Best place to get a Pentax DL?

OK, unless this new Nikon throws a monkey wrench into everything, I think I'm gonna go with the DL. So now I'm wondering about the best place to buy it.

I've been checking pricegrabber, cnet, bensbargains, etc. pretty much every day. I know we had that big drop about three weeks ago, but then prices came back up.

Also, there was a thread two weeks ago about Willoughby's having a phenomenal deal on the DL - $290 after the rebate:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=19156525

But I could not confirm if anyone had actually been able to order one at that price, and has since gotten it. (The price shot back up quickly, and some said the camera was out of stock,etc. I never read any firm posts about people actually getting the camera for that price.)

At this point, Willoughby's does have the best price - $389.99 incl shipping for the DL + 18-55mm kit lens (after the $100 rebate):
http://www.willoughbys.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=1000PENISTDLBNL

Willoughby's seems to have pretty ratings:
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller3595.html

http://www.epinions.com/webs-Web_Services-All-Merchants-Willoughby_s/display_~reviews
http://www.pricegrabber.com/rating_getreview.php/r=3218/

There was a negative post about Willoughby's a few months back, but there were also several counter posts from users that said they have had nothing but good experiences:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18185114
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18189046
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18191343
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18190686

The next price seems to be from Butterfly, $421.80 after the rebate:

http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=pricegrabber&sku=PENISTDLKIT

Butterfly also seems to get good ratings.

What do you all think? Did anyone ever actually get that great $290 deal from Willoughby's? And was that just for the body, or was that for the lens?

I doubt we're going to have another DL price drop any time soon - anyone disagree?

And I'm convinced this new Nikon 10.2 MP will not be entry level (i.e., less than $500). And that's what I want.

So, where should I buy a DL?

I got mine from Willoughby's. Delivered, as promised. I had to call the next day after ordering to say 'no thanks' to accessories. The guy asked with a tone in his voice like 'they're making me do this' knowing full well most people say no and offered no resistance. It shipped a couple of hours later. Hope that helps.

gkreth said:

OK, unless this new Nikon throws a monkey wrench into everything, I
think I'm gonna go with the DL. So now I'm wondering about the best
place to buy it.

I've been checking pricegrabber, cnet, bensbargains, etc. pretty
much every day. I know we had that big drop about three weeks ago,
but then prices came back up.

Also, there was a thread two weeks ago about Willoughby's having a
phenomenal deal on the DL - $290 after the rebate:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=19156525

But I could not confirm if anyone had actually been able to order
one at that price, and has since gotten it. (The price shot back up
quickly, and some said the camera was out of stock,etc. I never
read any firm posts about people actually getting the camera for
that price.)

At this point, Willoughby's does have the best price - $389.99 incl
shipping for the DL + 18-55mm kit lens (after the $100 rebate):
http://www.willoughbys.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=1000PENISTDLBNL

Willoughby's seems to have pretty ratings:
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller3595.html

http://www.epinions.com/webs-Web_Services-All-Merchants-Willoughby_s/display_~reviews
http://www.pricegrabber.com/rating_getreview.php/r=3218/

There was a negative post about Willoughby's a few months back, but
there were also several counter posts from users that said they
have had nothing but good experiences:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18185114
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18189046
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18191343
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18190686

The next price seems to be from Butterfly, $421.80 after the rebate:

http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=pricegrabber&sku=PENISTDLKIT

Butterfly also seems to get good ratings.

What do you all think? Did anyone ever actually get that great $290
deal from Willoughby's? And was that just for the body, or was that
for the lens?

I doubt we're going to have another DL price drop any time soon -
anyone disagree?

And I'm convinced this new Nikon 10.2 MP will not be entry level
(i.e., less than $500). And that's what I want.

So, where should I buy a DL?

Click to expand...

gkreth said:

What do you all think? Did anyone ever actually get that great $290
deal from Willoughby's? And was that just for the body, or was that
for the lens?

Click to expand...

I got mine, body + kit lens, for $390. working on the rebate. There may be a few others. Some of the orders were cancelled due to oversold.

