Where/How did you buy your S2?

[Tom V]

I am introducing this thread for all the people out there that are considering where to buy their Fuji S2 camera. The camera is a fantastic piece of machinery and it is attracting the attention of many film-camera toting photographers who need a little advice before making the plunge.

Where and when did you buy your S2? Was it a Canadian, USA, or other package? Were you happy with the price? Were you happy with the dealer? Whould you recommend them to new purchacers? Did you have a poor experience and do you have any warnings or alerts regarding any dealers or practices?

Please share your direct knowledge. Be as truthful and specific as possible. :eek:

[Tom V]

eBay? Yes, I bought it off eBay.

August, 2002

Sounds crazy, but it was the only way I could get one at the time. I checked the seller's reviews, and previous buyers of S2s from him were satisfied. I bid $2425 (free shipping, no tax).

I had handled a demo S2 and demo D100 at a camera store where I decided that I liked the S2 more. I had gone into the store wanting the D100. The store had an endless waiting list with no idea when they were coming in.

Through eBay, I got a North American camera (NTSC video) in a Canadian Package. I did not know that the Canadian Package did not include things the USA Package included - since I didn't know anyone or any dealer that had one. I was left to believe that all North American packages were the same - my mistake.

I later bought the AC Adapter from a dealer in London, Ontario, Canada.

I realize I paid a premium for getting the camera when I did. I could have waited 2 months and gotten a USA Package for about the same price.

Regardless, I am still very happy with the purchace of my camera.

[brenz45]

I bought my S2 on e-bay.com.au from ozdigital in Hong Kong.I was a bit skeptical about sending $3400.00 AU to an unknown but he did have 260 positive rating.S2 retails for $5900.00 body only in Aust.($3600.00US)so with $500.00 GST and import broker fees I saved $1k,which I put towards a Nikkon af18/35 and 28/105,sb80dx speedlight which I bought locally at roughly the same price as ozdigital.All in all apart from a few teething problems and lots of new buttons to press I am 100% happy with my purchase the camera takes some truly amazing shots.Brenz

[CaptJR]

I just got my S2 last week and I better reply to this right away because my memory is like a sieve.

I searched on google through Dealtime and other similar price search sites. Foto Connection continually came up with the best price and they were not over charging for shipping. I was suspiciouse at first, so I ask three times if this was the USA version. $1989 USD. The sales person didn't get upset that I keep asking, he said he understoud why I was asking. They are in NY and I'm in Pennsylvania so I just used regular ground shipping. They must have shipped either that day or the next because I recieved my S2 in three days. They were so nice and efficient that I ordered the lens I wanted from them even though it was $20 more than the best price I had found on it. 24x120mm nikkor. Very pleasent buying experience.

JR

[snapshotmd]

I found mine on e-Bay USA and bought it through Galaxy Photo in Canada. Back in Dec, '02 I paid US$2050.00 with shipping included.

[JetEye]

I got mine from the Broadway photo in NY. Make the long story short, they sent me the Canadian version but I paid for the US version. I called them and they sent me a US version yesterday and I'll be sending them the Canadian version back to them today.

[Europa_714]

I have learned enough about digital to know that I am more than ready to put my Canon AE1 into mothballs... now comes the learning curve on where to buy the camera, lenses, CF....

As all have informed me through this forum, gray market is not the way to go, and I have decided to go with USA package, but still some vendors state same items as US pack, or say they cannot find the info I request to verify US pack... Is omitting information the same as a lie? who knows...

Fuji says UPC code number (under bar code) should start with
"74101" to designate USA package.

So wondering if anyone has bought from the following places:

digital liquidators . com $1495.00
hotbuyselectronic . com $1749.98
amphotoworld . com $1499.00
bwayphoto . com $1869.00

also; etronics . com & hotbuyselectronic . com, has low prices on Sigma Nikon AF-D lenses and CF (sandisk) 'not ultra' for $222.00

If anyone has any comments or info on best price for USA pack or accessories please share your thoughts... as, I may be out of my mind here, but it's getting to the point where I could pay the low price, (gray pack) and buy the software and power supply separate and still get a good deal, but I bet there is more to this?

[JetEye]

bwayphoto.com and digitalliquidators.com's description says that they are both PAL(Europe) version. I don't know about other companies..

HTH

[lightwrangler]

I got mine from a store here in Toronto in Sept/02. They let me try out a camera and lenses, shoot test images and look at them in the store. I could also take a few shots home and take a look on my own computer. This is the same place that sold me an E10 Olympus and other goodies. When I said yes, a brand new (never been opened package) was presented to me for approval. I got to fully inspect it before any money changed hands.

I bought the full package with hyper utility software and paid the extra for an AC adapter and spare battery tray. I also bought a Sigma 17-35mm and a Lexar 24x 512 Pro CF card. For good measure I added 8 Ansman 1800 ma Nimhs and a charger.

I didn't compare with mail order places, just other local stores and I got a fair price. The service at a local pro shop negates any savings that a mail order company could give me. Staff that can answer any question and let you try out a multitude of accessories before you buy are really worth being faithful to. I think that if you can deal face to face with a pro shop, that is the way to go.

