CS TAN
Senior Member
I was told by Tokina HK that lenses sold in HK has no international warranty. I have no experience with claiming warranty service with Tokina SG either.
Hong Kong Camera Gears Shopping Guide
- Thread starter CS TAN
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nottipiglet
New Member
I have already shared my experience in an earlier post... but I will share again.
I called Sigma and told them I want to calibrate my lens and if they will honour the HK international warranty card (with the laser logo). The lady told me to scan and send in the receipt and warranty card to them. After that, they were silent for 2 days. Then they called me and told me the warranty was ok and asked me to book an appointment for calibration.
I have a feeling they forwarded my email to Hong Kong to check if the warranty is valid. I suspect that they need to do some claiming/accounting since it was the HK distributor who profited from the sale.
MilleniumX
New Member
Hi,
I am now in HK and wanted to buy a Canon 18-200mm lens. Was asking around, and found varying prices.
Some of the 3-star shops on page one of the thread say that there is no longer international warranty on their lens (as mentioned in the thread), thus the price is around HKD4900.
Some shops claims they have international warranty but is offering the lens ranging from HKD4500 to HKD5000.
My question is:
1) If there is no more international warranty for the lens, would there be any difference if I buy the hK warranty version or the grey version, since both versions do not have warranty applicable for SG, and the grey sets are much cheaper at HKD4200.
2) How do I know if a particular warranty is international one or just HK one? Cos the lens could be manufactured before 01 Oct and might still have a international warranty.
3) If I buy the grey set, if really suay suay the lens have problem, how do I send it for repair? How much do I have to pay if I use the Canon SG service centre?
4) Any other things I shoud look out for?
Appreciate any comments and I am looking to buy it within these 2 days.
I am now in HK and wanted to buy a Canon 18-200mm lens. Was asking around, and found varying prices.
Some of the 3-star shops on page one of the thread say that there is no longer international warranty on their lens (as mentioned in the thread), thus the price is around HKD4900.
Some shops claims they have international warranty but is offering the lens ranging from HKD4500 to HKD5000.
My question is:
1) If there is no more international warranty for the lens, would there be any difference if I buy the hK warranty version or the grey version, since both versions do not have warranty applicable for SG, and the grey sets are much cheaper at HKD4200.
2) How do I know if a particular warranty is international one or just HK one? Cos the lens could be manufactured before 01 Oct and might still have a international warranty.
3) If I buy the grey set, if really suay suay the lens have problem, how do I send it for repair? How much do I have to pay if I use the Canon SG service centre?
4) Any other things I shoud look out for?
Appreciate any comments and I am looking to buy it within these 2 days.
Hi all,
Was considering to get a Benro Tripod from my HK trip but from what I have read from other threads in this forum, it seems like Sirui tripods are worth considering too...
I understand that Benro Tripods are much cheaper in HK than in Singapore. But what about the Sirui Tripods? Do they cost as much in HK as in Singapore as some declared?
Appreciate any advice.
Thanks.
Was considering to get a Benro Tripod from my HK trip but from what I have read from other threads in this forum, it seems like Sirui tripods are worth considering too...
I understand that Benro Tripods are much cheaper in HK than in Singapore. But what about the Sirui Tripods? Do they cost as much in HK as in Singapore as some declared?
Appreciate any advice.
Thanks.
CS TAN
Senior Member
1) If there is no more international warranty for the lens, would there be any difference if I buy the hK warranty version or the grey version, since both versions do not have warranty applicable for SG, and the grey sets are much cheaper at HKD4200.
If you do not intend to send the lens back to HK to claim warranty service, then go for the cheapest gray set you can find.
2) How do I know if a particular warranty is international one or just HK one? Cos the lens could be manufactured before 01 Oct and might still have a international warranty.
If it is a local set, the warranty card will be issue by Canon HK. If it has international warranty, the card will have the word 'International' on the card.
3) If I buy the grey set, if really suay suay the lens have problem, how do I send it for repair? How much do I have to pay if I use the Canon SG service centre?
