MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

A surprising dynamic was displayed in the post "Extending camera warranty worth the price" ( http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-464755-1.html ) where seemingly not a single person posting read the second post where it is pointed out that Panasonic is offering a 2 (two) year extension on most of its new photography gear including the mentioned Panasonic LX-100. That would seem to make moot the discussion (at least pertaining to this purchase) as three years warranty IS INCLUDED (with the caveat that you file the paperwork).

Granted, there is a philosophical point also being discussed on the merits of purchasing insurance (which is a bet against yourself or your luck). But as to the original poster's question on the efficacy of purchasing an extended warranty for the to-be-purchased Panasonic LX-100 I would assume that for the vast majority of the members in this group we can agree that to purchase a 3rd party warranty covering the period that the original manufacturer warranty is in effect is not a wise investment.

And there seemed to be a little conflating of ideas in the original post. A warranty covers things the manufacturer is responsible for like the product working for some specified duration and defects in manufacture or design. A warranty does NOT cover your actions that damage the device like dropping it or putting it in the washing machine. That is called accident insurance or something similar.

I sent a PM to the original poster with this info. And, yes I know that this is a somewhat snarky post.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

Here is an image of a squirrel with a Rainier cherry from a tree in my back yard taken with a Panasonic DMC-GX85 and Lumix/Leica 100-400 both covered by Panasonic's last year extended warranty deal.

(Download)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

My issue with the so-called extended warranty 'deal' is that in order to receive it, you must buy the piece of gear, then you must cut out a significant square of coded info from the box, thereby rendering the box unusable as a box, then you must wait while Panasonic ever so leisurely ships you a written confirmation of the warranty. There is of course a question as to whether the piece of gear is covered during the waiting period which, in my case, took three months. Panasonic could, if it wished, ask detailed questions over the phone and issue the warranty on the spot, but they choose to avoid claims by making us wait. Alternatively, one could use the product during the first year and, if it fails, submit a claim against the vendor or the manufacturer. After the first year, the manufacturer or the vendor will almost always contact you offering a two year extended warranty. A more cost efficient process, IMHO.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

Hello Ralph,

This time around Panasonic is allowing a copy of the UPC code and is also allowing a greater number of units to be purchased during the rebate time span per household. (Last time around you did have to cut out or peel off the outside layer of the UPC code on the box and there was a limit of four bodies and lenses it would cover. This year's limit is eight bodies and lenses.) And it seems you would be in the same boat with any manufacturer in the FIRST year of your warranty if they chose to degrade their goodwill and brand. In my case Panasonic emailed me a confirmation pdf of the warranty extension within a couple of months. I personally do not buy extended warranties but if it is free I am willing to spend the 10 minutes it took to fill out the forms and mail it in. (And I was able to peel the outer shiny layer of paper from the box for mine leaving the box intact but desecrated.)
Have a good one.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Ah, I suspected some snarkiness, but I wasn't sure. Thanks for clarifying.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Nikon lenses are warrantied for FIVE, that's right, FIVE YEARS. And Canon?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

No, good news, you don't have to cut the box. If it is a sticker, like Nikon, take a hair dryer to it and then peel it off and stick it on a piece of paper. Nikon will except this, then your box does not have a hole in it. Problem solved for Nikon lenses anyway.

Haydon

It works both ways Bill, refurbished Nikon's 3 months, Canon 1 year and FWIW I've never needed a lens serviced.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Unfortunately I have had one bad experience, with the Nikon 200-500. It has now been to Nikon service FIVE times. This last time I think they got it right. But, never had a problem with any other Nikon lens. But, I am very happy I have it on the 200-500. And, Nikon pays for all shipping upon request they will send you a sticker you can print out and attach to your box. The lens is now more than a year old and I have FOUR more years of free service. YEA.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Nice tree rat...

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Tamron lenses are warranted for six years...

You can play the, "My warranty is bigger than yours game" all night long, but the reassuring fact is, most people NEVER need warranty service on cameras and lenses... They BREAK them, rendering the warranty null and void.

Just wait for the early adopters of new technology to take the arrows of progress in the back, AND pay the manufacturer's development costs, and THEN buy. Your cue is when the price drops. Japan, Inc. will update the design as Rev. B and fix the bugs...

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The irony of a three year warranty is, the Japanese camera companies NEVER want to see a camera or lens again, after it leaves their shores. They make them so well, you *probably* won't need the warranty. Oh, you might drop the device and damage it, necessitating repair, but YOU pay for that. In 49 years of buying Japanese camera equipment, I have NEVER needed a warranty repair or replacement. Why in the HELL would I buy a warranty? It is just extra dealer/mfr. profit!

I like Consumer Reports' take on warranties. If you feel like you must have one, start a savings account called "warranty fund". Put the cost of every third party warranty or extended warranty you think you might need into the savings account, and NEVER TOUCH IT unless you need a repair of one of your devices. When you're as old as I am, you'll have a nice pile of cash to buy your dream camera or vacation!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

My Nikon 200-500 has been serviced five times for the same problem. ERR messages and stops taking shots. I believe Nikon got it right this time but only time will tell. I have owed over 45 Nikon lenses and this is the first one I have ever had problems with. Very happy to have the 5 year warranty. And, NO, I did not break this lens or drop it.