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From: alexisp@ihuxk.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.rec.photo
Subject: mail order rip-offs
Message-ID: <386@ihuxk.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 13-Jul-83 09:41:45 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihuxk.386
Posted: Wed Jul 13 09:41:45 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 14-Jul-83 21:24:12 EDT
Organization: BTL Naperville, Il.
Lines: 34

(first of all, I am not a regular reader of this newsgroup, so this entire
discussion may be a repeat of an old, well-worn, topic)

Pardon my naivete, but recently I decided to buy my first SLR (I have used
several different ones, and even helped others to buy them, but now it was
my turn), and picked the Pentax Super Program. The main new feature of
the super program is that it canmake fully automatic exposures, but only
when used with the new series A lenses from Pentax. the camera will take
any of the existing K mount lenses, but then only aperture priority auto
exposure is available. (so much for the intro).

I bought "modern photography", and started checking out the prices of
the mail order houses. now, i realize that these companies are not out
to become my friends, but i 3was amazed to find that fully HALF of all the
ads were DELIBERATELY MISLEADING. in particular, the camera was
advertised as: NEW!!Pentax Super Pro. wF1.7 ....229.95
but when you call, you find out that this is for the standard 1.7 lens, and
that "the series A-lens? that's 20 dollars more....". Notice that NO-ONE
would buy this camera without the series A lens. I also ran across very rude
salesmen, who want to know only one thing "are you going to order now?".
Finally, places will advertise a camera they do not have in stock.

I ended up buying from "prestige cameras",  mostly cuz the guy took the
time to talk to me. 

Anyone out there had good/bad experiences in the mail order business?
(if prestige is the worst of the rip-off places, don't tell me!! i
haven't got delivery yet....)

				Alexis Porras
				ihuxk!alexisp

(i'll post a review of the camera if anyone is interested. Modern Photo.'s
july issue reviewed the camera)