Could Someone Define "Refurbished"?

[Barry Nelson]

Hey All,

Everyday on the forum it seems like someone is talking about getting a refurbished f31 or some other camera. When I think of something that is refurbished, I think of a car that has had a major overhaul but when it comes to the f31, the camera has only been out for 13 months and perhaps these models have had many defects repairs or other issues in the past and that's why Fuji has so many of them. I would interested in getting one myself but as far I am concerned, the word "refurb" almost reminds me of "lemon" since there are so many out there in such a short period of time.

Barry
--

'Kicking Back With My S8000FD' & S700,let's share pics at [email protected]

 

[puttin]

They are cameras that have been returned to the store for a lot of minor reasons. Once it is opened and used it cant be sold as new again and they are seen back to be checked out and repacked in a different type of box. I have 2 refurbed cameras and no problems.

 

[Captain Marvel]

. . . the camera was returned. It may have been defective or maybe the buyer just didn't like it and took it back. I think whatever the reason for the camera being returned, it is sent to a place for refurbishing. I'm also guessing that this place is a subcontractor that specializes in reconditioning cameras. There it is checked out. If it is defective, the defect is repaired. I assume it is also cleaned up, repackaged in a green box that says "reconditioned" on the side and without a UPC code. It is then sold to someone who orders a reconditioned or refurbished camera.

I have one. It works great. . . so far.

--

Currently shooting: Sony DSC-H5, FujiFilm F31fd refurbished, Canon HG10 High Definition camcorder, Motorola Rizr Z3 (2 megapixel cell phone).

See more of my photos at http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/Captain_Marvel/OOBs/

Raised in Tucson, Arizona, now living near Seattle.

 

[chonga]

Here's one for you,

I recently purchased a "refurbished" S602 from a dealer, the camera looked like it had been thought the war. It was cheap and came with a 3 month fuji warranty and a 3 year extended warranty, so why not.

Where would Fuji be getting these cameras 4 years after their demise?

DHC

 

[Mike920]

Here's one for you,

I recently purchased a "refurbished" S602 from a dealer, the camera
looked like it had been thought the war. It was cheap and came with a
3 month fuji warranty and a 3 year extended warranty, so why not.

Where would Fuji be getting these cameras 4 years after their demise?

DHC

Much has to do with WHO you get your refurbished camera from. I have heard of people buying refurbished F31's from sources unknown that have scratches, dings and missing half or more of the accessories that should have come with it. A reputable dealer is your safest and best bet, such as Fujifilm Mall, Overstock. com and maybe one or two others. Fuji genuine Factory Refurbished/certified cameras only come with a 90 day warranty and Fuji will not offer anything beyond that. I would seriously question the 3 year warranty on the above mentioned camera. Almost like you buying an extended car warranty from a non-manufacturer source, where you have to pay the costs up front and pray you get reimbursed.

In many ways, the refurbs offered on the Fujifilm Mall, IMO are better tested cameras than factory new, as they go through a more extensive testing and QC process. Factory fresh cams are tested on the assembly line electronically and not given the old fashioned "eye ball check" as is done with the refurbished cameras. Personally, in addition, I would always prefer a product that was handled and tested by a trained technician.

Best regards,
Mike

 

[ZorSy]

Fujifilm Australia has the Fuj shop under their main building here in Brookvale, Syndey (Old Pittwater Rd for those interested). Fuji Au service centre is one door away, and they have full display window of refurb or factory seconds current models at greatly reduced price. Though they come with 90 days warranty, which is regulated by the Law, buying it there would be far different from buying through reselers. Reselers can take exchage model and label ti as refurb saying that, for example, box damaged or sort of. Other poster war right, it may come in special but still Fuji box which is sealed with QC sticker. Personally I do not have problem buying refurbished things, factory seconds and even display models if the price is right. BUT I am expecting that price to be a good one to compromise.

 

[KEITH-C]

It's not clear to me that the word 'refurbished' is a precise term. It can cover a variety of circumstances ranging from a returned item that may or may not have required a repair & full check-up to a simple clearance item.

I bought a F31fd which was described as used but without an included card. When I received it appeared to be totally new & unmarked & with a card ! It had an extra discount of £12 less than an already heavily discounted price & so far has performed perfectly well - that was via an Amazon dealer which only had this offer for a short period.

Keith-C

 

[kevint02]

I just bought a refurb f31d directly from Fujimall. When switched to manual mode, it makes some clicking/grinding noise continuously, and it's quiet in other mode. Is it defective? I am thinking about returning it.

 

[Captain Marvel]

Fuji uses the term "reconditioned" to refer to the cameras it recycles rather than refurbished. Refurbished means to replace items that have been used up such as supplies. Reconditioned means replacing defective parts but it can also mean adjusting if adjusting is needed to make the item work properly.

The box that contained the used F31fd that I bought had the word Reconditioned on it, not refurbished.

--

Currently shooting: Sony DSC-H5, FujiFilm F31fd refurbished, Canon HG10 High Definition camcorder, Motorola Rizr Z3 (2 megapixel cell phone).

See more of my photos at http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/Captain_Marvel/OOBs/

Raised in Tucson, Arizona, now living near Seattle.

 

[Jane T]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refurbishment

Jane T.

 

[homepics]

I think fuji does not do much with them. I got a refurbished F20 and it still had pictures on the internal memory from the prior owner. It is cheaper to offer a warranty for 90 days, and have the consumer do the QC than to employ people to check the cameras. they might check to see if it turns on, but beyond that I would be surprised if they do anything else.

 

[Captain Marvel]

Whether you call it Refurbished or Reconditioned, whatever is done to the cameras, I think Fuji has the comeras processed by a subcontractor rather than having a staff and shops at Fuji doing the work.

If someone has any more definitive information, please enlighten the rest of us.

--

Currently shooting: Sony DSC-H5, FujiFilm F31fd refurbished, Canon HG10 High Definition camcorder, Motorola Rizr Z3 (2 megapixel cell phone).

See more of my photos at http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/Captain_Marvel/OOBs/

Raised in Tucson, Arizona, now living near Seattle.

 

[Copusmaximus]

--
Kind Rgds

Heath

(The Amateur amateur in training)
Latest addition the amazing Finepix F30
LX1(the new doorstop)
FZ30
S7000(in sons hands now(sometimes))
Tcon17
Raynox DCR 150 & DCR 250 Mcon40
Nikon SB24+omnibounce
Tripod
CamCane

 

[Mike920]

Same here Cap. I picked up an F31 form the Fujifilm Mall and that is precisely what is printed on the side of their bright green box......."RECONDITIONED". Same case for my son's F20 that I got through Overstock. com.

Both are doing very well, as anticipated.

Best regards,
Mike