1DS Mark III @ eCost $5809

Since all Canon cameras are made in Japan, what is the concern with 'grey'?
I bought lenses from B&H listed as USA (but Japan made), but that has to do with warranty only?
John

i had a premier account (sumthing like that) with them a while ago, used to buy tons of bluetooth headset/headphones/mp3 players etc...
cheap stuff, open box and refurbished stuffs, and even the shipping is low, some of their prices can't be beaten.

so... i guess it's up to you if i had that much money, i would jump on this thru paypal with my discover card

I purchased from this place before. Just make sure to call in and ask if its refurbished. They usually state it but this might be the case.

JeShUa wrote in post #7539092
http://www.resellerrat​ings.com/store/eCost

You have a low chance of leaving happy... still worth a shot with "bill me later" and other services... I'd call as well and made sure they shipped immediately.

The thing about resellerratings.com is that it is mostly for disgruntled consumers to complain. How many people go there to actually post about a good experience with an etailer? So in general I expect to see bad reviews when I look there.

Give them a call, they have an 800 number. Ask for Donald Watson (his is or was a salesman there) . I purchased a 1Ds form them and saved $900 when they were selling for $8000 everywhere else. Last time I had talked to him was in late 07 about a 1DsIII. They had none in stock so I went with Normans and paid the going rate of $8000. Dam thing err99 itself to death. Went back to Canon 4 times before Canon replaced it with a new unit. Norman’s was of little or no help. So much for a quality dealer. My current 1DsIII is (the replacement) is on it’s way back from VA. For the focus fix if needed.
Back to eCost, they have been through a lot of problems of late, so things may have changed, give Donald a call, and see what he says. Prices have really gone back up over a B&H. Also lots of good advice given from other posters here and if you don't feel good about it, don't do it.
Good luck Dave

PS I remember they charged my credit card as soon as I placed the order whether or not it was in stock.
I shipped the following week, but still I was not informed of this policy. Something to think about.

PSS I just called and Donald Watson is no longer there. He was one of the original in the sales departement. You're on your own now. All bets are off.

LOL, thanks. I sent them a question and got no response so far. I will call but I sort of wanted it in writing that it was a US model, new not refurbished etc.
BTW, IF they are NOT a Canon authorized reseller is that a problem from the warranty side of things?

I called, FWIW they said:
1. Brand new not refurbished
2. US not Import
3. In Stock

For DavidPhoto -
All Canon is imported, so it cannot be USA made. Maybe the warranty is different dependent on market it is sold in? Never did understand the difference when listed this way.
Cheers,
John

I would trust resellerratings more than a store that offers a brand new 1Ds III at that price. People get burned for a reason - it is usually greed. I would never buy anything from a seller with such a low rating. Good Luck.

DavidPhoto wrote in post #7540384
The thing about resellerratings.com is that it is mostly for disgruntled consumers to complain. How many people go there to actually post about a good experience with an etailer? So in general I expect to see bad reviews when I look there.

5Dmaniac wrote in post #7542147
I would trust resellerratings more than a store that offers a brand new 1Ds III at that price. People get burned for a reason - it is usually greed. I would never buy anything from a seller with such a low rating. Good Luck.

so you would trust a store that sells this camera for 8-9k?
some of the ratings about ecost platinum membership are stupid. they didn't bother reading the return/free shipping policy etc. I followed the rules, i knew what i was buying, and i got what i wanted maybe i was lucky that none of more than 1000 items i got from them was defective?

Why not find one on eBay? They seem to be selling for $4000-4500 in good shape, and around $5500 new.

NickSimcheck wrote in post #7542845
Why not find one on eBay? They seem to be selling for $4000-4500 in good shape, and around $5500 new.

More than that and there aren't many. Used ones are going for around $5500 or so.

I am leaning towards just getting a 5DII for now but we'll see. I doubt I'll buy from eCost. It just seems a little too good to be true and the place seems difficult to deal with if things dont go perfect.