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  1. #1
    Newest Nikon Samurai zrfraser's Avatar
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    Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I was in the mall today with my girlfriend and she wanted to shop and just happens that where she wanted to shop there was my favorite wolf camera. I went in and walked around and started chatting it up with the help. Told her I was still shooting film because I couldn't afford a digital at the time, or at least until I paid off my film rig. She asked me what I was shooting with and I told her Minolta. I then asked what they would do if I needed my camera replaced since I bought a two year warranty and they currently aren't selling any Minoltas at my location. She then said that they would give me one that is as cloase to what I had as possible. We then tried to figure out what that would be...

    Tha Canon K2 is one step down from what I have,
    The Canon T2 is one step up from what I have.
    They have some Pentax's bu they are on other ends of my spectrum too much or too little.
    They are also slowly getting out of budget and intermediate film cameras and leaning more towards high end film and the broad range of digital.

    She then said that if something happened to my camera and they didn't have a Maxxum in stock then the would have to give me store credit. So, basically I would have about $400 store credit to work with and I have been looking at a D50 with 18-70mm lens, which would pay for about half possibly more.

    So what I'm asking is...Has anyone else used the warranty from Ritz or Wolf? And how was the experience? They say it covers everything except loss and fire, and there is no fine print. Should I destroy my camera and put my money toward a new digital rig?

    Thoughts and opinons welcome positive or negative.

    Z
    Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something.
    Thomas A. Edison

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  2. #2
    Member ladybugamanda's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    Should I destroy my camera and put my money toward a new digital rig?
    I'm thinking that would make for some bad karma - tempting as it may be.

  3. #3
    Viewfinder and Off-Topic Co-Mod walterick's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I used to work for Rtiz. The warranty is as advertised - you're protected against everything except loss and fire! No restrictions. I can't remember if you're required to keep your warranty receipt or not, but you may want to hold onto that.

    And as for destroying it on purpose... no comment
    Walter Rick Long
    Nikon Samurai, Mamiya Master, Velvia Bandit


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  4. #4
    Newest Nikon Samurai zrfraser's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I still have my warranty receipt because the salesman told me to keep it. Did you guys ever give store credit if the camera was not in stock or not produced any more?

    Z

    P.S. it would at least look accidental...
    Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something.
    Thomas A. Edison

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  5. #5
    Sports photo junkie jorgemonkey's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I sorta had a warranty experience with them- a good one.

    I bought a D70 from them, and about about a year after I got it, I decided to send the camera back to Nikon through Ritz (it was Wolf camera, same company pretty much) but I couldn't find my reciept. They needed a reciept to prove that I was the original owner, and after looking everywhere they couldnt find it. They called Nikon, and Nikon said if I had the original card or card number that would work as well. Luckily I had the card still even though it expired, and it was sent off, minor work done, and I got it back in about 2 1/2 weeks.
    Nikon Samurai #21



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  6. #6
    Viewfinder and Off-Topic Co-Mod walterick's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I never had to do a warranty return or exchange, so I can't answer that for ya. I'm not sure what their policy is on upgrading or exchanging a model that is no longer made. You might want to look through the receipt again for the "terms."

    p.s. Leaving hammer marks in the plastic = uncool
    Walter Rick Long
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  7. #7
    mooo...wooh hoooh! schrackman's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    P.S. it would at least look accidental...
    Yeah, but it wouldn't be.

    Ray O'Canon
    Digital Rebel XTi • Digital Rebel • Canonet GIII QL17 • Agfa Parat-1

    The liberal, socialist politician's nightmare: "What a comfort to the farmer to be allowed to supply his own wants before he should be liable to pay anything, and then only pay on his surplus." - Jefferson to Madison on Taxes,1784

    My Canonet GIII QL-17 photos on flickr.

  8. #8
    Newest Nikon Samurai zrfraser's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    The lady behind the counter said that I could do whatever I wanted no questions asked, I'm just not sure whether or not to believe her. The warranty even says my own negligence. This is the best way I can think of being able to finally go digital with the minimum amount of money. I can't afford film right now and processing and I haven't even fired the shutter for about a month now so I need to do something, and soon...

    Z
    Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something.
    Thomas A. Edison

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  9. #9
    mooo...wooh hoooh! schrackman's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I don't know if you should believe her either, Z. I certainly wouldn't. After all, it's not going to be her camera that's gonna get broken, or her warranty that might be denied. So of course she can say anything she wants, as she isn't going to be affected by what you do to your camera. Also, "negligence" implies failure to properly care or maintain for something when you have the means to do so, not intentionally destroy your camera or render it useless. I really think that could void your warranty. And if that happened, then you're out a camera...period.

    I don't know what your schedule is like, but if you're able then get a second job. It won't take you long to earn the money you need for a new digital and you'll feel a heck of a lot better knowing your earned it. Just my 2 cents worth.

    Ray O'Canon
    Digital Rebel XTi • Digital Rebel • Canonet GIII QL17 • Agfa Parat-1

    The liberal, socialist politician's nightmare: "What a comfort to the farmer to be allowed to supply his own wants before he should be liable to pay anything, and then only pay on his surplus." - Jefferson to Madison on Taxes,1784

    My Canonet GIII QL-17 photos on flickr.

