If I order online I don't want to have my order held to wait on me having to call in to hear a sales pitch.
James
For the record, my experience with Adorama is different. It is true that Adorama has got into the habit of sending an e-mail that is somewhat ambiguous, and may make you believe that there is a problem with the order. The purpose is to incite you to call and try to sell you a filter set. I personally feel that the practice is causing harm to their reputation, for * good * reasons. I disagree with it, but to be fair to Adorama the following points have to be made based on mine and other's experience:
- they don't insist if you just say "no", and your order will not be canceled because you don't want the filters.
- the filters are sold at a competitive price
these 2 points are very important because they make a world of difference between Adorama and other merchants which use "bait and switch" tactics, attracting you with good prices - in theory - but refusing to make the sale if you don't accept to buy way overpriced accessories at the same time.
- final point: Adorama does * not * delay an order because you don't answer to the e-mail. It will ship whether you call them or not (again, based on mine and others' experience with them). But this is where this practice backfires: the letter is ambiguous and let you believe that a call is needed to solve it. The order is delayed. You call and they ask you if you want to buy filters. How does it look ? But what if there is in fact a * real * problem with the order - say the item is backordered but the web site did not reflect that at the time of ordering - it still looks like the delay is only because Adorama wanted to give you the sales pitch about the filters. They've got a lot of bad publicity from this several times, and if anybody from Adorama reads this, then I hope they'll follow my advice: stop this practiceonce and for all.
Camera for brother
Is www.butterflyphoto.com a reliable source?? my brother is looking to buy the Minolta Z6. and he is looking for the cheapest one. thanks guys
I have been greatly stung and now longer will buy from anyone online or out of a magazine ad with out first checking with RESELLERSRATINGS.com............they can be a life saver....at the same time some companies that get bad ratings will just change their domain name and start over.....if I don;t find you on Reseller Ratings..then I check the WHo IS listing for domain names to see how old it is and if it looks shady.....store in NY....doamain owner in Russia....a bit of a exaggeration but I think every understands......
--chop--
- final point: Adorama does * not * delay an order because you don't answer to the e-mail. It will ship whether you call them or not (again, based on mine and others' experience with them).--chop--
Nope, they DID hold my order 2 days waiting on my call back, the sales guy who answered admitted this. I first bought film from them over 10 years ago, many rolls at a time, I liked them then, but this was really a sour apple.
Just a horrible reminder of what can happen on EBAY guys. The original person had good feedback (up to page 5) but unfortunately their account was hi-jacked...quite possibly from replying to an email sent to them that looked official from Ebay.
Dont reply to an email with your personal details guys.
Just a horrible reminder of what can happen on EBAY guys. The original person had good feedback (up to page 5) but unfortunately their account was hi-jacked...quite possibly from replying to an email sent to them that looked official from Ebay.
Dont reply to an email with your personal details guys.
buying a Canon EOS 10D I'm considering buying this camera. Canon EOS D10. This is my question. How many shutter activations appx has this camera had? Is there a way of knowing trough the camera settings?
I'm considering buying this camera. Canon EOS D10. This is my question. How many shutter activations appx has this camera had? Is there a way of knowing trough the camera settings?
Shoot pic look at file number....if anything like my KM even if I changed my file system it still shows the number of photos taken.
have them send a pic of the daily newpaper showing date, including all exif data....
Jus cause you delete pic from card in camera doesn't change the file number....at least on KM's.......
Yes, but it's like buying a used car. If the odometer says 30k miles, but the brakepedal is worn through to the metal, you know that it's had more than 30k miles, and that the odometer has rolled over.
Yes, but it's like buying a used car. If the odometer says 30k miles, but the brakepedal is worn through to the metal, you know that it's had more than 30k miles, and that the odometer has rolled over.
OK, this is getting really complicated. The 10D has a brake pedal?
B & H
Bought my 10D at B & H. The order shipped the same day. (The 10D was on special at $799.95 for the body). These guys are a class act.
I just checked my file number on the camera per instructions from an earlier thread. It read 3700 and change. I know I have not shot more than 500 or so shots so I wonder what happened? I'm certain their internet site did not say it was a demo or a refurb. The camera looked brand spanking new when I took it out of the box. Is it possible that the factory shoots off a few thousand shots to make sure the shutter is functioning properly?
