International Warranty for Pentax Medium Format

[bruce_mattes]

Later this year, if all goes well, I intend to purchase a medium format Pentax

645NII camera, several inserts, & 1-2 lenses..

 

Since Tin Cheung in Hong Kong has some of the most consistently low prices on

new Pentax medium format equipment, I was interested in possibly purchasing

these items from them..

 

Since I was aware that it is possible to purchase an International Warranty for

Pentax cameras, I e-mailed Tin Cheung as to the cost for such a warranty..

 

Their reply was that they only offered a 1 year shop warranty on Pentax medium

format equipment, & that it was not possible to purchase an International Warranty..

 

Does any member of PN know of a shop that will sell an International Warranty

along with new Pentax medium format camera gear?..

 

Also, do any members have any personal experience, good or bad, with

International Warranties, especially Pentax?..

 

From the few posts regarding International Warranties that I have been able to

find I get the sense that the camera manufacturers would rather not be bothered

with this issue..That it is not much of a priority with them, so that little

attention is paid to it..Any thoughts?..

 

Thanks in advance for any & all responses..

 

Bruce

[jeff.grant]

When I bought a 645NII a few years back from Robert White it came with an international

warranty. I had a minor problem which was repaired under warranty in Australia. There was

no extra charge for it.

 

I have an assortment of backs, RRS plates etc left from that camera. Contact me via email if

you are interested.

[danny_wong2]

Bruce:

 

The Pentax gear with the 1 year shop warranty is a direct import by Tin Cheung.

 

However this warranty means that you have to return the camera to them for any warranty issues. They are a reputable store in HK and is able to get their hands on Pentax equipment especially Med Format.

 

I am Canadian of Hong Kong origin and since I need my gear working I paid more in Canada for that priviledge.

[bruce_mattes]

Thanks Danny & Jeff

 

Danny--I have considered purchasing what I want through Harry's Pro Shop in Toronto..Primarily because if I had a problem it's a lot easier to ship to Canada for a repair..

 

Even after paying for shipping from HK to the USA, there is a substantial savings in cost over purchasing in Canada..I'm thinking that the close to $1500.00 in savings would pay for a lot of repairs by a private repair tech..Repairs that would not be covered under warranty unless sent back to HK for repair..

 

The thing that truly angers me with the way that Pentax does business is the unwillingness of Pentax USA to repair a camera not purchased in the USA, even if the owner is willing to pay for the repair..

 

However, with any number of Pentax-trained private repair techs plying their trade I can buy a lot or repairs for the money saved by purchasing in Hong Kong versus Canada..

[danny_wong2]

BTW I am in Toronto and have purchased gear from Harry's. However they were preowned equipment.

 

Let's continue this off the forum