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Conns Cameras Vs The web
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I don’t know whether this is the right area to post this, but anyway..
I’d like to start by saying I have no connection to any business etc etc, I’d just like to relay my recent experiences.
I went into Conns cameras one day about 3 months ago, to have a look at the Fuji Xpro1.
I had a rush of blood to the head, and ended up walking out with a Leica M9-P!
When trying it out the next day, I discovered the brand new M9-P had a rangefinder calibration issue, and brought it back to Conns, who returned it to Leica for re-calibration, and in the meantime loaned me an M8, and filters for the lenses I had.
Anyway, I got the M9-P back after the focusing issue was sorted, and away I went.
However, as I used the camera, I came across a big problem, for me, in that I couldn’t see the framelines for the 35mm, let alone the 28mm lens, because I wear glasses. I took hundreds of images, trying everything I could think of, but no matter how or what I tried, it just didn’t feel right.
I checked the web looking for a solution, but apart from getting contact lenses or lazer eye surgery, there wasn’t any.
So, now I was in a bit of a state. I’d a €6300 camera I didn’t feel comfortable using.
I decided to go back to Conns, and explain the situation. There was nothing wrong with the camera, which was capable of superb image quality, it’s just that the M9-P and I weren’t made for each other. They told me they’d ring me and let me know were I stood in a day or so.
A couple of days later I got a call. I was wondering how much they’d offer trade-in. The camera was three months old, and I’d taken a lot of shots with it, trying to find a solution to the non-compatibility issue the Leica and I had.
I nearly fell off my chair when they told me they’d give me store credit to the full amount I’d paid!!!!
I couldn’t believe it!
I’d heard Conns had good customer relations, but this was an incredibly generous gesture, in my opinion.
I’ve seen comments before saying that Conns are expensive, or you can get it on the web cheaper etc etc.
Can you imagine what would’ve happened if I’d bought the same camera on the web?
Can you imagine trying to get the calibration issue sorted via some mail order camera dealer?
And, what would the situation be when I’d discovered I wasn’t happy with using the camera?
The situation would be ‘Tough cookies kiddo, you made your choice’.
Apart from anything, this experience shows it’s not necessarily a great idea buying some piece of camera equipment you haven’t actually tried, which you may end up doing when buying from the web.Irish businesses and companies get a lot of bad press, sometimes entirely justified.
So, I think it should also be highlighted when an Irish business performs with a bit of class and style, which in my opinion is the case here.
So well done Conns Cameras.
I know it’s the only place I’ll be purchasing camera gear in the future.
RogGood to hear a bit of refreshing news about an Irish business. Well done Conns.
well done conns and well done you for sharing !….i just wish i had the money to shop in conns :-( its sad but true that equipment can be got for a much cheaper price on the internet . you are basically hoping though that nothing goes wrong because the chances of any issues being settled satisfactorily are minimal .
Well done Conns !. I had a good experience here in Cork with McSweeney’s when I bought my first DSLR and Nikon D70.
A friend put his CF card into it and bent the pins. In fairness it shouldn’t really have been covered by the warranty as it was
damage via misuse, but they sent it off to Nikon and got it repaired for me for free. Can’t ask for more.Oh, what are you going to buy with your refund ? :)
Mark wrote:
Oh, what are you going to buy with your refund ? :)
Not so much “going to” Mark.
Got a Fuji xPro1 body, 27mm f2, 53mm f1.4, 90mm f2.4 Macro, Grip, Fuji-Leica M adapter, and a Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II, and I still have €500 credit! :D
I have to say, after only trying the Fuji for a day, it suits me 1000% better than the Leica. I knew the hybrid viewfinder from the x100, and for anyone wearing glasses it’s a joy to use. the image quality from both camera and lenses is super, and I can even use Leica glass with it.
I tried to like the Leica when I got it, whereas with the Fuji, it was love at first sight.
I’m delighted with it, and making the switch was the best move I’ve made photographically.
Reviews are all well and good, but it’s only through using the equipment yourself can you really tell wheither or not somethings right for you.
RogI never had any issues with the above.
I always found them to be a very professional & competent outfit.Good to hear about decent customer service, the last line of your post says it all and if
all camera shops did the same they too would have customers for life!Great to hear in this day and age of good customer service, its a pity it is the exception to the rule!! Well done Conns
Cheers Steve
The M9-P issue was probably a “Kulanz-Sache” (goodwill matter) that Conns checked with Leica themselves, but full marks to Conns for their customer service. You wouldn’t find that e.g. at Mercedes-Benz, not that I’m in the market…..(general whinge here, apologies).
…I’m in Galway and I also noted that some Irish businesses must be getting some sort of good deal or be having an epiphany. I can now e.g. buy a new D800 for €200 less at a local shop (and it actually physically exists, I can see it in the shop window :)) than I could through the web….wonders never cease…!Conns really are one of a kind, they’ve done so many fantastic things to help me out when I’ve been in need of gear or even just curious to purchase something. The last two times I was in there they offered me discounts on a few bags and ended putting an express order on a Lowepro bag I needed then they knocked €15 off the price of a monopod because they didn’t have the exact one I wanted.
They really do have absolutely fantastic customer service, that has kept me going back to their shop. I can’t walk in the door without being asked by 3 different people if I need assistance! It’s a brilliant shop with great staff. It’s awesome to hear what they did for you, nowhere else would have done such a thing!
What a great compliment to the Customer Service provided by Conn’s Cameras.
It is very true and must be stated that you while you might save yourself $50-100 or similar amount of €, it will always only be a short gain.
When you eventually hand over your hard earned in money for gear, particularly in these times. It’s very comforting to know that you have that support. Also not to mention the every day necessities such as free sensor cleaning for the lifetime of the camera.
It’s no wonder that the shop is always packed every time I go past.
Niall
NB No affiliation to any camera shop anywhere… Just a customer!!
I can’t say enough good things about Conns Cameras.
Every piece of equipment I have is purchased in Conn Cameras.
My advice is when purchasing that sought after piece of equipment (Big Money Spend) by in Ireland but for me it’s Conns cameras always.Joe
I bought the Fuji X100 in Conns when it came out. After a few months it suffered the infamous Sticky Aperture Blades issue. I went into Conns and they immediately offered to send it back for repair, and gave me a brand new X100 to tide me over. Apart from the after sale service I find that they really explain the benefits of every camera to prospective buyers and try to ensure that you are happy before you buy.
I don’t find them that expensive. They do sell some high end cameras, (they recently sold the M Monochrom) but they have a great selection to suit all wallets, and have some bargains in their 2nd hand section.
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