring a really nice upgrade to my credit limit or a LOT of work booked before then, grin. Thanks for the heads up though. That would be nice if they are still doing it then...

[glanglois]

I only see the white kit for $500. The white body-only is $600. Shows that price is not based on cost but on a variety of market and internal factors.

Tempting ... but my K-5s would wonder about my fidelity. They're just getting over the day when I took my red K-X out for a spin - just 'cuz.

[Docrwm]

Looks like Hunt's has sold out of black and blue. At that price I can see why.