Cheers

I got DL + Kit lens for $389.99 three weeks ago from Willoughby's. Still working on the rebate. I think that was a one time deal and I don't anticipate the price dropping to that level anytime soon. I think DL is still a good deal at the current prices.

I was able to get the Pentax DL kit for $290 AR at Willoughby (Yes, I got my kit in my hand), but it took a few phone calls and emails to flight for that price. First, My order was canceled due out of stocks (They were LYING !!).

Because when I call them (For price check), the Pentax kit was in stock BUT with a highter price. Then I email them about their poor business practice. The next day I got an email back from them, and asked me to call back about the order. Somehow, they said I had a credit card problem. Well .. they ran my card again and it was approved for $ 290 AR.

So, I guess I got lucky. If someone out there didn't get the $290 price and got your order canceled. Maybe you should write them an email. You might still have a chance. ( At least I did )

Personally, I will NOT shop at Willoughby again. Due to their poor business practice. However, I would recommend Buydig.com. Very fast shpiping, and they won't need you to CALL them to verify your order.

Good Luck !

easy

gkreth said:

OK, unless this new Nikon throws a monkey wrench into everything, I
think I'm gonna go with the DL. So now I'm wondering about the best
place to buy it.

I've been checking pricegrabber, cnet, bensbargains, etc. pretty
much every day. I know we had that big drop about three weeks ago,
but then prices came back up.

Also, there was a thread two weeks ago about Willoughby's having a
phenomenal deal on the DL - $290 after the rebate:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=19156525

But I could not confirm if anyone had actually been able to order
one at that price, and has since gotten it. (The price shot back up
quickly, and some said the camera was out of stock,etc. I never
read any firm posts about people actually getting the camera for
that price.)

At this point, Willoughby's does have the best price - $389.99 incl
shipping for the DL + 18-55mm kit lens (after the $100 rebate):
http://www.willoughbys.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=1000PENISTDLBNL

Willoughby's seems to have pretty ratings:
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller3595.html

http://www.epinions.com/webs-Web_Services-All-Merchants-Willoughby_s/display_~reviews
http://www.pricegrabber.com/rating_getreview.php/r=3218/

There was a negative post about Willoughby's a few months back, but
there were also several counter posts from users that said they
have had nothing but good experiences:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18185114
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18189046
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18191343
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=18190686

The next price seems to be from Butterfly, $421.80 after the rebate:

http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=pricegrabber&sku=PENISTDLKIT

Butterfly also seems to get good ratings.

What do you all think? Did anyone ever actually get that great $290
deal from Willoughby's? And was that just for the body, or was that
for the lens?

I doubt we're going to have another DL price drop any time soon -
anyone disagree?

And I'm convinced this new Nikon 10.2 MP will not be entry level
(i.e., less than $500). And that's what I want.

So, where should I buy a DL?

Click to expand...

a few weeks ago, the price was actually $354 before rebate at Willoughby's. I ordered one at that price and received it 2 days later. All is good, still waiting on the rebate.

Dave

Unda Covalava said:

I got mine from Willoughby's. Delivered, as promised. I had to
call the next day after ordering to say 'no thanks' to accessories.
The guy asked with a tone in his voice like 'they're making me do
this' knowing full well most people say no and offered no
resistance. It shipped a couple of hours later. Hope that helps.

Click to expand...

Yes, it does. But it prompts another question: Is there an advantage to ordering online? If one is going to have to call the next day to confirm (and turn down the "offereed accessories"), would it be better to just call, order, turn down the accessories, and be done with it?

Does it have to do with giving credit card numbers over the phone?

Or, can I order on the web site and then call five minutes later to confim?

Thanks for any additional advice, to anyone who can add their insights.

I've bought online a lot from eBay, but I always use PayPal. I've done some other online purchasing, but usually for things like airline tickets, hotel accomodations, maybe the odd Amazon.com purchase now and then. It's been maybe three years since I've bought any photo equipment online (other than from eBay). I guess I feel "safer" with eBay, though that may be an illusion. It just seems like, with the feedback forum, sellers can't afford to routinely scam customers. Resellerratings and other similar sites don't seem to have the same impact to reach so many more potential buyers. Any thoughts?

