Noisy *istD shutter

[Nick Snowdon]

I have had my *istD for about 10 months now and the other day the I got a 
proverbial "funny" noise. It sounds like the shutter is making a rough 
zip-like sound (though I suppose it could be the mirror). Exposure still 
seems to be OK, but I don't feel comfortable about the mechanical stability 
of the camera (quite apart from strange looks from people nearby). This is 
no longer a stealth camera <g>.

Has anyone heard of this? Should I send it off to Pentax for repair? I am in 
Vancouver, so I have to send it to Ottawa for repair - any thoughts on 
packaging it safely?

Thanks for any help
Nick