[bjnicholls]

I bought my US version off ebay from Alkit in New York. I got the complete package with EX and the AC brick for $200 less than from the reputable mail order dealers like Adorama and B&H that I normally work with. The camera shipped the next day, no problems on the deal. I found out yesterday mine has a recall serial number, but that's not the dealer's fault.

[davealan]

I am also a Galaxy Photo purchaser via Canada, through ebay. I also paid US$2050.00 with shipping included. The S2 has a Canadian warranty - but no big deal - if I need service, I ship to Canada instead of shipping to somewhere in U.S. But I don’t understand this “Canadian models don’t have as much”. I got AC adaptor included, 4 NiMH batteries and charger. No USA model had the NiMH and charger. $2050 - no tax, no duty, 2-day delivery. Absolutely sealed and new in box. I hope he gets the “S3” as soon as it is released - I’ll be on his waiting list!

Dave

[justinb]

Add me to the list of purchasers from Galaxy Photo. Made the purchase through EBay, but finalized the transaction over the phone. The representative that I dealt with (Ali?) was extremely personable, answered all of my questions, and I had the camera in hand in two days. Paid $1950, and my only regret regarding the North American model is that I did not understand that there would be a difference in software - it never even crossed my mind. Unfortunately, ignorance is my fault, not theirs, and they provided everything they promised. I would have no problem using them again or recommending them to others.

Justin

[vmic92]

I bought my S2 in Paris, France, in a FNAC shop. It was in 2002 in august. The S2 was announced but not yet available and I have specially reserved it. The price was 2.999 Euros. In Europe, the kit don't includes the Hyper-Utility software.
Now, since a month, the new price is 2.499 Euros ($ 2.674 USD today change value), still without the EX software, but with the LE version.

[Eugene]

Got mine at a local store (Foto Art) in Owen Sound, Ontario. I got a great price as his overhead is low and small town, friendly service. I also bought my two lenses, bag, monopod etc all from the same place. Once again, the service was soooo good that I never really comaprison shopped for all the items.
Eugene :D

[S_Leeper]

I got mine at uniquephoto.com which has their fairly large store only about 10 miles from my house.
I went in to get with the thought of getting a canon, but open to the S2 & wanting to confirm some questions & handle the cameras. As I had minolta & pentax (all before there was autofocus) I knew/thought lenses would be the real determining factor...
Salesperson showed me a 30" x 40" print & I went with the S2, my lucky day. Salesperson tried to sell me a 28-200 zoom, but being sort of old school about lenses I "settled" on a 35-70 zoom--another bit of good luck.
I am very happy with the nikkor & sigma lenses available. I am even happier with camera's ability to make beautiful images with those lenses. Purchased last September, paid $2,400, which was current retail for US version... they had in stock...

[teski]

I got mine the first week of August 2002 from http://www.pictureline.com for $2395.

They are in Salt Lake City, and I am in Washington State. I was referred to them by the local area Fuji rep that I got in touch with when I couldn't find an S2 anywhere.

Pictureline was very professional and helpful, and seem to be a valued reseller for Fuji because the rep couldn't say enough good things about them.

Pictureline only sells USA merchandise, and I was very happy with the price because the camera had just come out, so everyone was charging $2399. :-)

I would recommend Pictureline as well as these others that I know are reliable:

http://www.canogacamera.com
http://www.tallyns.com
http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Teski

[Dan Wolf]

I bought my S2 two weeks ago, online from B&H Photo - www.bhphotovideo.com (I live in Colorado). My only prior experience with them was in purchasing an accessory for my Fuji 6900 over a year ago. I had a good experience then, and had heard many good things about B&H since.

I paid $2200 for the S2 (US version with AC adapter & software), and I bought several Nikon lenses at the same time. Overall, I'm very pleased with B&H, and I'll definitely order things from them in the future.

Dan

PS. B&H has a pretty decent web site, too.

[Ron Green]

Pre-ordered USA version online 6/28/02 from Canoga Camera, shipped 8/20/02, paid list. Returned once to Fuji via FedEx for one-pixel full-frame magenta horizontal line on all pix. Fuji retured fixed via FedEx. Canoga did what they said they'd do, Fuji fixed fast.

[Andre]

I also bought from Galaxy, but not on EBay. I walked into the store. I paid $3100 CDN.

[rgalang]

I had a really good experience. Especially since there was no tax. Total came to a little less than $2,500, but it included a 1 gigabyte CF card.

Later, I bought the 28-70 f2.8 AF-S IF-ED lens through them too. Always on time, always cordial, and good deals from a very reputable company.

I would highly recommend them. I also check out PCPhotoREVIEW.com and Bizrate.com to find out about other online retailers.

Raymond

[Mystie]

Hi all, newby here! I bought mine online from another photographer dude... In October 2002. I paid 2100.00...not a bad deal then or now. I have no regrets....