I hope everyone who looks to go cheap on a camera checks it out-
I'll look around at all the low prices and always end up going to b&h (I'm sure there are others just as good--it's just my preference)- have not had the slightest problem with them--
help
I have been looking through this topic and reading and now I wondering if I done the right thing.
I -purchased a canon rebel xt from ebay from sunshine electronics.
I seen that the store front pic was on here. Are they bad to buy from should I go some where else?
I havent paid just yet and dont want to get burned.
sunshine
for all I know, sunshine might be ok, but after looking at ebay and resellerratings my guess is that sunshine might-
try a bait and switch, or some form thereof, to get you to upgrade and/or switch to get you to spend more money-
try to get you to spend more on shipping-
try to get you to purchase insurance-
try to screw you on something before it's all over with-
I looked on ebay and saw no mention of a 1 year usa warranty--I might have missed it-
you will probably get the right camera, new, with no problems with the actual camera, but at what actual price-
I'm not going to tell you not to follow through, but I would rather pay several hundred dollars more for some peace of mind- (considering some of the crap you're going to possibly get-the tripod, the case, the wide angle lens that you'll end up replacing and the extra charges that they'll possibly throw at you, it probably wouldn't end up being that much different)-
if you do get it, pay with a credit card that you have some recourse with, that you can call and get some help if you do get screwed, and see if you have any recourse with ebay, also-
if you don't follow through and you are negative rated on ebay and you care, be sure to answer their rating and to give them a rating, also-
I have no experience with this company and I don't know that any of the above will happen, but take a real good, close look-
I have been looking through this topic and reading and now I wondering if I done the right thing.
I -purchased a canon rebel xt from ebay from sunshine electronics.
I seen that the store front pic was on here. Are they bad to buy from should I go some where else?
I havent paid just yet and dont want to get burned.
Based on the ResellerRatings feedback, they sound like they'll come after you for more money - for add-ons and shipping, at a minimum. I'd see if I can back out without them leaving me bad feedback on ebay. You're in a tough spot, having committed to buy from them.
In reference to online dealers calling to upsell you, I had an interesting call this weekend.
Last week I ordered an SB-800, a battery, and a verticle grip for my Nikon. Saturday afternoon, I get a call from B&H. The guy on the phone said "did you place an order with us this week?" I said yes I did. He replied "Ok, we are shipping it out today, please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you."
The shipment is supposed to arrive today. That is why I order from places like B&H. The local Ritz never has what I want in stock, the employees do not keep up with the latest technology and laugh when you ask when they will get something in stock. I have given up. :bash
B&H did not have the MC-35 GPS cord in stock so I ended up getting it from Norman Camera. Just from my one dealing with them, I will probably turn to them for items that B&H does not have.
So far my list of online dealers is short B&H, Adorama, Norman. Ritz is now off of my list entirely. I will stop in occasionally to see what clearance items they might have but as far as major purchases....
When I got my Rebel XT I actually purchased it from Sunshine. And they DID push for the add-ons, which we decided to get (battery with more life, etc). It WAS shipped pretty quickly, they had good customer service and everything was exactly as listed.
Those packages have a ton of stuff that you don't need though. I have 2 sets of filters that I've rarely used, the tripod is cheap compared to my other one and the flash was a piece of junk. I didn't know anything about equipment at the time and just went with what looked good. This time around, for my next camera purchase, I'll be reserching and going through B&H.
when i first got my rebel xt I did alot of research and comparing prices, I ended up going with ebay got a very good deal. I brought from Digitalsaleno1 on ebay they have an ebay store. Read all the feedback and considered others but again the others had negative feedback. This was my first big or expensive purchase from ebay so I was kind of skeptical at first but in the end it all worked out. Got my camera very quick and no problems what so ever.
For my next purchase I am not sure what I am going to do, I love B&H so I am considering them....
2 cents on B&H
In the last year I have made several large dollar item purchases from B&H and have found them to be very prompt and professional. They may not always have the lowest price on an item (most of the time they are close to the lowest), but I don't mind paying slightly more to ensure that I'll be dealing with knowledgeable people and a professional camera shop.
Also, just a quick note for the previous posts regarding NewEgg - I have made over twenty purchases from Newegg in the past five years and have never come across a single issue.
