I have a Viking and LOVE the auto presserfoot! And there is a button to lift/lower if you want to use it. I have heard that all the newer machines are of lesser quality since they are now made in in foreign countries like China. I think almost all of the name brands have moved the manufacturing from the base countries....sad...because the older machines are of nice quality. Maybe someone with a newer machine can address this from a personal experience.
My Viking is about 10 years old and it works like a charm.