For the past several months, my Pentax k100d has had a small problem.  The thumb wheel is not working correctly.  Since I shoot mostly in manual mode; that is vital for adjustments.  This has gone out before (May 2011) and was repaired at a cost of $140.00.  My wife suggested I just get a new camera rather than repair this one.  Since, between the last repair, a sensor cleaning and this repair the total cost would be over half what I paid for the K100d camera.  

  With all the expenses I have had lately, being off work for my son's heart surgery,  I have been really apprehensive about spending that much money for a "toy".  My wife feels the "book deal" could lead to other projects and I should be prepared with a fully operational camera.

  Thank you dear for the support and encouragement.  

  I would have liked to have been able to get a Pentax K-5 or K-30 (the higher end cameras).  However, I have purchased a K-r.  It is listed as a entry-level camera vs  the K100d which is listed as a mid-range; but the K-r seems to have numerous advantages over the K100.  If anyone has any experience with the K-r, please, your input is appreciated.  BTW - for the record, the reason I have chosen to go with Pentax over the other brands, is because I already have so much invested in lenses to convert to say Cannon or Nikon.

  I wish Pentax would re-think the thumb wheel design.  There are so many functions it controls on the camera, one would think they could develop a more durable means of making the adjustments.

Update:  2 hours till my meeting with the book guild about shooting the illustrations... heart rate up nerves shot.