I had another great Calumet Photographic experience today -- picked-up at 17-40 f/4L. I've used their brick & mortar stores in Chicago and Cambridge MA and never had a bad experience. I routinely buy commodity items from B&H, but when it comes to lenses, bodies and anything else that I want to easily return if not completely satisfied I go to Calumet and pay a bit more for the service. They have a 15 day return policy on most items and I've returned things like $1500 L lenses with no questions asked. To me that peace of mind worth something!
Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Jake: Hit it.
I did not mean to imply B&H is difficult with returns. I think they are 14 days on most items. And their prices are often great. I just like being able to walk into Calumet and not worry about shipping things back and forth if I need to return them. The folks there are great. If you're lucky enough to have one in your town please check them out!
I had another great Calumet Photographic experience today -- picked-up at 17-40 f/4L. I've used their brick & mortar stores in Chicago and Cambridge MA and never had a bad experience. I routinely buy commodity items from B&H, but when it comes to lenses, bodies and anything else that I want to easily return if not completely satisfied I go to Calumet and pay a bit more for the service. They have a 15 day return policy on most items and I've returned things like $1500 L lenses with no questions asked. To me that peace of mind worth something!
Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Jake: Hit it.
Good post. It's nice to hear about a vendor who really does practice customer service.
WRT buying lenses from Brooklyn, other than warranty, I think one of the biggest issues is whether or not they actually have the lens in stock. I've read many a story of someone taking the risk, and then waiting for weeks for a product they were promised in a few days. Naturally, their credit card was charged immediately.
Caveat emptor.
Sid, all you have to do is call your bank/credit card co and tell them you were charged for something you haven't received. They'll bounce the charge back to the company. At least my bank will. Company isn't allowed to charge your card til item is in stock and shipped. They can check your card to be sure it is ok, but not use it.
Another option is to call US Attorney General's office and post a complaint. If it is interstate you can also call post office. If in state, call state Attorney. This constitutes fraud. More people ought to follow up instead of holding their head and moaning "Alas, alack, I was robbed."
Michael
Photography: the art of seeing the uncommon in the common.
+++++++ CANON EOS XT- 350D - Sigma 28 - 80 mm macro, MC Zenitar EF 3.5/16MM CANON F1n, Canon FD 28mm 2.8 SC, Canon FL 200mm 3.5 Jupiter 9 2.8/85mm used on bellows for EOS & F1 Bellows is M42 thread with adaptors for both cameras. Tair 135mm 2.8 Kiev 88 6x6 camera - Mir 38B 3.5/65mm, Arsat B 2.8/80mm, J26V 250 mm tele
16 various FSU & German cameras
My excitment is possibly unhealthy...
So, I've been reading this forum which has been ultimatley the only forum that has ever looked useful enough to join, and I must admit that I am on the brink of making a purchase based on HUGE amounts of excitement.
It seems to me that B&H is the most reliable source for buying camera equipment, and would promise a no stress buy. But... I am not one who comes across money often, and this pricing at newegg.com looks like the most ideal purchase.
I am looking to purchase a Canon Rebel XT with a 18-55mm lens, newegg seems to have a free three day shipping deal, and it also says there is a "Big discount with CF card combo purchase, ends 9/15" however I don't quite know if that means I am purchasing said combo, it does not appear as if there is a CF card included in this package... also no link appears to route to another page that sells such a deal, I wonder if the price posted is for THAT deal or if it is for the package listed. The worry definetly seems inane to me, but for how excited I am, I thought I would ask if you guys thought this looked like a "scam-free" kinda thing. I am new to online camera shopping.
BTW, what does everyone think of "www.expresscameras.com"? I almost bought from them, but they had the look of "suck" about them.
Comments
Seymore, you're about the fifth guy to post this.. I moved your post from the Hall of Wisdom (read the forum sticky there) to the Cameras forum here.
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
Thanks again man. Like your red bennie!!!
James
For the record, my experience with Adorama is different. It is true that Adorama has got into the habit of sending an e-mail that is somewhat ambiguous, and may make you believe that there is a problem with the order. The purpose is to incite you to call and try to sell you a filter set. I personally feel that the practice is causing harm to their reputation, for * good * reasons. I disagree with it, but to be fair to Adorama the following points have to be made based on mine and other's experience:
- they don't insist if you just say "no", and your order will not be canceled because you don't want the filters.
- the filters are sold at a competitive price
these 2 points are very important because they make a world of difference between Adorama and other merchants which use "bait and switch" tactics, attracting you with good prices - in theory - but refusing to make the sale if you don't accept to buy way overpriced accessories at the same time.
