Biting the Bullet

[ecroxford]

After sitting on the fence for over a year and reading these forums, i'm ready to bite the bullet and purchase an S2.. even with the eventuality of the S3... I need some advise on where to purchase. The lowest price seems to be Express camera.. but alas my emails to them remain unanswered.

Any suggestions as to where to buy and things to watch for would be appreciated.

I look forward to seeking advice in these forums... Great stuff and people here.



Thanks
Ed Croxford

[Tom V]

The first place I would look is at your local photography store. It is always good to support a knowledgeble local store if there is one around. The intangibles of personal service and quick support may be worth the extra cash (up to a point).

Second, I look at B&H Photo for iron-clad reputation, professional service and a very wide selection. www.b&hphotovideo.com . They sell the S2 (search item number FUFPS2 ) $1995.95.

Third, I would look at others, but would be very wary of businesses selling the camera much cheaper, or with shady or unknown reputations. There are a lot of reputable dealers, but there are several that aren't.

I have no knowledge of Express Camera.

Be aware that the USA package is not the same as the "North American", Canadian, or other region packages. Often, lower prices are for the Non-USA package. The USA package includes the USA Warranty, AC Adapter (you will need one to clean the sensor), and the additional software. The Non-USA packages do not include the AC Adapter nor much software, and are supposedly only covered under the warranty in the original country.

Both the USA and Canadian models have NTSC video output. Other regions may have PAL video.

I bought mine via ebay from Canada, a bit before they were available here in the USA. I ended up having to get the AC Adapter and other things separately, and never had to use the warranty (now expired).

I am sure other members would like to share their buying experiences, good and bad.

:beerchug:

[jhawk1000]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/rating_summary.php/ut=44660bd459282c5f/


This is a good place to start. If you search for Express, they have been removed and had a miserable rating.

Mel

[jamesdane]

Local camer shop is best. If you wan to save a few dollars and shop on-line:

1) Be prepared to take the risk for the savings;

2) Be prepared to shoulder the burden of remote problem resolution;

3) Check here first: http://www.resellerratings.com/find.pl

Jim

[es136]

Hi Ed,

I researched the S2’s user reviews, store ratings, eBay, …. for about 6 months before dropping the cash. (Best purchase I have ever made).

I ended up buying from the local camera store ($350) more expensive than ebay but well worth the service and knowledge gained about the camera & accessories, not to mention the ability to negotiate and get some freebies(bag, CCD cleaner, Tripod).

Good luck
Eddie

[ecroxford]

Thanks for everyones input.. I think i'll try a local photoshop first.


ed

[Don65Stang]

Local, if available.

B&H. I've tried a couple of other stores, but now I don't even looks elsewhere. B&H is my source for camera equipment, etc.

Avoid tri-state camera, where I bought my USA S2 for $1749 +$49 shipping. Many problems, but they did eventually make good on the deal. I give them a "C".

B&H gets an "A+".

[VA_Shooter]

No question about it...

1. Local photo shop
2. B & H

You're going to spend a good chunk of money here. Being able to talk to someone face to face is important at the time of sale and afterward. B & H is an excellent source...they may be in NY, but when you pick up the phone and call them they pick up the phone and talk to you until the problem is solved and they are first rate sellers all the way through the transaction...absolutely great people to deal with. Look no further, you will not regret spending a bit more money for a smooth transaction involving this amount of cash.

[Marcel F]

Ed ,
I took the plunge a month ago and went with my Camera shop for $1900 and great support .. I ahd to wait almost 4 weeks to get one .
The supply is scarced these day.

Check also your package , in the USA package you should have the soft and the AC .. I had the Soft but not the AC ..
With one phone call and a fax to Fuji , they provided me with the missing AC free of charge .

Regards

Marcel

[ecroxford]

Thanks for everyones advice... Even with the s3 coming out in the near future i decided to go ahead... I ordered the s2 today from State Street Discount.... Its only about 50 miles away from me.. Also order the 24-120 vr lense from B&H.... Now i'll be able to use all that great advice i find on these forums..

Thanks Again to everyone
Ed Croxford

:D

[technodol]

I have one that is basically brand new with lens lots of memory and more for sale! Bought at a local dealer with still over 10 months warranty if youre interested.
Warm regards,
Ray