Check to see if the shop offer 'shop warranty' for the gray set. If so, you should be able to send the lens back to the shop to claim warranty. If you send the lens to Canon SG for service, they will charge you parts and labor same as if your lens is out of warranty.
4) Any other things I shoud look out for?
local set with International warranty is running out since Canon HK no longer provide that from October onward. There are still old stock that carry the international warranty that is why you have different offers.
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betta01
New Member
Do not just scout around the main shopping district of CWB and TST.
Head to Apliu street for accessories at really good price.
I got 2 new pieces of B+W style metal screw-in hood for mine Prime lens and a Minolta style diffuser for built in flash for mine KM Dynax 7D.
Lots of other 2nd hand cameras there too.
An interesting street thats surely worth a visit!
Head to Apliu street for accessories at really good price.
I got 2 new pieces of B+W style metal screw-in hood for mine Prime lens and a Minolta style diffuser for built in flash for mine KM Dynax 7D.
Lots of other 2nd hand cameras there too.
An interesting street thats surely worth a visit!
MilleniumX
New Member
Thanks for the amazing and prompt reply. I have sort of decided to get the grey sets unless I find some shops selling the interntional warranty one at a good price.
I went out to TST and started asking around and I have shops quoting me pricings which are very low. These shops are those along Nathan Road ones with huge led lights on their sign boards. For e.g. for the lens with international warranty, they are quoting HKD4450, which is HKD400 cheaper than the "3-star" shops I asked in mong kok which has only local warranty. Then some of the shops selling the grey lens are quoting HKD3800, around HKD300 cheaper than Shang Wan area.
I am a little suspicious of the prices and lens they are selling. Is it normal that TST sells things cheaper? and is there are special things I need to check for to ensure that they are not cheating me?
CS TAN
Senior Member
I would not recommend you deal with those shops with neon lights in TST as a lot of them are 'bait and switch' shops. They quote you a very attractive price on the item that you ask and then try to sell you something else which you have no idea about the price. If you frequent ClubSnap, I think you would have read quite a bit about shops in SLS or Funan also using this trick. Don't waste your time with them.
Thank you all. I remember now, it is the exact story that I remember. However I forget where I read it. Thumbs up for both of you. I do not even think I can sneak out, but will try my best to get Tokina 11-16
if available. MilleniumX
New Member
Hmm, but if I refuse to buy any of those things they offer, then I will only have to pay the price they offer right? I am just afraid the lens they sell are fake or something.
nottipiglet
New Member
You should read the treads of people who have dealt wit these chop shops. If you refuse to buy the other things, then they will charge you 'service charge' etc...They can also take out essential items like batteries and try to charge you for it. In which case, you will probably leave and waste your time. Their intent is to chop you, and not make a loss. They have a bad reputation with nothing to lose. Why do you think you can outsmart them?
The main reason why people keep coming back with sob stories is because they think exactly like your statement above... they think they are smarter than the chop shops. In the end, kena chop and then they come back to Clubsnap to write their sob stories.
CS TAN
Senior Member
If they realize that they are unable to con you, they will just tell you there is no more stock. If they are meaner, they will make you wait for 30 minutes or so and then tell you no more stock. Don't waste your time on these shops, it will spoil your shopping mood.
I heard horror stories that they will pull the roller gate with you inside and only let you out when you buy the item...
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betta01
New Member
Lots of luck and may the force be with you when you deal with these rogue traders on foreign soil.
MilleniumX
New Member
Wow, thanks for all the insights, looks like I shall not try to buy from these shops then.
Looking at the list, then there is only one reputable shop (Tin Cheung) selling grey goods, since international warranty ones are no longer in stock.
Anyone dealt with the shops in the electronics mall in Wanchai area? I have a good quote from a shop named Di Gi Smile, but not sure if the shops in that computer centre are good?
Looking at the list, then there is only one reputable shop (Tin Cheung) selling grey goods, since international warranty ones are no longer in stock.
