Boo to Currys!

[tamaranth]

Apparently it is all my fault that it has so far taken over two months to attempt to replace my camera, and will probably be 2008 before I actually have a working camera again. (Except, not. Bwa ha ha!)

The story so far: in 2005 I bought a new camera from Currys and splashed out on WhateverHappens insurance.

In 2006 the focal ring jammed so I sent the camera back to Fuji, who -- under the WhateverHappens insurance -- replaced it with another one. A better one.

In 2007 the replacement camera was stolen and recovered -- full of sand. I rang WhateverHappens. They said sure, just take it into your nearest Currys store and they'll replace it.

Currys said Oh No We Won't. Wrong camera error. (I don't have any paperwork documenting the change of model numbers: it may have gone to Old Address, as I was mid-move when the replacement happened.) Currys suggested I contact Fuji to get replacement paperwork.

I contacted Fuji. "Yes, no problem, we have your new address and will send the paperwork today."

I waited a few weeks and contacted Fuji again. "Yes, no problem, we have your new address and will send the paperwork today."

I waited a few weeks and contacted Fuji again. "Yes, no problem, we have your new address and will send the paperwork today."

I gave up on Fuji and wrote to WhateverHappens.

"We have contacted Fuji. They will send you a piece of paper. Send it to us and we will update your details and send you a new piece of paper. Then you can have a new camera."

Spoke to WhateverHappens who said it was all my fault for not informing them of change of model (which I thought would happen automatically since it was covered by a claim on the insurance), Not Their Problem, and not their responsibility to make the process quick or easy by getting the paperwork directly from Fuji, so there.

So I shall be composing an informative letter of complaint, and buying a new camera. Not from Currys and not a Fuji.

Recommendations? And are there any online fora that might be interested in this experience?

Comments

[lj_stowaway]

Good GRIEF, what a runaround. Jeez.

As for a new one, I say go with Canon. My step-father (professional photographer and camera store owner) says you can't do better - he strongly recs them. All my Canon cameras have given great service and I love them.

[zoo-music-girl.livejournal.com]

I love my Canon (Powershot A20 from 2002 and still going strong).

[ladymoonray.livejournal.com]

Thirded. The Canon Powershot that Tony bought in Glasgow is pretty good.

[marypcb.livejournal.com]

do you want small, medium or large size body?

large I don't think is you but in case I'm wrong -if you mean no Fuji there is a new Olympus that is modelled on the OM10, the SP560UZ, that is pretty good.
medium - Canon Powershot or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 because it's the only medium compact camera with a 10x zoom (not many manual settings though)
small - Casio Exilim - all my flickr photos are taken with the 7megapixel version (older ones with the 4 megapixel, the latest model will be 8.5) and it has an excellent balance of point and shoot or manual control.
there are some lovely tiny Sony's but you have to go down the crappy MemoryStick route

[sbisson.livejournal.com]

I have a Powershot S40 that needs a new home...

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

oh bother! Have just ordered a new camera from Amazon -- flying in the face of all the recs, have gone for an Olympus 790. 'Cause it's waterproof. And BLUE.
But thank you!