--Greg

I don't know about calling to pre-empt things. Probably better to order on-line then call 5 minutes later like you said, so there is no mistake in the address, etc. They call it a 'security' issue, but don't really ask for anything. They just try to sell you stuff. At least the guy I talked to was very polite. I was skeptical about getting the camera at the price I bought it at ($310 body only before rebate) since the next morning it shot up $100. The whole call-in thing is a scam, but I've heard other vendors get pissy if you don't buy anything. They did not, and simply fulfilled the order. Very happy with the whole thing. I like resellerratings and use them often. It helps steer you away from the con artists.

gkreth said:

Unda Covalava said:

I got mine from Willoughby's. Delivered, as promised. I had to
call the next day after ordering to say 'no thanks' to accessories.
The guy asked with a tone in his voice like 'they're making me do
this' knowing full well most people say no and offered no
resistance. It shipped a couple of hours later. Hope that helps.

Click to expand...

Yes, it does. But it prompts another question: Is there an
advantage to ordering online? If one is going to have to call the
next day to confirm (and turn down the "offereed accessories"),
would it be better to just call, order, turn down the accessories,
and be done with it?

Does it have to do with giving credit card numbers over the phone?

Or, can I order on the web site and then call five minutes later to
confim?

Thanks for any additional advice, to anyone who can add their
insights.

I've bought online a lot from eBay, but I always use PayPal. I've
done some other online purchasing, but usually for things like
airline tickets, hotel accomodations, maybe the odd Amazon.com
purchase now and then. It's been maybe three years since I've
bought any photo equipment online (other than from eBay). I guess I
feel "safer" with eBay, though that may be an illusion. It just
seems like, with the feedback forum, sellers can't afford to
routinely scam customers. Resellerratings and other similar sites
don't seem to have the same impact to reach so many more potential
buyers. Any thoughts?

--Greg

Click to expand...

Unda Covalava said:

I don't know about calling to pre-empt things. Probably better to
order on-line then call 5 minutes later like you said, so there is
no mistake in the address, etc. They call it a 'security' issue,
but don't really ask for anything. They just try to sell you
stuff. At least the guy I talked to was very polite.

Click to expand...

Good points. One last question (I think): It appears that Willoughby's takes PayPal - do you happen to know for sure (i.e., did you pay with PayPal)? For some reason I feel "safer" with that approach than I woudl with entering my CC online - I know that's probably sill as well, since Willoughby's uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).

If anything, it's the other way around. Paypal draws from your bank account. You lose real money until you can get it back. I don't trust Paypal at all.

gkreth said:

Unda Covalava said:

I don't know about calling to pre-empt things. Probably better to
order on-line then call 5 minutes later like you said, so there is
no mistake in the address, etc. They call it a 'security' issue,
but don't really ask for anything. They just try to sell you
stuff. At least the guy I talked to was very polite.

Click to expand...

Good points. One last question (I think): It appears that
Willoughby's takes PayPal - do you happen to know for sure (i.e.,
did you pay with PayPal)? For some reason I feel "safer" with that
approach than I woudl with entering my CC online - I know that's
probably sill as well, since Willoughby's uses SSL (Secure Sockets
Layer).

Click to expand...

I think Credit Card is more safer than Paypal when it comes to online transaction. Paypal is connected directly to your bank account and I don't know how much liability Paypal accepts in case your information gets stolen. At least with a credit card you are 100% not liable for fraudulant usage.
I bought at Willoughby's with mi CC and the transaction went smoothly.

That was a funny account with Willoughby's. I had a similar experience. After I placed an order only for DL kit for the unbeliavable rate of $289, I called them the next day to make sure my order had been shipped. The guy at the other end told me that they had run out of stock and tried to get me to cancel my order. The conversation went something like this.
Me: "I just called to make sure that my order from yesterday has been shipped"

WB's: "... unfortunately we are out of stock. Would you like me to cancel your order?"
Me (after a brief pause): "When will you have it back in stock?"

WB's: "Pentax has stopped making that model (*ist DL). So we may never get that model in stock. Would you like me to cancel your order?"

Me (pause): "I think I will wait for a couple of weeks. I don't want to cancel my order."