[Wichita Wayne]

Toto and I drove up to Wolfe's because the local Fuji owned store cannot seem to order enought to supply the demand. I also like shopping at Wolfe's because the are a stable business. I purchased a CF card and Wolfe's special digital camera package that includes a 3 yr warrenty and some little accesories. I know that I paid a premium for all of this but with all the other purchases I have made at Wolfe's I know that they will stand behing the products they sell and will not leave a professional out in the cold if something is wrong. The salesman was also very knowledgable and passed on some very helpful information. Most of which I have shared with you guys in the past. For example, never buy a CF card without taking the camera with you and trying it in the store. Wolde's has a big store inventory with a small shop attitude.

[Lab Rat]

You can ad me to the Galaxy Photo list. I found them on eBay also. Great service and good price. Compared to local camera stores saved $600 and another $200 sales tax! You can buy some nice CF memory cards and a nice Nikon zoom for that kind of money.

[Duck]

I purchased mine from KEH.com out of Atlanta in august of 2002... B&H and Adorama both had a two week waiting list. I paid $2399 for the full US package...

[jdempsey]

Purchased mine from them in December for $1950.00 delivered. North American version, had power cord, batteries and charger delivered in two days. I was concerned about warranty being in Canada, but Fuji stands behind their product. Mine showed up on the recall list and had to be sent in for a replacement. I contacted Fuji USA and explained the situation (including where it was purchased) and they told me to send it in. I had a new replacement shipped out the day after they received mine. Ali was very knowledgable and low pressure. Overall a great experience.:)

[Europa_714]

I tried to find the best price for the USA version, but found that nearly every one of the vendors selling below 2.3k are selling the japan version (Mfg. Part No. 43020209) or NA version...

all USD:
S2 Pro $2219 including shipping USA package; Priceler.com

Sigma Nikon AF-D 17-35 f/2,8-4 and
Sigma Nikon AF-D 28-200 f/3.5-5.6 $589.75 including shipping;
Etronics.com

1GB Lexar 16X 'Jumpshot' CF (TYPE II) $278.40 inc/shipping; B&H Photo

20pack Toshiba CR123A $33.50 inc/shipping; Botach

Addonics AEIDEDMD4B IDE CF drive $74.00 inc/shipping; storageusa.com

Coolcharger w/auto kit MH-C204F-AA20BH $41.95 w/(4) 2000mah;
mahaenergy.com

I will post any problems to watch out for with vendors or shipping issues if I encounter any problems.

[Europa_714]

Got everything as ordered (on 4/29 post). All items were USA, sealed factory fresh, all items shipped OK.

I would use most of these vendors listed.
Even though I had some problems with (Bilibi, Priceler, Priceit4less.. all the same company) I was not aware of the reviews for this vendor at the time of ordering, but the end result worked in my favor..... maybe I just walked between the rain drops... well dude, we just dont know.

You can see more detail on retailers at;

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2721.html

[aaronwashington]

I bought my S2 this past December from Digital Foto Discount Club in NY. I got a great price on it. Later I found out it is also a Canadian model. I should have know when there were two sets of directions, in french and english. I called them up immediately and told them I was very annoyed, because there was no ac adapter of Hyper Utility Software. They sent them out to me the very next day. Dose anyone know if the Hyper Utiltity Software come with the US models? Also does anyone know if there is a mojor difference in the Canadian and US models? I have been very happy with the camera. But I realize how easy it is for dealers to pull on over on you. I researched the camera for several months before I made the jump and they were still able to pull one over on me.
Any info on the product differences would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Europa_714]

I did the same thing, researched months before buying. From my information the cameras are the same for NA and USA models, only diff is in the package items included with the camera. For any potential buyers, I would recommend that they contact Fuji by phone as I did, they are helpfull and will give you the "UPC" code for each package (USA, NA, Euro) so that you can verify the correct part number with your reseller before purchase. Also, call reseller back within hours of ordering to verify the camera being shipped is the right one. I was thinking of buying a grey market camera and buying the adaptor and software independant of the camera, pricewise it looks to be more cost effective. but then I was not sure if the camera itself would have the menu in an asian language, and other variables (vendor credibility, warranty) caused this idea to soon fade. Overall this forum has the best information needed for S2 buyers and users. I have found the people associated with this forum are great and will freely share information/experiences. I have directly e-mailed several members with great results.

[aaronwashington]

Europa_714,
Thanks for the info. My S2 works great, I just saw the thread about the NA cameras and were alittle concerned. I'mglad they sent me the Hyper Utility and AC Charger for free, bc with the new adobe camera raw (it absolutely blows the ex converter away, I suggest you check it out), if I'd have paid the money for the converter EX, I would've been upset. The camera shooting software is worth the money though. Good luck and thanks again.

[RScott]

I've been looking into digital SLR's for a while now. It was between the D100 and the S2. I've read so many good things about the S2, especially for wildlife that I went with it. I did a lot of surfing looking for best prices. Ironically, I found a decent price at State Street Discount's mail order for $2049.00, USA version and they had it for $2049.00 w/free shipping. They didn't have to ship though because I live 5 miles from them so I ordered it online and then went over and picked it up!


www.statestreetdirect.com