Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.reapir (More info?)
Tom posted a question about refurb cameras.... I'd say Richard is right --
if you can find a new one in your price range, I would buy a new one.
With my experience with Olympus and their expensive flat rate repair policy,
I would also consider getting an extended warranty - again depending on the
price.
Based on my experience with Olympus cameras, if they have a 3-5 year
warranty for $50, I would take it. Anything less than 2 years would be worth
about $10-20 extra to me.
FYI, flat rate repair costs are (plus shipping about $6):
C750 - $144
C700 - $154 (mine)
D340L - $105 (my old camera)
In general if they can fix it by cleaning or otherwise not replacing parts,
it's a minimu $29. Otherwise the flat rate applies.
Mine is a C700 and flat rate repair is $154 plus $6 shipping regardless of
what is wrong. This is a good deal if you ran over it with your lawn mower,
but not if it's just a something simple that you could replace. Bad news is
that they don't make any service literature available to their customers.
OK... Here's more info that you wanted, but hope it might help you and
others...
I am one of those guys who (thinks he) can fix anything with a rubber band
and paper clip. Plus, I can't resist a "bargain" and end up with lots of 2nd
hand stuff - most of which works just fine.
However, if you're not a tinkerer or if you need one to work first time
every time, stick with a new one.
Before that, I bought a D-340L, and also happy with it until it finally
stopped working and I took it all apart (parts are still in a zip lock).
Not related, but the D-340L (maybe others) has a problem with the battery
door hinges breaking off. They sell them for $6 each, and when the 2nd one
broke, I bought a few spares. The springs were stronger than the plastic
hinges. (After replacing the 2nd door, I squeezed the hinges back so there
was less pressure.)
To buy refurb from Olympus, call NY office at (800) 201-7766 or order online
at www.olympusamerica.com - click on "emporium"
More info than you wanted, I know.... but Richard and others have really
helped me and I'd like to do the same.
Fred
Tom posted a question about refurb cameras.... I'd say Richard is right --
if you can find a new one in your price range, I would buy a new one.
With my experience with Olympus and their expensive flat rate repair policy,
I would also consider getting an extended warranty - again depending on the
price.
Based on my experience with Olympus cameras, if they have a 3-5 year
warranty for $50, I would take it. Anything less than 2 years would be worth
about $10-20 extra to me.
FYI, flat rate repair costs are (plus shipping about $6):
C750 - $144
C700 - $154 (mine)
D340L - $105 (my old camera)
In general if they can fix it by cleaning or otherwise not replacing parts,
it's a minimu $29. Otherwise the flat rate applies.
Mine is a C700 and flat rate repair is $154 plus $6 shipping regardless of
what is wrong. This is a good deal if you ran over it with your lawn mower,
but not if it's just a something simple that you could replace. Bad news is
that they don't make any service literature available to their customers.
OK... Here's more info that you wanted, but hope it might help you and
others...
I am one of those guys who (thinks he) can fix anything with a rubber band
and paper clip. Plus, I can't resist a "bargain" and end up with lots of 2nd
hand stuff - most of which works just fine.
However, if you're not a tinkerer or if you need one to work first time
every time, stick with a new one.
Before that, I bought a D-340L, and also happy with it until it finally
stopped working and I took it all apart (parts are still in a zip lock).
Not related, but the D-340L (maybe others) has a problem with the battery
door hinges breaking off. They sell them for $6 each, and when the 2nd one
broke, I bought a few spares. The springs were stronger than the plastic
hinges. (After replacing the 2nd door, I squeezed the hinges back so there
was less pressure.)
To buy refurb from Olympus, call NY office at (800) 201-7766 or order online
at www.olympusamerica.com - click on "emporium"
More info than you wanted, I know.... but Richard and others have really
helped me and I'd like to do the same.
Fred
