Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Where to buy DVX100a?
[quote author=Lee A. Flippin link=board=market;num=1084332374;start=15#20 date=05/28/04 at 15:46:36]And they all share this sense of commonality with the lenses advertised on evsonline and everywhere else.
[/quote]
Does EVS carry them? I see Century lenses and Canon lenses on their site, but not Digital Optics. Frankly, when searching for that particular model #, I saw it mainly offered by the well-known "scam" sites, like Royal Camera, Broadway, places like that. I haven't seen it offered by the so-called "reputable" places, like EVS, B&H, and those types. If EVS sells this lens, I would very much like to hear Rush's opinion of it. I have no problem being wrong, or even dead wrong, I just like for the facts to bear it out is all.
Rush?
From the way they package their gear on their site, I would be tempted to avoid Willoughby's. They sure look like the typical Brooklyn reseller. But, on the plus side, their resellerratings profile in recent months has been strong, and they ARE an authorized Panasonic reseller. But I haven't seen any other authorized reseller who packages their gear the way Willoughby's does, or carries some of the products that Willoughby's does. So yes, I would say I was suspicious, and that I expect that they are grossly overcharging for that particular lens.
They do seem to be walking like a duck and talking like a duck, yet they (unlike all the so-called "scam sites") have gone through the effort and certification to become an authorized reseller. So again, I don't know what to think about Willoughby's...
Which is why I say, call them and ask them if they'll take that lens back. You don't have to actually return it, if you're happy with it then go ahead and keep it. But if you want to get to the bottom of things, try returning it. If they actually offer to take it back and refund your $400, I would be (as I said before) flabbergasted. Illuminated as well. However, I'm certain that they will not take it back, because that would destroy the profit structure of their deal with you.
I may be dead wrong, I've been wrong many times before, but I don't think I am this time. If I am, I'd be as glad as anyone to know it: I find that being wrong is a dreadful waste of time and energy.
[quote author=Lee A. Flippin link=board=market;num=1084332374;start=15#20 date=05/28/04 at 15:46:36]And they all share this sense of commonality with the lenses advertised on evsonline and everywhere else.
[/quote]
Does EVS carry them? I see Century lenses and Canon lenses on their site, but not Digital Optics. Frankly, when searching for that particular model #, I saw it mainly offered by the well-known "scam" sites, like Royal Camera, Broadway, places like that. I haven't seen it offered by the so-called "reputable" places, like EVS, B&H, and those types. If EVS sells this lens, I would very much like to hear Rush's opinion of it. I have no problem being wrong, or even dead wrong, I just like for the facts to bear it out is all.
Rush?
I don't know what to make of Willoughby's. They are an authorized dealer of Panasonic equipment, but they also seem to engage in similar practices to other Brooklyn dealers. One of the hallmarks of the disreputable Brooklyn dealers is doing business under multiple names, and resellerratings links Willoughby's as having AKA's of PriceItWholeSale and 520 Camera. The PriceItWholesale name has a lot of negative feedback and Ebay closed their ebay store on them. Is it true information? Don't know, but it is curious.
From the way they package their gear on their site, I would be tempted to avoid Willoughby's. They sure look like the typical Brooklyn reseller. But, on the plus side, their resellerratings profile in recent months has been strong, and they ARE an authorized Panasonic reseller. But I haven't seen any other authorized reseller who packages their gear the way Willoughby's does, or carries some of the products that Willoughby's does. So yes, I would say I was suspicious, and that I expect that they are grossly overcharging for that particular lens.
They do seem to be walking like a duck and talking like a duck, yet they (unlike all the so-called "scam sites") have gone through the effort and certification to become an authorized reseller. So again, I don't know what to think about Willoughby's...
And a well-done strategy it was, and you successfully received your product with little hassle.
My quest is only for the truth, regardless of who stands on what side of the aisle. Objectivity is paramount to finding the truth. I'm not saying you did anything wrong or stupid or in any way passing judgement. Instead, I am merely pointing out that no reputable dealer, anywhere, sells that camera for less than about $3300, and the potential loophole in the whole transaction is the $400 wide-angle adapter (and, again, keep in mind you could get the universally-well-regarded Century Precision Optics .6 for less than that). If you paid $400 for a lens that cost them roughly $30, then if that profit is added back on to the discounted camera purchase price, it starts to come back into the realm of reality ($3500). Other sites will sell the camera for $3100, but charge $300 for shipping, which again brings the price back to reality ($3400).
Which is why I say, call them and ask them if they'll take that lens back. You don't have to actually return it, if you're happy with it then go ahead and keep it. But if you want to get to the bottom of things, try returning it. If they actually offer to take it back and refund your $400, I would be (as I said before) flabbergasted. Illuminated as well. However, I'm certain that they will not take it back, because that would destroy the profit structure of their deal with you.
I may be dead wrong, I've been wrong many times before, but I don't think I am this time. If I am, I'd be as glad as anyone to know it: I find that being wrong is a dreadful waste of time and energy.