Anyone dealt with the shops in the electronics mall in Wanchai area? I have a good quote from a shop named Di Gi Smile, but not sure if the shops in that computer centre are good?
sinned79
Senior Member
why dun u just stick to those shops recommended and save those risk & headaches? how much pricing will it be lower going to all those troubles?
MilleniumX
New Member
why dun u just stick to those shops recommended and save those risk & headaches? how much pricing will it be lower going to all those troubles?
Hmm, I totally agree, but there is only one shop selling grey sets, which really narrows down my choices. If Tin Cheung has what I want, I am definaely happy to get it there.
And of course, there is no point for me to get the warranty ones as it is only local HK waranty.
nottipiglet
New Member
Hmm, I totally agree, but there is only one shop selling grey sets, which really narrows down my choices. If Tin Cheung has what I want, I am definaely happy to get it there.
And of course, there is no point for me to get the warranty ones as it is only local HK waranty.
If you make a trip to Mongkok, you will walk past Wing Shing on the trip to a small building called Sim City. In Sim City, you will find DC Fever and Tin Cheung. So, it make sense to check the prices of what you need in all these shops since they are really just a stone's throw away. Sometimes, the shops have stocks issued before 1 Oct. These still carry international warranty.
sinned79
Senior Member
Hmm, I totally agree, but there is only one shop selling grey sets, which really narrows down my choices. If Tin Cheung has what I want, I am definaely happy to get it there.
And of course, there is no point for me to get the warranty ones as it is only local HK waranty.
i think u are still confused.
u want to buy a x2 grey set is it? :bsmilie:
since no international warranty. even if u buy from those recommended shops in this thread, you bring back is already consider a grey set (though its local HK warranty). :sweatsm:
unless you want to buy a grey set in HK to come back to consider a x2 grey set.
duhz, really tickles me :bsmilie:
sinned79
Senior Member
to summarise:
if you manage to get an old stock in HK with international warranty = come back sg is NON grey set, means Canon will still support it.
if you buy a grey set in HK = come back sg is consider grey set, means Canon will not support it.
if you buy a local HK warranty set in HK = come back sg is still consider GREY set, means Canon will not support it.
if you take a look at price.com.hk, those listed as SHUI (water in chinese) means grey set, not even local HK warranty. Those listed as HANG means its local warranty (some may still have international warranty). The price difference is not a lot actually, so if I were you, I go for those recommended shops on this thread.
Can i Share my exp when i was in HK to get my gears? (i am an alpha user) not sure how useful it will be, but here goes:
I got myself:
1. 70200G (dcfever, 3rd floor of星際
2. joby gorrilapod (天祥）
3. ballhead （dcfever)
4. 1 battery for A55 (永成
5. cloth for cleaning (dcfever)
6. SONY Carlzeiss MC protector (SONY STYLE)
Above are my "loots", after walked in and out for about ~20 shops at mongkok, 尖沙嘴， 中环， 铜锣湾. I asked for price, and asked for discount too (including some "neon light shop" that this thread recommend not to go --- tried 2 shops only lar, coz i scare later ppl beat me for not buying .. ha ).
I always take the last recommendation of CSTAN in mind --- While visiting HK, don't just spend all your time looking for camera gears, take time to try out different kinds of food in HK. and all that I did, getting quotes, and searching for money changer are done in by the way mode
What i wanna say are
1. Those shops like 天祥, dcfever, 永成 they have few branches within the same area, or at other areas. U do not need to go in everyone of them --- they will quote u the same price (before bargain). Unless u wan to bargain or u know somebody in the shop, the price should be the same through the same brand of shop. So far, dcfever quoted me the cheapest.
2. If u wanna bring cash there, pls be reminded that the exchange rate are very different in hk from shops to shops (money changer). I had walked to at least 20 money exchangers whenever I pass by 1 along the streets. Their rate (for the past 1 week) varying from 4.4 HKD to 1 SGD to 5.8HKD to 1 SGD. The highest rate I got is at铜锣湾, opposite the exit of MTR (opposite SOGO building). With the exit of the MTR station at ur back, the money changer is at 11o clock of u (or 10.30). I change my money there, and then went back to mongkok dcfever.
