Warning: J&K Camera rip-off

I bought a 40D from J&K Camera, a "power seller on" eBay. Looked like a nice deal, the camera with the kit 17-85mm IS lens, a bunch of other doodads, for a couple hundred $ less than B&H or Adorama.

As usual, the reason it's cheap is, it's not a US warranty camera. My first clue was no warranty card in the box. Second clue was, on the software install disk the option to register with Canon says to pick one of two global areas listed: Asia; or Oceania.

My next step is to send a letter to my credit card company telling them not to pay. Next step is to call J&K to complain, and third step is to box it up and send it back.

Ok, I should've known better, or at least I should have thought to ask. But I hold J&K Camera responsible for not being up front about what they're selling.

I doubt this is the proper forum to post this, and I apologize for that. I just thought anyone else on the cusp of buying ought to be reminded one more time, to be careful.

Regards,

Bill

I think you will find 95% of the people here use B&H. That sends a powerful message. Watch out for those "deals".

Sorry to hear of your plight. Hope everything comes out OK. You'll love the "40" when you get a good one.

you should always check resellerratings.com before going for that great deal. here's JandK's rating...

http://www.resellerrat​ings.com/store/Best_Pr​ice_Cameras_6

This is an infamous "grey market" product. Even BH sells "imported" products and they will tell you up front. http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/find/HelpCenter/​USGrey.jsp

I bought that exact kit from them after I asked them if it's the USA model. They told me it was an import, and once I got it, it was the Japanese model. If you try to complain, it's more than likely they'll put you on hold forever, hang up on you, or point out that their description was not misleading at all. See herefor my review.

I really love my 40D but I'll probably have to put some insurance on it.

ef2 wrote in post #4979620
I bought that exact kit from them after I asked them if it's the USA model. They told me it was an import, and once I got it, it was the Japanese model.

so they told you the truth or is that just a typo?

They told me the truth. They said it was an import and it came with their store warranty.

caveat emptor - if it doesnt say US warranty on ebay, it isnt. Also, if you buy from a non authorized dealer, canon will probably not honor the warranty anyway.

just buy new, from a real shop like B&H.... there are way too many, Waaaayyyy too many shady characters on the net selling "new" cameras at hundreds of $$$ less than B&H and the other reputable shops.. only thing is, they are either grey market, black market or just a way to get you to buy other crap!

B&H all the way Baby!

For a couple of hundred less you may just want to go with it and call it lesson learned. Maybe with the Extra money you saved you could buy an aftermarket warranty...If the camera seems to be functioning well just use it enjoy it.

Sikor7 wrote in post #4979242
I think you will find 95% of the people here use B&H. That sends a powerful message. Watch out for those "deals".

Sorry to hear of your plight. Hope everything comes out OK. You'll love the "40" when you get a good one.

Well I dont agree that it would be 95%. Although I have used them once, there are many of us here that aren't from the US.

tjrenegade wrote in post #4982947
For a couple of hundred less you may just want to go with it and call it lesson learned. Maybe with the Extra money you saved you could buy an aftermarket warranty...If the camera seems to be functioning well just use it enjoy it.

I forgot to mention that part of the "deal" was a 5-year service contract (for the price of 2 years- should've been another tip-off - how stupid am I?*) from RepairTech. I will call them on Monday and see whether it's any good on a non-US camera. If they can prove it (quote text from the contract) then that's what I've been thinking, tjrenegade. As far as I can tell with several hours of testing all the functions, it's working as advertised. No glitches that I can detect.

* All I can say in my defense is that I was so excited about finally pulling the trigger on buying the thing, that my what little good sense I might have was overwhelmed.

Canon tech support was no help. They say only the Factory Service Center can determine whether a camera qualifies for warranty service. In other words, if you need service, send them the camera and cross your fingers. Maybe clap your hands. But don't hold your breath.

I emailed a query to J and K camera. Their reply was to call them. I'll let you know how that goes. Just in case anyone cares. *G*

With the 40D being so new, aren't they all covered under the 1 yr MFG warranty regardless of where they come from? They haven't been out a year yet..