Buying the 602: Where and What

Now that I've decided to get the 602, the next issue is from whom?

17th Street Photo is highly rated at Dealtime. Unfortunately, they just sold out.

Any suggestions?

Also, what extras would you suggest just to get started?

I'm a total newbie at this, so would appreciate advice on the basics.

Thanks,

Faith

faith1936 said:

Now that I've decided to get the 602, the next issue is from whom?
17th Street Photo is highly rated at Dealtime. Unfortunately, they
just sold out.

Any suggestions?

Also, what extras would you suggest just to get started?

Click to expand...

pricegrabber says cameratopia.com has the best price now ($659).
http://www.cameratopia.com/products.asp?product_id=11257&engine=pricegrabber

Make sure you get a couple sets of NiMH batteries and a rapid charger. (I really like the MAHA C204F charger, and you can get it bundled with a set of batteries.) You can get these for a good price from http://www.thomas-distributing.com . Also, you'll need memory. I have a 1GB microdrive that is terrific, but it'll set you back $250-300. You can get SmartMedia for a very reasonable price from a bunch of sources. I've found good prices at http://www.newegg.com and have been very happy with their Mr. Flash brand. Get lots of memory cards!

I also recommend getting a card reader. The USB CameraMate (made by Microtech) is quite good, and you can pick one up at eBay for $20 or so (list is over $40).

--John

Hi Faith -

I just bought a 602 today via phone from Rob at Carman's Camera in Canada (1-866-CARMANS x20). Cost was $US 730 net including next day shipping via UPS. I should have mine tomorrow.

I inquired about potential problems with dead pixels or battery issues, etc. Rob said that they would swap out another camera if I discovered any issues in the first few weeks. This was enough to get me to commit to an order. There are also positive posts on this site about these folks. Carman's has several ebay listings for the 602 or you can email rob at: [email protected]. Rob's response to me about warranty in the US was:

"Hello. The camera is covered by a Fuji Canada warranty and it is fully honored in the US. We have been a Fuji dealer for over 30 years and we are one of the largest dealers in Ontario."

I used to live in NYC and do not trust most of the large photo dealers, mosto of whom now have new online names, with the exception of B&H Photo, who are superb. Usually B&H will discount, but demand is so strong for the new 602 that they are not yet discounting.

I also bought the Powerex 1800 batteries and Maha 204 charger from Thomas Distributing. The batteries are charging now in preparation for tomorrow's first shots.
HTH and good luck,
Seth
--

faith1936 said:

Now that I've decided to get the 602, the next issue is from whom?
17th Street Photo is highly rated at Dealtime. Unfortunately, they
just sold out.

Any suggestions?

Also, what extras would you suggest just to get started?

I'm a total newbie at this, so would appreciate advice on the basics.

Thanks,

Faith

Click to expand...

john schwab said:

pricegrabber says cameratopia.com has the best price now ($659).

Click to expand...

Reseller Ratings has three reviews of Cameratopia, all strongly negative.

I forgot to add - you WILL need more memory. I have been using SmartMedia cards with my 4900 - 128MB cards have been available at Fry's or Best Buy (rebate needed there) for $40-50. The 602 will use either SmartMedia(SM) or Compact Flash(SF) cards. I believe I read where the timing results in the reviews for the SM cards are faster or at least as fast as the best CF cards in the 602. The SM cards are smaller and cheaper the CF but have less capacity. I have used generic and name brand SM cards in the 4900 with NO difference in timings observed. The same would not be true for CF cards or higher capacity microdrives.

And, while I am typing this, UPS just emailed that my 602 shipment is on its way!
Seth

I've just ordered mine from Buydig.com for $688. They are very reliable - they're actually the on-line only side of Beach Camera, and, here's the best part, they're in NJ so there's no tax if you live in NY. BTW, shipping was 24.95 for FedEx Gnd.

Broadway Photo?

http://www.bwayphoto.com

Is this one of those shady NY grey market dealers? 584.99 seems too low too soon....

http://www.bwayphoto.com/product.asp?item=FJFPS602&l=Nextag

A & M Photo also seems low http://www.amphotoworld.com/product_detail.asp?sku=FJFPS602&l=Nextag