Canon wants $150 to fix my S400?!

[darwin]

I purchased my S400 off of eBay, new in box, still sealed, about four months ago.

At my graduation party, I turned the camera on, and the lens came out just fine, but it was really, really blurry.

I felt the lens a bit, and it has some play in it. However, if I hold the lens stationary, and zoom in-- it grabs the lens and it works again. Focuses and zooms perfectly.

I feel it's a warranty issue because it wasn't dropped, wasn't abused ever, but they still want $150 because I have no valid reciept.

What should I do? I mean I can pick up an A80 for $200, so why in the world would I pay $150 to fix the S400 which I already own?

Any ideas? Is this common? Ritz Camera quoted me at $275... So that's no help.

Thanks guys. I may be new to this forum, but since I've found it, I'll be on here often for sure.

[Ogrt48]

You aren't the orginal buyer, you're legally buying it used so Canon has no obligation to cover it under warrenty. In other words it's upgrade time.

[darwin]

Damnit.

What would a good upgrade be if I loved the S400?

[rsnadel]

Tough lesson, unfortunately. Who knows how much the eBay site paid for the camera, or how it was obtained. You've just discovered why legit retailers tend to charge a little more than auction sites-- there is a real cost for the warranty and a real cost for being an authorized dealer. That said, there's also some comfort in knowing that you're protected in case something does go wrong.

[stopbath]

Your only recourse in this issue is with whom you purchased the camera from. Perhaps they can supply you with a copy of the receipt. With the receipt you might be able to get warranty work (as you purchased it still sealed and you are the camera's first user.) But then again, as you did buy it from someone who is NOT a dealer, it is wholly Canon's option to refuse any warranty claim.

If a second attempt still remains unresolved, it's your call to get it fixed or replaced with another camera. Perhaps you could "upgrade" the camera through Canon at a discount??? They keep your non working camera, they sell you a new camera at a lower price than at the stores. This option may or may not be valid as again, it's up to Canon...

[darwin]

Yeah I paid more for my A70 because I wasn't sure about Canon, and then when I got my S400 I was so sure about Canon's quality, that I bought it off eBay knowing it would be an issue.

So I'll sell it "as is" because it still functions, and I'll probably get a hundred or so.

What should I upgrade to? I loved the camera and want to stay with a smaller variety.

4.0mp+ and 3x optical+

Under $500 let's say?

Thanks guys.

[JohnnyE]

You could always call Canon and request a PowerShot upgrade to an S500 for $250. 800-828-4040

[darwin]

What if I wanted to do a powershot upgrade to an S410 from my S400?

Would that work? I bet it wouldn't be that expensive either... Less than the repair?

Hmmm... Anyone know what the upgrade cost would be through Canon?

[JohnnyE]

You can only upgrade to an S500. The S410 is not part of the PowerShot Upgrade program at the moment.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I had no idea they would do an "upgrade" ... if so .. then why are all us 10D 300D owners worried about selling to raise $$ for a 20D?

I wish I could just trade it in :)

[xdjoynerx]

Damnit.

What would a good upgrade be if I loved the S400?

my friend bought a pro 1 off of ebay and in the box was missing the lens hood. he sent them a copy of his paypal receipt and they sent him a lens hood, free of charge, no questions asked.

try to get a copy of your pay pal receipt (if thats how you payed)it should be available in your account for at least a year.

if you payed by cash or what ever. then your screwed.

[JohnnyE]

I had no idea they would do an "upgrade" ... if so .. then why are all us 10D 300D owners worried about selling to raise $$ for a 20D?

I wish I could just trade it in :)

Canon has a "PowerShot Upgrade" program - but no EOS digital upgrade...yet.

[darwin]

I called and asked about the Paypal reciept and they said no.

So powershot upgrade for $250...

That's $250 for a $500 camera.

Or I could sell it for $200 and pay the remainder.... I'll do the upgrade.

Oh well. Here I come 5mp.

[xdjoynerx]

said no to what?

you dont need to call them. the recipts for the trans action are right there in your account. you just got to print it out.

go to history

within > past year

click on the transaction. and print that out.

thats what my friend did, and canon accepted it.

[darwin]

I'll print it and send it right now.

I feel like a child throwing a temper-tantrum... I haven't taken ONE shot with my own hardware in over a month and it's killing me!

I'm in a new state, at a new place and everyday I see something and go "Wow, that would make such a beautiful shot..." But I don't have my camera :(

[Ogrt48]

They probably accepted the paypal receipt for him though since the hood is a really minor deal..You're asking for what they would consider a much larger problem so they might be tougher on you and want a receipt for an actual store, thats all.

[darwin]

They probably accepted the paypal receipt for him though since the hood is a really minor deal..You're asking for what they would consider a much larger problem so they might be tougher on you and want a receipt for an actual store, thats all.Very would could be.

I'll give it a shot though!

[fredpb]

I have found the prices on eBay are a bit high for good cameras, especially sealed "new" ones.

When I am shelling out big bucks, I usually pay the extra at a local store. That way if there is a problem, or if I don't like the camera, I can return it. There is also the optional warranty.

If you pay with some credit cards, they offer warrantees too. I have never tried to claim on a credit card warranty. Credit card warrantee coverage can also be extended if you are willing to pay their price.

I would like a small Canon A310 for a carry around camera (all the time). eBay costs go from $150 up. I have looked. I can buy one at WalMart for $148! Same price as Circuit City or Best Buy.

I have been keeping my eyes open for a good deal on a Nikon digital D70 body (slr). But no matter where I look, the price is about that of a new body. So what's the point of buying stuff from places like eBay? Ya gotta look around.

And $150 for the repair. Cheaper than a new camera. And if Canon will warranty the camera after that, you are doing ok. But I also believe if something complex fails, and is repaired, I can very likely fail again.

If you are going to get a new camera, consider the return policy of the store, the extended warranty, and putting the camera on your household insurance policy for theft or loss, or even damage. Canon would not cover the camera if you dropped it, but most of the time an insurance policy will (if it states so).

[stopbath]

Pursuing a warranty repair with a visa statement or paypal receipt is virtually pointless.

All those prove is that you paid money for something. It could be a Nikon camera, or it could be a set of tires for the car. It won't have model and serial number of the camera on it. You need store reciept to prove you bought the camera you are sending in. It matters not that you paid X dollars for something at Bill's Camera and Tackle Emporium.

[darwin]

I'm just going to end up upgrading to the S500.

I think five megapixels sounds sexier anyway... :P

[xdjoynerx]

Pursuing a warranty repair with a visa statement or paypal receipt is virtually pointless.

All those prove is that you paid money for something. It could be a Nikon camera, or it could be a set of tires for the car. It won't have model and serial number of the camera on it. You need store reciept to prove you bought the camera you are sending in. It matters not that you paid X dollars for something at Bill's Camera and Tackle Emporium.

pay pal transaction statements almost always have the item name some where on there.

and have you ever heard of itemized credit card statements?

[xdjoynerx]

I'm just going to end up upgrading to the S500.

I think five megapixels sounds sexier anyway... :P

if your gonna upgrade to a 5mp compact, go with the s60. its a much better camera than the s500

[darwin]

I'm just going to end up upgrading to the S500.

I think five megapixels sounds sexier anyway... :P

if your gonna upgrade to a 5mp compact, go with the s60. its a much better camera than the s500

Agreed.

Which is why I just bought it. :D Thanks for the reccomendation!