Worth the risk? Fuji xe-1 cost saving

[Sunti]

Hi,
I'm breaking down. With all the discussions, praises, sample pics of the Fuji xe-1 and the 35 mm lens, I can no longer resist.

I've found from the main auction site a combo package of Fuji xe-1 camera + 35 mm lens that goes for $1,288 USD, available from the Hong Kong.

I'm from the US, and no such package is available here afaik, and buying separately will cost me $1,600. Buying from overseas in this case represents a substantial savings.

However, there're questions regarding taxes, duties, warranty terms that I don't know. I've never had problems buying used products from Canada and Japan, but never dealt with dealers in HK before.

I appreciate if someone who has the experience would shed some light. Is it worth the risk? Are there any hidden costs? Are warranty terms similar when you buy new products outside of the US.

Thanks!

 

[nanthor]

Um,... B&H has the X-E1 with the zoom lens for $1399 free shipping. I know you stated you were interested in the 35mm but the zoom is supposed to be a spectacular lens. I wouldn't be surprised if you could maybe trade the zoom for the 35mm in the future for pretty much even. At least the kit would get you started and the IQ results are really a combination of the lens and the amazing sensor. You might think about buying the kit at this price. I would buy from B&H with confidence, not sure about an HK purchase as far as warranty, etc. There are no customs charges here in the USA for something bought overseas. Good luck, Bob.

P.S. I have the xpro1 and it's fantastic!

 

[rhl-oregon]

I bought from HK for $imilar rea$on$, and at a time when no XE1/35 packages were available or comparable in the USA. There was no problem at all at any stage.

Just one difference: the HK battery charger uses different outlet prongs. Mine came with a US adapter mounted (it was intended for the US market, and for photogs like us, who wanted the 35 lens).

You might ask whether such an adapter is included. Otherwise you'll need to visit the hardware store for an international adaptor set--inexpensive, btw.

 

[stompyq]

Buy from B&H or amazon. If your not in NY then you will also save on taxes at B&H. Not worth the risk in my book since your spending over 1K on the entire thing. Might as well look for a good used deal

 

[Ezzie]

Not sure which vendor in HK you are refering to, but Digitalrev gives a worldwide warranty on all their stuff.

A note. The X-Pro1 w/18-55 is priced the same as the X-E1 w/18-55 kit here in Norway, making it a bit of a bargain. With any other lens it is 300-400 USD more expensive!

 

[bwidjaja]

can't tell you whether it is worth the risk. but i did pull the trigger on X-E1+35 combo and so far have been happy with it. And it arrived 2 days later from Hong Kong...

 

[Sunti]

Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. I appreciate it.

My heart is set on the 35mm from the samples I saw on the web and a friend (no prints tho). This seems to be a very special lens. If I start with the zoom, that quest for the 35mm wouldn't get quenched and I will most likely have to buy it down the road.

Looks like a couple of folks have gone this route and are happy with it. Good point on the outlet adapter. I checked and found it's included from one of the sellers.

DigitalRev has this combo as well, but at $1,500 USD, it's almost the same price as those from the NY retailers.

I'm selling off some stuff, and will look for a used one while raising funds. If I can't find a used one locally, then I think I'll brave the water for once.

Thanks again.

 

[aleksanderpolo]

Not sure if you see it, Henry's in Canada is selling the combo for $1299
http://www.henrys.com/74843-FUJIFILM-X-E1-SILVER-W-35MM-F1-4.aspx
You might want to check on the warranty coverage though, as I remember that Fuji doesn't honor warranty of camera bought from a different country, especially if it is a "grey market" aka not authorized seller.

 

[lordherald]

Henry's will have you ship the camera back to them at your cost for warranty work. They will ship it back to you at their cost. If you were Canadian it looks like the standard warranty period is two years. You might want to email them to check the length. The camera from Hong Kong would be gray market and would not be covered under Fuji's warranty program. You should be able to find out more directly from Fuji. It would be cheaper in the beginning but it looks like you would be entirely responsible for the repairs. If you have your heart set on the 35mm kit then order if from Henry's or a US dealer to get the warranty.

 

[splitimageview]

If you can wait a week, there is a USA bundle price of $1299.

http://www.fujix-forum.com/index.php?/topic/7501-fujifilm-x-camera-and-lens-specials-starting-feb-7/

 

[Sunti]

Yes, I can wait a week 🙂

Per aleksanderpolo's suggestion, I was on the phone with Fuji US and Fuji Canada this morning, asking about the differences in the warranty terms (they know nothing about warranty if you buy from HK).

From lordherald's suggestion I also called Henry's and the guy there gave me the lowdown. I was comfortable to buy from Henry's and was only a few min away from the click when I saw this announcement sent from digitalintrigue. This is just Awesome.

That changed everything. I'll wait 'till next week and buy in the US. Same price as Henry's, no worries about warranty, etc.

Thanks again folks.

 

[TheSloth]

It's (X-E1 + 18-55 mm kit) now available in India for Rs. 69999/- (1288.00 USD). A good deal, yes!

WHICH MEANS: It must be available for MUCH, MUCH LESS everywhere else in the world.

.