  10. #10
    Newest Nikon Samurai zrfraser's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I already have 3 jobs and a full course load...I'm trying to pay off my other credit cards and get out of debt. Thanks to everyone who responded...still not sure what I am going to do.

    Z
    Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something.
    Thomas A. Edison

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  11. #11
    Viewfinder and Off-Topic Co-Mod walterick's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    Hey Z,

    I feel your pain brother. If I were you, I would hang in there a while longer before making a decision. Sometimes, these situations take care of themselves.

    About trusting Ritz, I wouldn't, I worked for them for a year and they are a sleazy company. I have never heard about any problems with their warranty practices, but I would be careful. I would never work for them again, in other words.
    Walter Rick Long
    Nikon Samurai, Mamiya Master, Velvia Bandit


    Check out the Welcome Thread

    My photography on Myspace

  12. #12
    Newest Nikon Samurai zrfraser's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I am definitley going to be cautious about whatever I do. I figured I would call all the ones I could and have a mock claim over the phone and see what they would do, ask for managers, etc. My camera has been acting funny as of late (lcd not repsonding but the shutter fires, turning off on its own even though the dial is on M. I just wanted to hear of any experiences and maybe get some advice. Haven't decided anything yet, it was just a possible scenario...I just miss taking pictures.

    Z
    Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something.
    Thomas A. Edison

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  13. #13
    Princess of the OT adina's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    Quote Originally Posted by zrfraser
    Should I destroy my camera and put my money toward a new digital rig?

    Thoughts and opinons welcome positive or negative.

    Z

    Okay, this is the part that stuck out for me. I, myself, would feel like a big fat sack of crap if I did that. How can I expect my kids to be honest, if I can't. Even if I didn't have kids, I'd like to think that I have enough decency not to pull that one.

    Frankly, to do something like that, to me, is wrong.

    Otherwise, I have no experience or opinion about Wolf Camera.


    ps...notice the smiley? I don't mean this as an attack on you specificly, just my opinion on that option.
    I sleep, but I don't rest.

  14. #14
    Newest Nikon Samurai zrfraser's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    I don't see it as a decency issue because I can't see where anyone loses. Wolf Camera already made more on a sale by me getting the 90 dollar warranty. The salesman got his commission for selling the ESP. The camera is starting to show signs of malfunction just nothing to take it in for yet. Wolf Camera is making another sale by me buying a new digital from the store credit I would in turn recieve. I guess I am oblivious to it because I see it everyday. I work for a major office supply chain and we sell the same things. One of the selling points is you pay for a warranty and if its under a certain amount of money (150) then you can call a number keep your oringinal product and get a giftcard even if there is nothing wrong. Maybe this is unethical (seems to be the concensus of my peers), I don't know. There is no way I can afford one outright at this moment, because I am in college and I'm poor, even though I am working nearly 50 hours a week.

    I know you people are not attacking me personally and I appreciate that. I just want everyone to know that I am a good person, I'm just trying to get back into doing what I love and this was an option, not necessarily the best, but an option none the less. I just don't don't want to be an outcast if I decide to go through with it, because this is the only way I am going to be able to go digital in the foreseeable future.

    Thanks for all the opinions and if anybody has any more positive or negative feel free to chime in.

    Z
    Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something.
    Thomas A. Edison

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  15. #15
    May the force be with you Canuck935's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    Alright. First of all, please do not destroy you're camera intentionally. Second, if it's malfunctioning already that may be enough to warrant a replacement. Call them up and see.

  16. #16
    Liz
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    Moderator Emeritus Liz's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    The camera is starting to show signs of malfunction

    If this is true, then just be honest.....and tell them "the camera is starting to malfunction." Malfunctions must be covered in the warranty.

    just nothing to take it in for yet

    How do you know that? Some of these warranties cover just about everything - but abusing the camera. If you don't abuse the camera, and just be honest that it has some defects/malfunctions, I believe you stand a good chance of getting another one.

    I wouldn't destroy the camera. What goes around comes around. Honesty is the best policy.

    This just might be the answer for you - give it a shot!!!!!!! It just may work! :thumbsup:

    Liz

  17. #17
    Newest Nikon Samurai zrfraser's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    The signs are relatively minor at the moment i.e. shutting off even if its on and fresh batteries are place, film sometimes not advancing. None of things are things I can replicate and I don't really want them to fix it, because I am tired of film. I'll see what they say when I get a chance to call them and the nearest Wolf is about 80 miles for me and time off is limited for me right now. I just thought if it was beyond repair that would be my best chance, because i know they can't give me another because they no longer carry them.

    Z
    Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something.
    Thomas A. Edison

    Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
    Thomas A. Edison

  18. #18
    Senior Member Copy_Kot's Avatar
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    Re: Those crazy cats at Wolf Camera...

    Quote Originally Posted by zrfraser
    I already have 3 jobs and a full course load...I'm trying to pay off my other credit cards and get out of debt. Thanks to everyone who responded...still not sure what I am going to do.

    Z
    Make getting out of debt your number one goal right now, don't even worry about any camera! It wont be easy but trust me (speaking from experience) it will be worth it.

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