Wstrue

Looking at purchasing a Nikon Z7 with Nikon F4 24-70 lens. Have quote from Abe's of Maine, seems to have best price. As part of the purchase they offer a number of add-on warranty options for 3-5 years, starting at $299 for 3 year extended warranty, up to 5 year "DOP Accidental Damage Warranty" for $699. I'm pretty careful with my camera gear, have never sent something back for repair. Still using my NikonD7000, time to upgrade. Is this something you would recommend? Thoughts on the value of these warranties? Experience with Abe's of Maine?
Thanks,
Wayne

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Stay away from Abe's of Maine no matter what price they offer. There are numerous posts on UHH about them. Check the posts out then go to Adorama or B&H. I'm sure others will comment.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

This may just be an insurance policy. If you cover your equipment with an adequate photographer-specific policy, it's a waste of money. Besides, Abe's of Maine is NOT where you'd want to buy a camera. They have a sketchy past, and aren't even authorized to sell Nikon equipment.

https://cdn-6.nikon-cdn.com/where-to-buy/nikon_img_auth_dealers.pdf

Stick to B&H, Adorama, Samy's, Unique Photo, Hunt's (in New England) etc. These guys are all reputable. Abe's is not.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Check out squaretrade.com, a third party warranty-only company. Better prices than manufacturers or retailers and flawless service. They have millions of customers, and I am one of them. >Alan

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Abe's of Maine I dealt with them once 40 yrs ago they haven't changed.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

RUN! .....QUICKLY!


(I've never buggered a camera.)

Wstrue

Thanks! I may go ahead and bite the bullet, purchase locally in San Diego. Nelson Photo has great reputation, and I can walk in to ask question, etc. Will check with Adorama, B&H. I am strictly amature, a "prosumer" at best. Don't know anything about photographer-specific insurance.

Wstrue

Thanks. Will check Squaretrade. I used to hear them advertised on talk radio as alternative to cell phone company optional insurance. Half the price for similar policy on phone.

ClarkG Loc: Southern Indiana USA

Don’t EVER buy anything from Abe’s Of Maine! Or you’ll be sorry! ☹️

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Stay away from Abe's.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

These are two places not to purchase camera gear from. Abe's of Maine, and 42nd Street Photo Shop. Now, there are a small minority, and I mean a Small Minority, on this forum, who will commend them. Don't be persuaded by them. Whatsoever.

repleo Loc: Boston

Heed all the warnings about Abe's of Maine. Stick with B&H or Adorama. I got a 4 year Square Deal warranty including accidental 'drops and spills' on my Sony A7Riii for $119 from B&H. I generally don't go for extended warranties, but this was too good to pass up. Scroll down through all of the option packages on B&H and see what they offer or give them a call.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

WAYNE>>>RUN as fast as you can and stay away from Abes. It is the old story..If its too good to believe stay away. First they sell Great market stuff that Nikon will not repair. Hence you have to deal with them for repair.They have been known to take out items from the box and sell them to you as extras.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I'm not recommending anyone purchase anything from any specific retailer, especially Abe's of Maine but, I did once purchase a camera body from Abe's of Maine and I had no problem. I received exactly what I ordered and no one tried to up sell me or talk me into an extended warranty. In fact, no one talked to me at all. I placed the order on-line, payed with a credit card and a few days later, received my purchase via UPS.
Logic would dictate that, if every sale is some sort of scam, the retailer can not stay in business very long.

Personally, my favorite place to purchase camera's now is the Best Buy in North Delaware, just south of the DE PA state line. They have a very good selection of interchangeable lens, bridge and point & shoot cameras, lenses and accessories. And, they have a few employees who actually have a clue. Also, Delaware has no state sales tax and it's a relatively short drive for me.

Since most new camera prices are set by the manufacturer, it really boils down to who has what you want in stock. If there's a good local camera shop near by, buy from them. It's good for small business.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

If it works for you. Fine and Dandy. 80% of my Nikon camera gear, and other assorted accessories comes from B&H. I have purchased from Best Buy Stores as well. I recommended two of my friends to buy very good used lenses from KEH. They were very satisfied with the condition they were in. I do go to camera shops, but they are far and few between. I was curious about a Fujifilm X-T3, but they only had a X-T2. Based on other camera gear shops, such as Adorama, and Cameta. I would indeed trust buying from them. Simply because of satisfied customers on this forum. I've been buying from B&H for about 10 years now. And, I love purchasing from them. Because of great customer service. And, I still would not buy from Abe's and Maine, nor 42nd Street Photo Shop. Why? Because, I don't have to.