Well, this is why it helps to know your rights as a consumer before you
enter into dealings with unknown vendors, especially when these vendors are
out of the country.
Basically, in America consumers have a ton of leverage (assuming their
complaint is legitimate) when they place purchases on any sort of credit
card, and some credit cards offer better (call it "extended") protection
than others. I've an American Express card (Corporate Platinum, which is
listed in the name of my business) that I resort to if I've any doubts
whatsoever about the vendor and/or product in question. I do this because I
know from experience Amex will go to bat for me--if I'm in the right.
Normally I just buy something on either my Platinum Visa or Master Charge
and never give it a second thought. But then as a rule I only do business
with known (established) vendors, or small shops I've had happy dealings
with over time (Hawaiian Camera Supply, Woodmere Camera NY come to
mind--both of these shops are run by quality people and serious
photographers--as far as I know they don't let dubious equipment in the
door to begin with).
I don't know the specifics of consumer laws in your country and how they
might bear in this particular, but I'd bet dollars to doughnuts your cc
bank provider would have supported you on this to the hilt with 1) a simple
phone call and 2) a letter in support of your complaint (along with any
supporting documentation, say, a short estimate of repair from the Olympus
tech w/explanation of problem, a facsimile of any email correspondence with
Cameta Camera re the condition of the lens prior to purchase, etc.).
If any of that represents a "problem" to you then, of course, you're free
to eat it. But please keep in mind that while you're free to act in this
manner when it comes to your business, as a result you have only encouraged
disreputable dealers to continue to act in this reprehensible (and probably
fraudulent) manner down the road, and quite likely get away with it, if for
no other reason due to ignorance on the part of the next consumer. So, in
my opinion you'd be doing both yourself, the public and the photographic
profession and hobby a medium-sized favor if the next time you run into
this sort of problem you'd bother to follow through on it.
For my part, I am as of this second crossing Cameta Camera off my list.
Before I delete it from my favorites folder I'll visit the site and give
them a piece of mine, along with a cc of this letter to our Olympus list,
so that there will be no doubt in their mind why they can not expect to do
business with me. That may not strike you as much on the surface, but it's
something, it's as much as I can do at the moment.
By the way: are you the gentleman who, a few weeks back, asked me about a
possible trade (or at least temporary exchange) of your 21mm f2 for my 40mm
f2? If so, let me know. I wouldn't mind having a 21mm in hand for vacation.
I'll be in London on my return leg and I imagine a wider view than my 24mm
would come in handy in a city crowded with large architectural structures.
To the list: I've a vendor who says he has a 21mm f3.5 in excellent+
condition except for an aperture which sticks" occasionally. He tells me
he'd have this repaired and offer me six months warranty on the item if I
pop. Two questions: first, anyone familiar with this sort of issue with a
wide-angle lens? It's never come up with me. All of my gear performs
flawlessly (knock on wood as always <g>); second, has anyone worked with
the f3.5, and if so how does it perform? I've researched it as far as I
might, to include, as always, Gary's invaluable site, but I'd like to know
if it has any known faults or peculiarities.
Thanks.
Tris
At 01:11 AM 7/25/01 +1000, you wrote:
At 12:27 AM Wednesday 25/07/2001, you wrote:
What shape was this lens represented to be in when you purchased it from
Cameta, Oben? Any problems returning it? Did they pick up the return
shipping charge?
Tris
The lens was purported to be as they say on their web site... glass free
of any defects (and I'm being kind in saying the lens had fungus. Its
multicoating was deeply etched by very fine and dense fungal blooms on
multiple elements. The most obvious fungus was immediately on the rear of
the front element and was at least 3cm long, 0.5cm wide. In terms of
visibility could have been said to be of the "dog's balls" variety. No
experienced grader could have missed it).
I'd imagine cleaning it would have damaged the MC coating as the Olympus
technician in Sydney who looked at it advised me. He had said they could
do a test cleaning and not charge me for it if it didn't come off. I gave
Cameta the option of allowing such a cleaning to take place for which they
could re-imburse me if all seemed OK. They offered $50 for cleaning and I
take all the risk to which I refused. After all the lens should have been
clean in the first place. Returning it then became a drama requiring at
least 4 long emails on my part explaining the situation.
They only returned the cost of the lens plus my original shipping charge.
The return shipping was not re-imbursed and was substantial -$35 US and
came out of my pocket. I had made it clear that I expected the return
charge to be paid by them but they didn't return it. I just wanted the
whole drama to be over and couldn't be bothered with them stuffing around
with my credit card number.
Moreover it was declared merchandise (as it should have been - I'm not
complaining) on the customs form requiring a GST payment of ~$30 US that I
had to pay to simply get it out of the customs wrapping. All up $65 US
down. Apparently I can get back the GST component if I can prove that it
was shipped back etc requiring letters from the post office and receipts
etc. Too much trouble and would cost me more in time than the refund is worth.
A circular waste of time and money. The funny thing was the packet of
lollies they included with the lens with Bill Cameta's business card
saying "Enjoy your purchase!". I mailed that back to them as well... if
its anyone who sucks... its their graders.
OC
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