Re: where do the cheap SLRs come from?

On Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:58:19 -0400, "Frank Arthur" <Art@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:

>
>"SB" <box4sb@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
>news:TqtHj.3756$Jt5.6681@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> Thanks guys.
>> I did not expect the explanation so detailed. Appreciated.
>>
>> I agree with pretty much everything you say. The bottom line - I'll 
>> probably buy from eBay, risking to hit a gray warranty - but at 
>> least knowing that I am paying 15%-20% less fort his risk. In the 
>> "good" camera shop the sales guy tried to scare me away from on-line 
>> shopping through blunt lies and misrepresentation, so I have less 
>> confidence in his business now.
>>
>> Tony, Chris - thanks again!
>
>A non USA warranty could mean that if your camera stops working you 
>may not be able to get it repaired by the factory rep. even if you 
>offer to pay for repairs.

I've had one "warranty" situation in the owner****p of many cameras. My
first digital P&S stopped working and I sent it in to the "factory".
It was a month or so out of warranty, and the quoted price for repair
was *higher* than a replacement camera with equal features.  I bought
a new camera with more features for less than the repair price.

Generally - but not always - things like cameras and computers are
either good or bad out of the box.  Most problems show up within the
first 30 days.  If they are good, they generally remain good until the
warranty expires.  

There are repair situations where the warranty isn't a factor because
the damage is owner-caused.  In this case, you have to balance the
risk of having to buy a new body or lens against the savings on the
purchase of a gray market item.  


--

Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida