B-stock HPX-170...how to tell?

[visionwink]

Hi,

Can I ask a favor of some multiple HPX-170 owners out there to look on the bottom of their cameras (where tripod plate attaches) and tell me what the second little box reads (there are 3 boxes)? It should read something about Class A or B-series product with some wording about Canada.

The reason I ask is that I'm afraid I got shipped a B-stock camera from B&H (for the Canadian market). The bottom of my camera reads "B-series" which would make my purchase ineligible for the sweet $500 rebate and would make technical support difficult should I have to act on the extended warranty. I called Panasonic which unfortunately cannot verify whether or not the camera is B-stock based on serial number, etc.

I am trying to verify if the camera is an "authorized US Product" as is required for the rebate.

Thanks for your help.

[visionwink]

Also, does anyone know if the Canadian version of this camera has a different model number (different from the AG-HPX170P designation)? Thanks again.

[BGust]

i got mine from b&H about 6months ago.
mine is a class B.
the model # is the same AG hpx 170p
hope this helps.

[visionwink]

Just spoke with Panasonic again (3rd time). Unlike the first rep I spoke with, this guy became very certain that my camera is NOT b-stock, mainly due to the fact that I was able to register the camera for the 5 year warranty without any problems. He said the PASS website would have rejected the camera if it wasn't an authorized US Product. I hope that's true, cause I have to wait 7 days to get the certificate, and another 8-10 weeks for the rebate.

The Panasonic rep also told me that "Class B" has nothing to do with the camera itself, but with its designation for some kind of Canadian technical specs. North American cameras (both Canadian and US authorized products) have this info, along with FCC info (for USA), on the bottom of the camera.

B&H is willing to exchange the camera, but now I'm not sure if I should. It appears that I may have got myself into a panic. The rep also indicated that the box would have been tampered with.

Still sitting on whether or not to be freaked out.

[Barry_Green]

My 150 has the "Class B" designation on the bottom label as well. I think it's nothing to worry about and has nothing to do with B-stock.

B-stock is used equipment that was used for dealer demos, at trade shows, etc. It's unsold, it's technically "new", but it's been used for demo purposes. That's not the same thing as having a "Class B" designation label on the equipment, which is apparently some regulation necessary for Canada?

Anyway, I'm 99% sure you have a legitimate US product there.

[visionwink]

This is encouraging. I'm definitely feeling better about it, and am looking forward to reading my shiny new copy of your book! Best wishes.