Anyone have any input as to wheather or not Ritz Camera's repair or replace service policy is a wise investment. They say that as long as you can bring the camera in (whole or in pieces), they will repair or replace (except fire and theft). I would imagine that it would pay for itself with general cleanings. I would be able to bring my N65/Rebel 2000 (depending on my final decision)in for a yearly cleaning after I complain that the autofocus is not performing as well as it has in the past. Their camera prices are a little higher than mail order, but I think that the piece of mind may be worth the price difference and warranty cost. Any input or past expierences would be greatly appreciated! N65 body $290, 28mm-80mm $110, Warranty $203 includes body & lens, TOTAL $640 including tax

-- David (Darksta986@aol.com), February 23, 2001

Answers

I used to work for Ritz and they do stand behind the warranty. They will try to fix the camera first, if it can't be fixed, they will replace it. Let's face it, who else would fix your camera free of charge even if you drop it??

-- David Long (davelong8@cs.com), February 23, 2001.

I work for Ritz Camera Centers currently, and I would tell you that the warranty that we sell is the best in the business! I don't know of any other camera shop that offers a better service plan! I've checked other stores, and researched our own policy...and we are the best! We repair, and if we can't repair we replace the equipment at no cost to you! Even if you bring the equipment in to us broken...and in many peices, if we can find the serial number, we'll replace the item for you! I think the only downside to this great offer is the fact that repairs with our comany do take some time...most of them are taking at least 4 weeks. If you have the E.S.P. however, you will recieve a loaner camera, one that is close to the camera you are getting repaired, or replaced! You will be able to take pictures until we return your camera to you! Trust me...it's a good deal!!

-- Jeff Williamson (jeffwilliamson@hotmail.com), May 03, 2001.

It has now been over two months and I still have no camera-I have made three phonecalls and all were suppose to be returned with answers to why it was taking so long to fix my camera-but nobody knew or cared to know so my calls were never answered. I was never offered a loaner camera either-despite having an E.S.P.

-- Brittina Elstad (BrittinaElstad@msn.com), September 13, 2001.

This is not a good investment! I bought it, and although the price was good, there are no performance guarantees. The Minolta that we bought failed after less than two months. We brought the camera in to be repaired, and they have now had the camera longer than we have! Apparently, all their repairs are done in their Phoneix AZ location, and a long delay is normal. The local store calls for us frequently, and we keep getting told 2 more weeks. The repair may eventually get done at no charge to us, but why in the world does it take so long?

-- Pete Sullivan (pmsul@hotmail.com), July 25, 2002.