Paul,
You brought out a very good example of a common real life use of a camera. Unlike some people who would erect a shrine for their camera bodies and their many countless lenses, or discuss about the color coating of their lenses, the majority of people who use a camera only use it when they need it. That usually means only on special occassions. People mostly treat their cameras like any other commodity, and really it's a commodity. It's something that allows them to take pictures.
On one of my project shoots in a convention hall, I met a couple of tourists, which one of them stepped forward and made a comment that since I am a professional photographer, I shouldn't be using a Pentax! Huh!?! He proudly showed his camera out to me that I should be using his instead. It was a Canon EOS-1n with a Sigma 28-80 AF lens. Little did he know that I was using a Pentax Z-1 with a Pentax FA 85 1.4. He said only a camera body like this will take good pictures and that was why he got it.
This is unfortunately what the camera industry has promoted. And that is, camera bodies and brand name recognition are important. Most common people haven't a clue why they bought a Nikon or a Canon, but only because they are "brand name" and that they are expensive. Most people don't realize that a camera body itself can not guarantee a good shot -- you need a very good lens also, but you keep hearing people say that when they had a Pentax, they take lousy pictures. But when they have a Nikon or a Canon with special features, they start taking good pictures. I think, it has got to do more with personal redemption (trying to justify an expensive purchase for no immediate and noticeable gain) or it is just a placebo effect. But it happens all the time. Digital is no different and I am actually quite amused with people here discussing a technology that has yet to be standardized. And yet, people said they! 'll jump ship to something else if their demands are not met. Very interesting, but that usually means, I get to buy very inexpensive and very good used Pentax gear. The 85 1.4 was bought used from a guy who said he never got any good shots out of it. That's funny because the lens works for me and puts food on the table for my family.
Coming back to the guy with the EOS-1n and his Sigma, I can say with confidence that my FA 85 1.4 will run rings around his slow Sigma zoom lens set at 80mm.
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