Sure enough, my order was shipped within an hour after that telephone conversation.

That's pretty funny. It does point to shady practices. I'm glad it worked out for the us, though.

jay DL said:

That was a funny account with Willoughby's. I had a similar
experience. After I placed an order only for DL kit for the
unbeliavable rate of $289, I called them the next day to make sure
my order had been shipped. The guy at the other end told me that
they had run out of stock and tried to get me to cancel my order.
The conversation went something like this.
Me: "I just called to make sure that my order from yesterday has
been shipped"
WB's: "... unfortunately we are out of stock. Would you like me to
cancel your order?"
Me (after a brief pause): "When will you have it back in stock?"
WB's: "Pentax has stopped making that model (*ist DL). So we may
never get that model in stock. Would you like me to cancel your
order?"
Me (pause): "I think I will wait for a couple of weeks. I don't
want to cancel my order."

Sure enough, my order was shipped within an hour after that
telephone conversation.

Click to expand...

David Korman said:

a few weeks ago, the price was actually $354 before rebate at
Willoughby's. I ordered one at that price and received it 2 days
later. All is good, still waiting on the rebate.
Dave

Click to expand...

Well, I'd LOVE to get that price. And I had been looking consistently for weeks - at that time , $466 was the best I could find, at Buydig/Beach.

That Willoughby's thing can and went in a matter of hours, it seems - I just missed the very short window....

Now, watch... I'll order it tonight, and then tomorrow at half a dozen online shops it will go down again to $299 after rebate. That's how it happens with me; my neighbors ask me to wash my car whenever we need rain on the block...

--Greg

I have mixed feelings when I read about the Willoughby's deal and don't believe it is sour grapes either because I didn't get in on that. If they made an honest mistake on their web-site, then they shouldn't be condemned when it is discovered. If it was a pricing error, the proper thing would have been for them to cancel the orders promptly, issue an apology and perhaps offer comething such as expedited service at no additional charge if you still wanted to buy the camera. You can't expect them to take a bath because some blockhead keyed a 3 when it should have been a 4.

On the other hand, if Willoughby's consistently advertise artificial low prices which they will not honor and try to bait-n-switch, then they deserve everyone's scorn but I haven't heard that.

I bought my DL with kit lens through Beach, paid $464 (before rebate) and very pleased with the service and prompt delivery. I have also had good results when buying from Butterfly Photo.

Re purchasing online or phone, I always call. I want to ensure the camera is in-stock, has a USA warranty (not gray market), confirm the pricing, when it will ship, method, etc. Furthermore, if you ask, you can sometimes get an additional discount or expedited shipping at no additional charge.

Re the DL, it has exceeded my expectations. An outstanding value, even if you have to pay $489 for the kit. If you want to go cheap, you can buy the body alone but the kit lens is a good value if you don't have an 18mm capable lens. The real joy of this camera though is using a quality prime lens and seeing the results!
--

Pentax DL; Nikon 8700, 5700, 995; Oly C-7070; Canon s70, A620 ... too many toys and so little time!

i think that price was on willoughbys for almost a day - i'm sure they came close to or took a loss - but it was obviously a mistake, i wouldn't wait to see if the price ever goes to that amount again. i had already purchased my DL the week before from beach camera (buydig) and was pleased with their prompt shipping. while i'm sure there are occasionally bad experiences with any retailer, most people don't get screwed. you have to remember that people are much more likely to write about a bad experience online than they are a good one.

I don't think it was a price mistake. All the online dealers were on a downward trend, and as demand picked up, the increased the price again. I like Beachcam, have ordered from them a couple of times. Watch their prices, though, they fluctuate wildly, with $50 swings in a single day!

pxpaulx said:

i think that price was on willoughbys for almost a day - i'm sure
they came close to or took a loss - but it was obviously a mistake,
i wouldn't wait to see if the price ever goes to that amount again.
i had already purchased my DL the week before from beach camera
(buydig) and was pleased with their prompt shipping. while i'm
sure there are occasionally bad experiences with any retailer, most
people don't get screwed. you have to remember that people are
much more likely to write about a bad experience online than they
are a good one.

Click to expand...