Refurbished camera
Jan 11, 2015 21:56:51 #
Djacks1
Loc: Edmond Oklahoma
Has anyone had experience buying a refurbished camera from a manufacturer or camera store? Is this risky? What does refurbished really mean? Thanks.
Jan 11, 2015 22:20:50 #
The main thing you want establish is that is Factory Refurbished. Also you want to buy these from a authorized Nikon, Canon, etc. dealer. There are many who sell these but I would stick with sellers such as B&H and Adaroma. ;)
Jan 11, 2015 22:38:12 #
Djacks1 wrote:
A factory refurb means exactly that. The camera is gone over thoroughly and brought back to factory specs They are then sold either by the manufacturer or the outfit that sent the camera to the factory. Reputable outfits such as B&H Adorama Cameta sell refurbs at a discounts. As does the factory. Refurbs often have a very low shutter count and represent a great way to get a substantial discount. They come with a factory warantee, and are as "good as new". Many here at the hog buy refurbs. As do I. My Canon 7D and 18-200 zoom is a refurb and it came in factory boxes with all the goodies a new camera would have. The camera and lens looked brand new and functions perfectly. I can recommend them without hesitation.Has anyone had experience buying a refurbished camera from a manufacturer or camera store? Is this risky? What does refurbished really mean? Thanks.
Jan 11, 2015 22:38:55 #
Djacks1 wrote:
Has anyone had experience buying a refurbished camera from a manufacturer or camera store? Is this risky? What does refurbished really mean? Thanks.
Canon has a complete refurbished menu in their on-line catalogue. They sell directly to the public. A lot of people here buy from them. Refurbished means unsused, opened-box, returned, inspected, tested, and re-sold as refurbished in different containers. The lens caps, shade, and case are included. I have not found any distinguishing marks on any piece I have purchased. This is a great opportunity to save money on trusted products. All products come with a 12 month warranty.
Jan 12, 2015 01:48:01 #
ONLY a manufacturer can designate a camera as "Refurbished". It is a term used to describe a "new" camera that was briefly previously owned and returned to manufacturer, or a returned demo from a camera store. Any store can list or sell a camera as used, but a Refurb must have a document from the manufacturer.
Jan 12, 2015 06:28:04 #
Djacks1 wrote:
Has anyone had experience buying a refurbished camera from a manufacturer or camera store? Is this risky? What does refurbished really mean? Thanks.
Refurbs are always my first choice. The only drawback is the shortened warranty period from Nikon. The camera comes packed in a factory box labeled "Refurbished." Inside, it looks just like a new packing, with all the bits and pieces, just like a new camera.
I've gotten several from http://www.cameta.com/index.cfm?fa=display.search&page=1&keywords=refurbished%20bodies
It pays to shop around for a refurb because, unlike new cameras, prices can vary, as can supplies.
Jan 12, 2015 06:38:32 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
nothing to worry about- usually better than new; they have been thoroughly inspected and checked, which is not what you get with a new one !
Jan 12, 2015 07:00:22 #
The majority of these cameras are slightly used or come from an open package. The manufacturer checks the camrera to make sure it works to specs, pack it and then sell it at an attractive price. Warranty depends, Cameta offers a whole year.
I have bought refurbished in the past from Cameta and I have been very pleased with the price and the camera and lens I bought.
I have bought refurbished in the past from Cameta and I have been very pleased with the price and the camera and lens I bought.
Jan 12, 2015 07:48:17 #
Djacks1 wrote:
Has anyone had experience buying a refurbished camera from a manufacturer or camera store? Is this risky? What does refurbished really mean? Thanks.
It means its a knackered old thing that is sent to Bodgit and Bashit for repairs. They use spare parts from Chinese milk carts and electrical items from door bells that no longer ring or chime. Most repairs are carried out using eyebrow tweezers a sink plunger and a tire iron.
They come complete with a gateway warranty. Once thru the gate the warranty has expired. Complaints are handled by Doris a 250 pound tattooed ex wrestler who cross dresses. It would be wise not to mention this when your camera fails to operate in every possible way!!!
Thank you for allowing me to answer the dumbest question of the day.
What does refurbished really mean Geez!!!
Jan 12, 2015 10:14:48 #
Djacks1 wrote:
Has anyone had experience buying a refurbished camera from a manufacturer or camera store? Is this risky? What does refurbished really mean? Thanks.
Always my first choice, lenses or bodies. The factory technicians make sure the items are in factory "like new" condition. Some will say this is sometimes better than new since the items get a complete check in person versus new units which may come off the line without ever having been tested to the extent refurbished equipment is tested. I own Nikon equipment and have bought both from Nikon USA and Cameta. The key is the term "factory refurbished" so you can be sure you are getting USA warranty items. Nikon's come with a 90 day warranty, but Cameta adds an extra 9 months to get you to a year, and Canon offers a year warranty. Sigma ,for lenses, gives a 90 day warranty. The Nikon D610 body I bought from Nikon had less than 200 clicks on the shutter and it was impossible to tell from new, but for the white box it came shipped in. Do not hesitate to buy these. Many on this site will look at refurbished first to determine if the savings are substantial enough over brand new.
Jan 12, 2015 10:23:10 #
Billyspad wrote:
It means its a knackered old thing that is sent to... (show quote)
Most entertaining reply of the day. Thank for the best laugh in many days.
Jan 12, 2015 10:30:47 #
Billyspad wrote:
It means its a knackered old thing that is sent to... (show quote)
I wonder if the OP has minimal experience with purchasing cameras and/or has minimal cash to spend and is looking for a bargain. Quite possibly, while most of us here on the UHH, have experience buying cameras and don't mind spending thousands of dollars, he may not. He may have no idea what refurbished really means and/or who does the actual refurbishing. Is it some camera shop on the corner, is it the camera manufacturer, is the camera sent back to the manufacturer in Japan or is it done right here in the U.S. Lots of questions there. I think an honest survey of even experienced photographers might show many who don't know any better than the OP.
I see the OP has 5, count em, 5 posts here. Is it possible you jumped on him a bit too quickly with humor and sarcasm in your attempt to make fun of him?
Dennis
Jan 12, 2015 11:00:40 #
I have purchased several factory refurbished Nikons from B&H. No problems whatsoever. The only difference that I know of is the length of the warrantee period (six months instead of a year).
Jan 12, 2015 11:28:51 #
Billyspad wrote:
It means its a knackered old thing that is sent to... (show quote)
Although I did not ask the "What exactly does refurbished mean?" question, I think your response to the question was pretty immature and rude. Come down off your high horse and have a little understanding! The person wanted an honest answer, not some sarcastic diarrhea. You should apologize!
Jan 12, 2015 11:41:45 #
Djacks1
Loc: Edmond Oklahoma
Billyspad wrote:
It means its a knackered old thing that is sent to... (show quote)
Yay, my 5 seconds of fame have arrived! I asked the dumbest question of the day! Outstanding! Thanks for your response it made my day. And thanks to the other respondents who answered this newbies question with intelligence and respect! you're the best!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.