3. If u wanna buy memory cards, dun buy at永成 or天祥. Instead go to星際, its like a small sim lim square, and the price for the memory cards are usually cheaper (for eg. If 永成 selling at 770 HKD, u can get 690 HKD @ 星際. The prices are stated on the products itself, so u do not really need to ask for it.
4. Dun be afraid to walk into the shops at 星際 although they look small and a bit messy, all the shops, restaurant i went to have very nice and polite ppl. Just say THANK YOU if u dun intend to buy, or u need more time to consider --- just tell them u need to think think again . Mostly customers are the rude ones --- for the 1 week duration I was there, this is what I observed.
5. After u got ur stuff, walk to the sony center at the address mentioned in the start of this thread. The sony center is just opposite the exit (D2) of the mongkok MTR station. When u stand at the exit, u should be at a Junction, look for CITIBANK. Then talk towards it. The sony is at the 9th floor of that building. U can see CITIbank and FORTRESS signboard on the building. When u at the sony service center, the process is very very simple, just bring ur stuff and receipt there, the ppl there will giv u an ADDITIONAL card, thats all. Keep the receipt and the card.
Thanks for reading the long msg... ha
I got myself:
1. 70200G (dcfever, 3rd floor of星際
2. joby gorrilapod (天祥）
3. ballhead （dcfever)
4. 1 battery for A55 (永成
5. cloth for cleaning (dcfever)
6. SONY Carlzeiss MC protector (SONY STYLE)
Above are my "loots", after walked in and out for about ~20 shops at mongkok, 尖沙嘴， 中环， 铜锣湾. I asked for price, and asked for discount too (including some "neon light shop" that this thread recommend not to go --- tried 2 shops only lar, coz i scare later ppl beat me for not buying .. ha ).
I always take the last recommendation of CSTAN in mind --- While visiting HK, don't just spend all your time looking for camera gears, take time to try out different kinds of food in HK. and all that I did, getting quotes, and searching for money changer are done in by the way mode
What i wanna say are
1. Those shops like 天祥, dcfever, 永成 they have few branches within the same area, or at other areas. U do not need to go in everyone of them --- they will quote u the same price (before bargain). Unless u wan to bargain or u know somebody in the shop, the price should be the same through the same brand of shop. So far, dcfever quoted me the cheapest.
2. If u wanna bring cash there, pls be reminded that the exchange rate are very different in hk from shops to shops (money changer). I had walked to at least 20 money exchangers whenever I pass by 1 along the streets. Their rate (for the past 1 week) varying from 4.4 HKD to 1 SGD to 5.8HKD to 1 SGD. The highest rate I got is at铜锣湾, opposite the exit of MTR (opposite SOGO building). With the exit of the MTR station at ur back, the money changer is at 11o clock of u (or 10.30). I change my money there, and then went back to mongkok dcfever.
3. If u wanna buy memory cards, dun buy at永成 or天祥. Instead go to星際, its like a small sim lim square, and the price for the memory cards are usually cheaper (for eg. If 永成 selling at 770 HKD, u can get 690 HKD @ 星際
. The prices are stated on the products itself, so u do not really need to ask for it.4. Dun be afraid to walk into the shops at 星際 although they look small and a bit messy, all the shops, restaurant i went to have very nice and polite ppl. Just say THANK YOU if u dun intend to buy, or u need more time to consider --- just tell them u need to think think again . Mostly customers are the rude ones --- for the 1 week duration I was there, this is what I observed.
5. After u got ur stuff, walk to the sony center at the address mentioned in the start of this thread. The sony center is just opposite the exit (D2) of the mongkok MTR station. When u stand at the exit, u should be at a Junction, look for CITIBANK. Then talk towards it. The sony is at the 9th floor of that building. U can see CITIbank and FORTRESS signboard on the building. When u at the sony service center, the process is very very simple, just bring ur stuff and receipt there, the ppl there will giv u an ADDITIONAL card, thats all. Keep the receipt and the card.
Thanks for reading the long msg... ha
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