[Markulous]

Hmmm, does sound as if Pentax are taking a remarkably foolish stance on this - and your repairer has conducted themselves somewhat less than well

Seems to me that it's now got to the stage where all your additional hassle is adding to the whole thing and that they (Pentax and repairer) should settle the outstanding repair amount between themselves. If I was cynical I might think they won't pay up! Maybe write to the MDs of Pentax (NZ), Penatax (Japan) and repairer (same letter and CC'd to show other recipients) - if you knew anyone vaguely legal, then CC them in on it too (even if you never actually take any further action)

IIRC, a couple of years ago there was a Canon owner who had problems with getting a warranty replacement of, ironically, his main board. He lived in, I think, Florida and he reckoned the humidity had shorted out his board. Whatever the circumstance, Canon declined to honour the warranty and he'd set up a website to air his grievances. Don't know the outcome but another example where it'd pay the manufacturer to cut their losses and settle

Anyway, good luck - let us know how it goes