Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

Gooshin · 10-07-2009, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by joeyc

They're factory refurbs, not a store recondition or rebox. Big difference. I've been buying Mac refurbs for years with no issues. You save a lot, get warranty, and looks as good as new. If the price works, buy one. I *may*. may hold me over until I can spring for the K7.

did i ever say they were store repackages?

yes they are refurbished by the manufacturer, but again, they could have refurbished and checked the functions of a camera that was just returned, or a camera that fell 4 feet into a puddle that workes... but it wont work for long.

Your Mac refurbs experience is good, my personal electronic purchase experiences over the years has also been good, but that doesnt take away from the fact that a refurb could be a jack in the box.

joeyc · 10-07-2009, 02:07 PM

You're absolutely right, I didn't mean to imply you (or anyone else) said something they didn't. I was just stating a fact. There are some instances where I would shy from a refurb product - not knowing if it is a complete dud or not, but a factory refurb from a respectable company doesn't worry me. About 3 months ago, many grabbed these K20D from Best Buy and I can't recall anyone having issues out of the ordinary.

That being said, when new K20's were available for $600 with a 3 yr warranty, that was a no brainer over the refurb.

Originally posted by Gooshin

did i ever say they were store repackages?

yes they are refurbished by the manufacturer, but again, they could have refurbished and checked the functions of a camera that was just returned, or a camera that fell 4 feet into a puddle that workes... but it wont work for long.

Your Mac refurbs experience is good, my personal electronic purchase experiences over the years has also been good, but that doesnt take away from the fact that a refurb could be a jack in the box.

Jools · 10-07-2009, 05:59 PM

Given the current landscape, a refurb from Best Buy is not a bad option for a K20d, K10d, K200d or even a K100d. Sure, you never know about a refurb but these are factory refurbed from my understanding. Some used offerings, I have seen, already have 10+K actuations and lack cables and other basics and at a higher price.
I am in the market for my first dslr but my funds are limited and despite my trepidation about a refurb, it's something to consider.

**Rondec** · 10-07-2009, 06:21 PM

My one experience with factory refurb was an Onkyo speaker/amplifier set. It worked for about two days and then gave up the ghost. I sent it in for repairs and it came back and the same thing happened. Finally, I called the repair company and talked to the technician personally. That time, when it came back, it worked perfectly and has continued to work for the three years since.

Of course, for the first two months that I owned it, I only had it in my possesion about a week total. That said, I probably wouldn't do a refurb on anything I really wanted to use consistently. There easily maybe bugs left to work out, although I'll freely admit that if it fails, it is likely to fail in the ninety day warranty window.

**dcmsox2004** · 10-08-2009, 05:45 AM

i phoned pentax, and they are aware that best buy has refurbs for sale..... i aksed why there was only a 90 day warranty on a k20 body which has been returned to original specs and condition.... all i got was the old jackie gleason line...."Hummina hummina hummina" (whenever he was stymied or stuck for words.).....
i also asked why pentax was not selling refurbs directly.... got the same answer....
i can't say i've been enamored with pentax customer support over the years (going back to my zx50 and zxl film bodies).. and as of late, even less so.....
it's also curious to note the the k-7 pricing will eventually drop to a level in the near future making k-20's even less expensive..... or perhaps even unwanted due to the more competitive k-7 pricing.....
i'd like to jump from my k200d to a k20d, but not at the current pricing and/ or a much too short refurb warrantied product....

wasim_altaf · 10-08-2009, 08:13 AM

If it's a refurb, then something wasn't operational and had to be fixed/replaced/modified by the manufacturer, not the reseller. In most cases refurbs come with 90-day warranty only, meaning they can't stand behind their repair work for any longer than that (short of replacing the entire PCB).

A store return, open-box item, or a store demo should be fully operational and free of any defect. Sometimes, if the store moves enough volume for a manufacturer, manufacturer will honor full warranty on open-box or store-demo items. I'm always on the look out for these.

I'd buy a refurb Mac anytime, but I'll never buy a refurb Sony-Vaio. (Heck, I'll never buy a new Vaio).

**dcmsox2004** · 10-08-2009, 09:16 AM

update... the best buy site has listed this as 'sold out online'....

StevenVH · 10-08-2009, 10:02 AM

"Your shipment is on its way"...couldn't hold out any longer. Guess I ordered mine just in time. I've not ever had any prob's with refurb's from reputable manufacturers. 3rd party refurb's are another story...beware!

cheers

rfortson · 10-08-2009, 10:13 AM

Sweet deals on all the cameras! I've just about convinced my co-worker on the K100D. He's looking for a dSLR and is impressed with Pentax (based on my sales job).

farfisa · 10-08-2009, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by Gooshin

referb means someone returned a product to the store for WHATEVER reason

the reason could be as silly as "just not liking it" to "just not liking it after it fell 4 feet into a puddle of water"

buy at your own risk.

That's what "open box" means (like at Henry's)! At least a refurb is from the manufacturer.

pbo · 10-08-2009, 02:55 PM

Sssooooo....

