Ordered Canon 7D Mark II and Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD Macro len with check for $1,808. Received instead of lens was Hi Speed Professional 16gb 1200x SD card and Lithium LP-E6 2000 Mah Battery without authorization from me.
Contacted Jack who said prices are for foreign goods, not American and that I got American (reason for substitution). In ignorance I sent another check for $649.00 for the Tamron lens. Jack called and suggested Canon EF 70-300mm US ISM lens which he said was the same price and would operate the same way. I consented relying on Canon's reputation and Jack's integrity? The web price for the Canon lens is $359 and does not operate the same way. It is the oldest model and has been replaced by OD and L model. The Tamron lens has just come out, and does not need camera setting adjustments to operate efficiently.
I immediately experienced severe focusing problems and contacted Canon who offered camera adjustments, that modified problems but did not solve them. The camera and lens perform erratically, with over exposure, and out of focus problems prominent.
I started to check 42nd St Photo and found numerous complaints on Yelp which I substantiated in my own case. Checking online for Canon and Tamron and found that if not an authorized dealer, then they are selling "gray market goods", and warranty or technical assistance is not available. 42nd St Photo is not an authorized dealer for Canon or Tamron and therefore selling "gray market goods" with no warranties.
After filing complaints Jonathan x5005 from Marketing called and urged me to register for warranty online, providing the computer link to do so. He said this would be proof they were not selling "gray market goods" because I would not be able to register otherwise. I registered but do not have warranty or technical assistance available.
More complaints filed and Anthony x5005 called and offered to send replacement for the camera and lens, but he still stuck to American vs foreign pricing for difference in web prices vs checks sent. I reluctantly agreed with contingency by Anthony that replacement would depend on my response to the complaint with Consumer Affairs. I wrote again that I thought they were practicing "theft by deception" and it ought to be stopped, with resultant no shipping instructions forthcoming from Anthony i.e. no RMA number sent.
I am left with defective products, with no warranty, and no options for a refund. You are not able to ship products back with out a RMA number, which Anthony did not provide. Even should I send everything back, it would be subject to a 20% restocking fee, which would amount to $500 in my case. It's a win-win situation for 42nd St Photo and a lose-lose situation for anyone who is caught in what I believe, are a myriad of hidden, and deceptive profit-making schemes for 42nd St Photo.
#2Author of original report
Wed, December 23, 2015
I have filed three different sets of complaints and problems still not resolved. Would appreciate specific details of how to use the bank to get my money back.
I wrote 2 checks for the camera and lens? Can this be the basis for using the bank to get my money back from 42nd St Photo?
Theresa, Philadelphia, PA
John
Alabama,#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, December 22, 2015
fight fire with fire. Dispute charges with your bank. It worked for me. They tried playing this game with me with 3400$ worth of camera equipment. They lied and said it was American warranty. Ha! Box was a mess when opened. Missing items, serial number didn't match box and box it came in was for a combo camera/lens...they took the lens out and more than likely trying to sell it by itself. So it took me two times to dispute it but the second time they took it back, even gave me a email to print a pre paid ups label. The joke is on them. People, be persistent. They can't get away with this and if enough dispute the charges maybe they will stop. Good luck! I got every bit of my money back....