Buying overseas

[Jola]

We do make every effort to price match our (reputable!) competitors - on both unit cost and shipping.

If you need any advice or after-sales support, you are most welcome to email me directly.

Good of you to respond on here, but I have never bought from you, and have often bought from B&H. Why ?

Well, the prices are typically the same, and B&H has more / better shipping options.

Also, B&H's admin seems to operate better, the one time that I did try to buy from Adorama I got stuck with the admin.

So, it's all very well to say that you are competitive, but I haven't found that in practice.

 

[koffiejunkie]

We do make every effort to price match our (reputable!) competitors - on both unit cost and shipping.

If you need any advice or after-sales support, you are most welcome to email me directly.

OK, I'm impressed I'll stop by next time.

 

[HelenOster]

Good of you to respond on here, but I have never bought from you, and have often bought from B&H. Why ?

Well, the prices are typically the same, and B&H has more / better shipping options.

Also, B&H's admin seems to operate better, the one time that I did try to buy from Adorama I got stuck with the admin.

So, it's all very well to say that you are competitive, but I haven't found that in practice.

I guess that may depend on how far back you ordered from us; we've undergone a major restructuring during the past 18 months which introduced many new working practices and staffing arrangements - we even have a new website!

In addition, I'm always only an email away.

 

[SubliminalThought]

I think its AWESOME that B&H and Adorama responds here, which means that we in SA are considered to be important customers to them. Kudos. I bought quite a bit through B&H so its nice to know there is another option I can look at from the US.

 

[HelenOster]

I think its AWESOME that B&H and Adorama responds here, which means that we in SA are considered to be important customers to them. Kudos.

No question; ALL our customers are important to us, and we will always do whatever we can to assist whatever your need or enquiry!

 

[bwana]

Why? What happened?

I just had a really unpleasant experience with one of B&H's online reps.

OK, I'm impressed I'll stop by next time.

I've haggled with them over Skype when my mother went to pick up a second hand lens from them. They knocked off a couple hundred dollars which was fine by me.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Useful to know. I'm going to rent a 70-200mm f/2.8 L (probably the old one) for an event next month some time. Will see how I like it - I might just start saving up for the new one

 

[ponder]

I just had a really unpleasant experience with one of B&H's online reps.

I hope you brought that to B&H's attention.

 

[ponder]

In general (because I dont have any experience with Pentax) the camera's warranty is only good in the country/region it was purchased in. You probably could get it repaired locally but it wouldn't be free.

If you apply for an International warranty with Pentax the warranty will be honoured at any international authorized pentax service center.

From Pentax online support:

Jeffrey R: Thank you for contacting Pentax Chat Support. How may I help you?
Me: Hi Jeffrey
Me: Does Pentax offer international warranty on it's products?
Jeffrey R: yes
Me: Do you have a link to their website where this is stated?
Jeffrey R: To apply for International Warranty please provide the following information:

· Dated proof of purchase which includes your name, address, and phone number
· Model name
· 7-digit Serial Number from the bottom of the camera

You may FAX this information to: Joe Virgil at: 303-728-0145

You may also mail this information to him at:
Pentax Imaging Company
600 12th Street
Suite 300
Golden, CO 80401
Attn: Joe Virgil

or e-mail (with attachment) to: [email protected]
Me: Is there an additional fee for this?
Jeffrey R: no
Me: So if I purchased a camera in the USA, NY the warranty would then be valid in South Africa for example?
Me: Does this hold true for both bodies & lenses?
Me: Hi, you there?
Jeffrey R: I'm here
Jeffrey R: the warranty applies to cameras and lenses. The international warranty simply allows the standard US warranty to be honored at other authorized pentax service centers internationally.
Me: Thanks Jeffrey, much appreciated.
Jeffrey R: so if you took the camera to a service center in say, vietnam, they would honor the warranty there if you had an international warranty.
Jeffrey R: sure, you're welcome.
Me: Thanks, Bye

http://www.pentaximaging.com/support/customer-care/

Another company that offers full International Warranty (without applying for it) is Olympus.

 

[Jola]

I guess that may depend on how far back you ordered from us; we've undergone a major restructuring during the past 18 months which introduced many new working practices and staffing arrangements - we even have a new website!

In addition, I'm always only an email away.

Well, I'm quite happy to give Adorama a try the next time that I need something, and will e-mail you if I have a problem.

 

[ratinakage]

I went ahead and ordered the Pentax k-x from Adorama! Decided to have it shipped to SA. At the last second after payment, I realized that the 8GB memory card I ordered with the camera is on back-order. Oops! Not sure what that means to me or how long I will have to wait... Would rather not have the memory card than wait too long. I want my new toy!!!