- final point: Adorama does * not * delay an order because you don't answer to the e-mail. It will ship whether you call them or not (again, based on mine and others' experience with them). But this is where this practice backfires: the letter is ambiguous and let you believe that a call is needed to solve it. The order is delayed. You call and they ask you if you want to buy filters. How does it look ? But what if there is in fact a * real * problem with the order - say the item is backordered but the web site did not reflect that at the time of ordering - it still looks like the delay is only because Adorama wanted to give you the sales pitch about the filters. They've got a lot of bad publicity from this several times, and if anybody from Adorama reads this, then I hope they'll follow my advice: stop this practice once and for all.
A part from this, they're a great store.
Thierry
Is www.butterflyphoto.com a reliable source?? my brother is looking to buy the Minolta Z6. and he is looking for the cheapest one. thanks guys
smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com
I wouldn't buy from them based on this info, but others will. The cheapest promised price is not always the cheapest price.
Sam
Nope, they DID hold my order 2 days waiting on my call back, the sales guy who answered admitted this. I first bought film from them over 10 years ago, many rolls at a time, I liked them then, but this was really a sour apple.
James.
http://www.jamesjweg.com
Dont reply to an email with your personal details guys.
This scammer has made his money fast & is now on holidays.
Gus
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
I'm considering buying this camera. Canon EOS D10. This is my question. How many shutter activations appx has this camera had? Is there a way of knowing trough the camera settings?
Shoot pic look at file number....if anything like my KM even if I changed my file system it still shows the number of photos taken.
have them send a pic of the daily newpaper showing date, including all exif data....
Jus cause you delete pic from card in camera doesn't change the file number....at least on KM's.......
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
Yes, but it's like buying a used car. If the odometer says 30k miles, but the brakepedal is worn through to the metal, you know that it's had more than 30k miles, and that the odometer has rolled over.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
YES...it is at some point near 99,999 or 999,999...i am not real sure ... it may even be more.
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
Yes, stoopid. You didn't know that!!!??
It's right there next to the cigarette lighter!
...
...
... some people!! ...
...
When I hear the earth will melt into the sun,
in two billion years,
all I can think is:
"Will that be on a Monday?"
==========================
http://www.streetsofboston.com
http://blog.antonspaans.com
Bought my 10D at B & H. The order shipped the same day. (The 10D was on special at $799.95 for the body). These guys are a class act.
I just checked my file number on the camera per instructions from an earlier thread. It read 3700 and change. I know I have not shot more than 500 or so shots so I wonder what happened? I'm certain their internet site did not say it was a demo or a refurb. The camera looked brand spanking new when I took it out of the box. Is it possible that the factory shoots off a few thousand shots to make sure the shutter is functioning properly?
let's see; you wrote this two years ago?
whatta good post!
I hope everyone who looks to go cheap on a camera checks it out-
I'll look around at all the low prices and always end up going to b&h (I'm sure there are others just as good--it's just my preference)- have not had the slightest problem with them--
nice job-
george
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
I have been looking through this topic and reading and now I wondering if I done the right thing.
I -purchased a canon rebel xt from ebay from sunshine electronics.
I seen that the store front pic was on here. Are they bad to buy from should I go some where else?
I havent paid just yet and dont want to get burned.
for all I know, sunshine might be ok, but after looking at ebay and resellerratings my guess is that sunshine might-
try a bait and switch, or some form thereof, to get you to upgrade and/or switch to get you to spend more money-
try to get you to spend more on shipping-
try to get you to purchase insurance-
try to screw you on something before it's all over with-
I looked on ebay and saw no mention of a 1 year usa warranty--I might have missed it-
you will probably get the right camera, new, with no problems with the actual camera, but at what actual price-
please read this review site: http://www.resellerratings.com/seller3032.html -
I'm not going to tell you not to follow through, but I would rather pay several hundred dollars more for some peace of mind- (considering some of the crap you're going to possibly get-the tripod, the case, the wide angle lens that you'll end up replacing and the extra charges that they'll possibly throw at you, it probably wouldn't end up being that much different)-
if you do get it, pay with a credit card that you have some recourse with, that you can call and get some help if you do get screwed, and see if you have any recourse with ebay, also-
if you don't follow through and you are negative rated on ebay and you care, be sure to answer their rating and to give them a rating, also-
I have no experience with this company and I don't know that any of the above will happen, but take a real good, close look-
good luck and let us know how it goes-
george
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
Last week I ordered an SB-800, a battery, and a verticle grip for my Nikon. Saturday afternoon, I get a call from B&H. The guy on the phone said "did you place an order with us this week?" I said yes I did. He replied "Ok, we are shipping it out today, please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you."
