I love my three Vikings (QDII, Lena, and Rose). The QDII has the needle down/presser foot up option, and I love it!! I also have a Pfaff QE4 that does the same thing. It might feel strange at first, but you will learn to love it. It is very handy when doing machine applique and chain piecing. I have gotten so used to it that if I use one of my other machines that doesn't have it, and I am at the end of a seam, I sit and stare at the presser foot for a few seconds, waiting for it it lift up before I realize what machine I'm using...LOL!!