I couldn't resist on that one...
Ordered early yesterday in the morning, came TODAY!! by UPS (OH -> MI by UPS is fast

)

Now, camera. It looks like new, in original box, all accessories still in bubble wrap, battery with its cap in bubble wrap as well. Cosmetically couldn't tell the camera from new - no dust, even under pop-up flash! Also, very low mileage - just 200 clicks. happy so far

Stratario · 10-08-2009, 04:44 PM

I think people will be surprized that all the so called "refurbished" K 20Ds turn out to be brand new indeed. This is Pentax's way to get rid of excess inventory when a new model comes out rather than selling them at an officially low price. A short while after the K20D was introduced Cameta on eBay put a lot of refurbished K10Ds fup or auction and a lot of people commented that theirs was brand new, mine included. I've since sold mine to a co-worker. Enjoy your brand new cameras.

pbo · 10-08-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

I think people will be surprized that all the so called "refurbished" K 20Ds turn out to be brand new indeed. This is Pentax's way to get rid of excess inventory when a new model comes out rather than selling them at an officially low price. A short while after the K20D was introduced Cameta on eBay put a lot of refurbished K10Ds fup or auction and a lot of people commented that theirs was brand new, mine included. I've since sold mine to a co-worker. Enjoy your brand new cameras.

Hm, interesting thought...
UPC's not there though, think that means something?

davidvcd · 10-09-2009, 05:13 PM

Also orderd from Best Buy.
Now to get rid of the k10 ( what would be a fair price ?), and wait til xmas for the K7 (my dad takes the k10 or k20 + grip and he pays for the k7).

pbo · 10-09-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Also orderd from Best Buy.
Now to get rid of the k10 ( what would be a fair price ?), and wait til xmas for the K7 (my dad takes the k10 or k20 + grip and he pays for the k7).

Whoa, it's good to have a dad into photography

I'm also trying to sell K10D - and $300 seems like a reasonable price for now.

10-07-2009, 05:59 PM	#18
Jools Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SW Wisconsin by way of Venezuela Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,398	Best Buy refurbs Given the current landscape, a refurb from Best Buy is not a bad option for a K20d, K10d, K200d or even a K100d. Sure, you never know about a refurb but these are factory refurbed from my understanding. Some used offerings, I have seen, already have 10+K actuations and lack cables and other basics and at a higher price. I am in the market for my first dslr but my funds are limited and despite my trepidation about a refurb, it's something to consider.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Factory Refurbed K20D @ bestbuy.com for under $499	jhaji	Photographic Technique	1	10-09-2009 04:26 PM
K20D refurb for 500 at Bestbuy Outlet	modeltweaker	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	07-03-2009 08:37 AM
Refurb K20D at BestBuy 499	VaughnA	Photographic Technique	4	06-18-2009 11:53 AM
Does K20D ship with 18-55 AL II as kit lens (from bestbuy)?	mccarvindh	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	3	03-29-2009 02:16 PM
K20D out of stock at B&H?	redpigeons	Pentax DSLR Discussion	16	01-28-2009 09:11 PM

10-07-2009, 01:49 PM	#16
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	Originally posted by joeyc They're factory refurbs, not a store recondition or rebox. Big difference. I've been buying Mac refurbs for years with no issues. You save a lot, get warranty, and looks as good as new. If the price works, buy one. I may. may hold me over until I can spring for the K7. did i ever say they were store repackages? yes they are refurbished by the manufacturer, but again, they could have refurbished and checked the functions of a camera that was just returned, or a camera that fell 4 feet into a puddle that workes... but it wont work for long. Your Mac refurbs experience is good, my personal electronic purchase experiences over the years has also been good, but that doesnt take away from the fact that a refurb could be a jack in the box.

10-07-2009, 02:07 PM	#17
joeyc Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 478	You're absolutely right, I didn't mean to imply you (or anyone else) said something they didn't. I was just stating a fact. There are some instances where I would shy from a refurb product - not knowing if it is a complete dud or not, but a factory refurb from a respectable company doesn't worry me. About 3 months ago, many grabbed these K20D from Best Buy and I can't recall anyone having issues out of the ordinary. That being said, when new K20's were available for $600 with a 3 yr warranty, that was a no brainer over the refurb. Originally posted by Gooshin did i ever say they were store repackages? yes they are refurbished by the manufacturer, but again, they could have refurbished and checked the functions of a camera that was just returned, or a camera that fell 4 feet into a puddle that workes... but it wont work for long. Your Mac refurbs experience is good, my personal electronic purchase experiences over the years has also been good, but that doesnt take away from the fact that a refurb could be a jack in the box.

10-07-2009, 06:21 PM	#19
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,668	My one experience with factory refurb was an Onkyo speaker/amplifier set. It worked for about two days and then gave up the ghost. I sent it in for repairs and it came back and the same thing happened. Finally, I called the repair company and talked to the technician personally. That time, when it came back, it worked perfectly and has continued to work for the three years since. Of course, for the first two months that I owned it, I only had it in my possesion about a week total. That said, I probably wouldn't do a refurb on anything I really wanted to use consistently. There easily maybe bugs left to work out, although I'll freely admit that if it fails, it is likely to fail in the ninety day warranty window.