The shipment is supposed to arrive today. That is why I order from places like B&H. The local Ritz never has what I want in stock, the employees do not keep up with the latest technology and laugh when you ask when they will get something in stock. I have given up. :bash
B&H did not have the MC-35 GPS cord in stock so I ended up getting it from Norman Camera. Just from my one dealing with them, I will probably turn to them for items that B&H does not have.
So far my list of online dealers is short B&H, Adorama, Norman. Ritz is now off of my list entirely. I will stop in occasionally to see what clearance items they might have but as far as major purchases....
http://help.smugmug.com
Those packages have a ton of stuff that you don't need though. I have 2 sets of filters that I've rarely used, the tripod is cheap compared to my other one and the flash was a piece of junk. I didn't know anything about equipment at the time and just went with what looked good. This time around, for my next camera purchase, I'll be reserching and going through B&H.
For my next purchase I am not sure what I am going to do, I love B&H so I am considering them....
Canon 60D
Canon Rebel XTi (400)
Canon 10-22mm, Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
MacBook, MacPro
In the last year I have made several large dollar item purchases from B&H and have found them to be very prompt and professional. They may not always have the lowest price on an item (most of the time they are close to the lowest), but I don't mind paying slightly more to ensure that I'll be dealing with knowledgeable people and a professional camera shop.
Also, just a quick note for the previous posts regarding NewEgg - I have made over twenty purchases from Newegg in the past five years and have never come across a single issue.
-Dante
________________________
http://troybn.smugmug.com/
Jake: Hit it.
http://www.sissonphotography.com
www.flickr.com/photos/sissonphotography
http://sissonphotography.blogspot.com/
Jake: Hit it.
http://www.sissonphotography.com
www.flickr.com/photos/sissonphotography
http://sissonphotography.blogspot.com/
Sid, all you have to do is call your bank/credit card co and tell them you were charged for something you haven't received. They'll bounce the charge back to the company. At least my bank will. Company isn't allowed to charge your card til item is in stock and shipped. They can check your card to be sure it is ok, but not use it.
Another option is to call US Attorney General's office and post a complaint. If it is interstate you can also call post office. If in state, call state Attorney. This constitutes fraud. More people ought to follow up instead of holding their head and moaning "Alas, alack, I was robbed."
Michael
http://www.tabblo.com/studio/view/tabblos/mikeb380/
========
CANON EOS XT- 350D - Sigma 28 - 80 mm macro, MC Zenitar EF 3.5/16MM
CANON F1n, Canon FD 28mm 2.8 SC, Canon FL 200mm 3.5
Jupiter 9 2.8/85mm used on bellows for EOS & F1 Bellows is M42 thread with adaptors for both cameras.
Tair 135mm 2.8
Kiev 88 6x6 camera - Mir 38B 3.5/65mm, Arsat B 2.8/80mm, J26V 250 mm tele
16 various FSU & German cameras
So, I've been reading this forum which has been ultimatley the only forum that has ever looked useful enough to join, and I must admit that I am on the brink of making a purchase based on HUGE amounts of excitement.
It seems to me that B&H is the most reliable source for buying camera equipment, and would promise a no stress buy. But... I am not one who comes across money often, and this pricing at newegg.com looks like the most ideal purchase.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120030
I am looking to purchase a Canon Rebel XT with a 18-55mm lens, newegg seems to have a free three day shipping deal, and it also says there is a "Big discount with CF card combo purchase, ends 9/15" however I don't quite know if that means I am purchasing said combo, it does not appear as if there is a CF card included in this package... also no link appears to route to another page that sells such a deal, I wonder if the price posted is for THAT deal or if it is for the package listed. The worry definetly seems inane to me, but for how excited I am, I thought I would ask if you guys thought this looked like a "scam-free" kinda thing. I am new to online camera shopping.
BTW, what does everyone think of "www.expresscameras.com"? I almost bought from them, but they had the look of "suck" about them.