Anyway, very exciting!!

Will keep you guys informed as to importing and how long it takes before its in my hands...

 

[ponder]

At the last second after payment, I realized that the 8GB memory card I ordered with the camera is on back-order. Oops! Not sure what that means to me or how long I will have to wait... Would rather not have the memory card than wait too long. I want my new toy!!!

They might end up shipping it as two packages, best to contact them and ask about it.

 

[HelenOster]

I went ahead and ordered the Pentax k-x from Adorama! Decided to have it shipped to SA. At the last second after payment, I realized that the 8GB memory card I ordered with the camera is on back-order. Oops! Not sure what that means to me or how long I will have to wait... Would rather not have the memory card than wait too long. I want my new toy!!!

Anyway, very exciting!!

Will keep you guys informed as to importing and how long it takes before its in my hands...

If you email me with your order number I will see what I can find out

 

[ratinakage]

If you email me with your order number I will see what I can find out

Cool. E-mailed you...

Thanks!!

 

[ratinakage]

They might end up shipping it as two packages, best to contact them and ask about it.

Yeh, I told them rather to cancel the card and just send the camera. I can get a SD card in SA. I would rather have a card from day one otherwise the camera is kinda useless.

Anyway, loving the Adorama experience so far. The fact that they watch this forum and respond super-fast is really impressive. And speaking to them on the phone as well, they seem to be jacked. Also, they came in about 38 dollars cheaper than B&H. The price of the camera seems on Adorama is just $499 (plus shipping plus customs??)

My camera should be dispatched today or tomorrow. Woot!!

 

[furnic]

Glad things going well with you, I'm not getting much joy from Adorama - Looks like I'll have to stick with BH and Amazon for my goodies.

 

[Jola]

Glad things going well with you, I'm not getting much joy from Adorama - Looks like I'll have to stick with BH and Amazon for my goodies.

Ditto !

 

[bwana]

Glad things going well with you, I'm not getting much joy from Adorama - Looks like I'll have to stick with BH and Amazon for my goodies.

Why not?

 

[Nanfeishen]

Anyone here use Pentax??

I have had a Pentax K100D for a number of years, got it due to the backward compatible nature WRT lenses, it took all the lenses that my old K1000 35mm film camera took.
Recently picked up the Pentax K-x in Hong Kong and all my lenses fit very nicely, although obviously being old the auto focus feature remains manual, but thats not a major issue.
The 18 - 55mm lense i got with my K100D works lovely with the K-x and is a worthwhile lens to have as it is quite versatile.
You lense versatility is very good with the K-x, as you can also use some Sigma as well as Tamron lenses on the camera.

Some links WRT to lense info for the K-x

Recommended Lenses for Pentax k-x, k-m
http://www.radiantlite.com/2009/12/recommended-lenses-for-pentax-k-x-k-m.html

Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300mm
https://www.photo4less.com/pd-produ...apo_dg_macro_autofocus_lens_for_pentax_af.htm

Pentax K-X + Tamron 70-200
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/...0-f-2-8-old-school-pentax-lens-performance.ht

Sigma for Pentax
http://www.sacamera.co.za/category/SAC100074/Sigma+for+Pentax/

Store locator for pentax products in SA
http://www.fujifilm.co.za/teltron/view/teltron/en/page91

 

[koffiejunkie]

@sdd - Thanks!! I did a quick search on the gumtree for Pentax. There seems to be some 2nd hand lenses for sale so I guess there are a few people using them locally... Do all Pentax lenses work on all Pentax cameras??

All the K-Mount (bayonet mount) lenses ever made fits and works on the current Pentax bodies. For the older (M42 screw mount) lenses, you need an adaptor but they fit nicely. From what I remember, the Pentax DSLR bodies don't use the lever on the back of the lenses to communicate the aperture, so the older K-mount lenses, called Pentax-M, is a bit more tricky to use, because the camera's metering can't follow as you adjust the aperture. There's a method for doing exposure (green button, I think) that take a shot to meter and then adjust shutter etc accordingly.

Anything from Pentax-A onwards has electronic bits that communicate the aperture, so you can use the Av and (I think) Tv modes. Have a look at http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/ for loads of information about Pentax glass.

Anyone here use Pentax??

I used to have a K100D Super. I found it too small for my hands, and passed it on to my dad, who has a wealth of Pentax glass. It's a great camera, and for as an entry level body has some features that I still wish my mid-range Canon had.