10-08-2009, 05:45 AM	#20
dcmsox2004 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rhode island Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,522	i phoned pentax, and they are aware that best buy has refurbs for sale..... i aksed why there was only a 90 day warranty on a k20 body which has been returned to original specs and condition.... all i got was the old jackie gleason line...."Hummina hummina hummina" (whenever he was stymied or stuck for words.)..... i also asked why pentax was not selling refurbs directly.... got the same answer.... i can't say i've been enamored with pentax customer support over the years (going back to my zx50 and zxl film bodies).. and as of late, even less so..... it's also curious to note the the k-7 pricing will eventually drop to a level in the near future making k-20's even less expensive..... or perhaps even unwanted due to the more competitive k-7 pricing..... i'd like to jump from my k200d to a k20d, but not at the current pricing and/ or a much too short refurb warrantied product....

10-08-2009, 08:13 AM	#21
wasim_altaf Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Salem, MA Posts: 145	If it's a refurb, then something wasn't operational and had to be fixed/replaced/modified by the manufacturer, not the reseller. In most cases refurbs come with 90-day warranty only, meaning they can't stand behind their repair work for any longer than that (short of replacing the entire PCB). A store return, open-box item, or a store demo should be fully operational and free of any defect. Sometimes, if the store moves enough volume for a manufacturer, manufacturer will honor full warranty on open-box or store-demo items. I'm always on the look out for these. I'd buy a refurb Mac anytime, but I'll never buy a refurb Sony-Vaio. (Heck, I'll never buy a new Vaio).

10-08-2009, 09:16 AM	#22
dcmsox2004 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rhode island Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,522	update... the best buy site has listed this as 'sold out online'....

10-08-2009, 10:02 AM	#23
StevenVH Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 475	"Your shipment is on its way"...couldn't hold out any longer. Guess I ordered mine just in time. I've not ever had any prob's with refurb's from reputable manufacturers. 3rd party refurb's are another story...beware! cheers

10-08-2009, 10:13 AM	#24
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Sweet deals on all the cameras! I've just about convinced my co-worker on the K100D. He's looking for a dSLR and is impressed with Pentax (based on my sales job).

10-08-2009, 10:47 AM	#25
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by Gooshin referb means someone returned a product to the store for WHATEVER reason the reason could be as silly as "just not liking it" to "just not liking it after it fell 4 feet into a puddle of water" buy at your own risk. That's what "open box" means (like at Henry's)! At least a refurb is from the manufacturer.

10-08-2009, 02:55 PM	#26
pbo Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 891	Sssooooo.... I couldn't resist on that one... Ordered early yesterday in the morning, came TODAY!! by UPS (OH -> MI by UPS is fast ) Now, camera. It looks like new, in original box, all accessories still in bubble wrap, battery with its cap in bubble wrap as well. Cosmetically couldn't tell the camera from new - no dust, even under pop-up flash! Also, very low mileage - just 200 clicks. happy so far

10-08-2009, 04:44 PM	#27
Stratario Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 366	I think people will be surprized that all the so called "refurbished" K 20Ds turn out to be brand new indeed. This is Pentax's way to get rid of excess inventory when a new model comes out rather than selling them at an officially low price. A short while after the K20D was introduced Cameta on eBay put a lot of refurbished K10Ds fup or auction and a lot of people commented that theirs was brand new, mine included. I've since sold mine to a co-worker. Enjoy your brand new cameras.

10-08-2009, 06:31 PM	#28
pbo Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 891	Quote: I think people will be surprized that all the so called "refurbished" K 20Ds turn out to be brand new indeed. This is Pentax's way to get rid of excess inventory when a new model comes out rather than selling them at an officially low price. A short while after the K20D was introduced Cameta on eBay put a lot of refurbished K10Ds fup or auction and a lot of people commented that theirs was brand new, mine included. I've since sold mine to a co-worker. Enjoy your brand new cameras. Hm, interesting thought... UPC's not there though, think that means something?

10-09-2009, 05:13 PM	#29
davidvcd Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NorthernVA , USA / Grenoble, FRANCE Posts: 148	Also orderd from Best Buy. Now to get rid of the k10 ( what would be a fair price ?), and wait til xmas for the K7 (my dad takes the k10 or k20 + grip and he pays for the k7).

10-09-2009, 06:40 PM	#30
pbo Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 891	Quote: Also orderd from Best Buy. Now to get rid of the k10 ( what would be a fair price ?), and wait til xmas for the K7 (my dad takes the k10 or k20 + grip and he pays for the k7). Whoa, it's good to have a dad into photography I'm also trying to sell K10D - and $300 seems like a reasonable price for now.

Bestbuy has k20D refurbs in stock..!! $499.00

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!