My First DSLR D60, any words on Mack warranties?

[jiggysmb]

Hello Everyone,

I just ordered a camera from Cameta and they are offering a 3 year Mack Diamond Warranty. I found this site with loads of negative feedback on Mack back in 2007. Is this still the case or did they shape up?

I am fed up with my P&S cameras so I want to get a little more serious and with 2 new babies I want this camera to last a few years.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Beowulff]

In my opinion, all camera warranties are a waste of your money.

They're usually pushed by salesmen upselling "add-ons", to get a separate commission from the insurer (or their employer).

These days, if a camera is gonna present any major dramas, it'll be withing the 12-month statutory warranty period anyway. If it lasts a year, it'll last 5 years.

Cheers :)

[jiggysmb]

Thanks, I was more concerned with the physical damage part of the warranty. Just last night I dropped my Kodak 12MP P&S and broke the lens, with kids I assume my new cam will get a little beaten up one way or the other...

[Elisha]

it would be worth it if it covers accidental damage. Not if it is just an extension of the manufacturers warranty.

[fotogmarc]

You should be sure to read the contract carefully. Due to the depreciated value of digital these days you're camera could be worth only a fraction of it's purchase price when you need the Mack warranty. If they base your claim on actual value and not replacement value then one year after purchase they could say the camera is only worth half of what you paid for it and to repair the item costs more than the what the camera is worth.

I've never dealt with Mack, but reading numerous comments they take a very long time and customer service is quite bad.

[Mark_48]

Thanks, I was more concerned with the physical damage part of the warranty. Just last night I dropped my Kodak 12MP P&S and broke the lens, with kids I assume my new cam will get a little beaten up one way or the other...
I'm not sure if your homeowners or renters insurance might be able to provide a rider that would cover accidental physical damage specifically for camera gear. Give them a call and ask.

[tizeye]

Look at you Nikon warranty. I don't know if they are still doing it, but on my D40, the act of registering the camera provided Nikon's 2 year extended warranty...free.

[Telecorder]

Hello Everyone,
I just ordered a camera from Cameta and they are offering a 3 year Mack Diamond Warranty. I found this site with loads of negative feedback on Mack back in 2007. Is this still the case or did they shape up?
I am fed up with my P&S cameras so I want to get a little more serious and with 2 new babies I want this camera to last a few years.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Up until late last year, even BH Photo offered Mack Warranties before going to a more expensive/extensive warranty firm. Henry Posner of BHP once opined that they don't offer items that don't have a value...

Cameta Camera is one of the better firms out there and their refurb cameras usually come with a 1-year Mack. The Mack Diamond is an upgrade from the standard OEM-defects version that includes a bit more coverage...http://www.mackcam.com/DiamondService.htm

As to their history, yes, there is that. I have Mack warranties on my gear and have had to use it once on my D50 - Took ~5-weeks and got a new PCB board when it failed after 2-1/2 years. They've seemingly have stepped up their service in the last year or so as evidence by their improved/improving ratings...
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Mack_Camera_Video_Service_The_Mack_Camera_Store

If the peace of mind is desired, it's a low cost alternative to gutting it out...

[photograham]

Its basic math and business, a warranty is profitable for the company because its based on statistics and odds of you needed it fixed in X amount of years.
http://www.snagpic.com/users/img/3726/n09x0302vnsn/clear.gif

[Mackcam]

Hello Everyone,

I just ordered a camera from Cameta and they are offering a 3 year Mack Diamond Warranty. I found this site with loads of negative feedback on Mack back in 2007. Is this still the case or did they shape up?

I am fed up with my P&S cameras so I want to get a little more serious and with 2 new babies I want this camera to last a few years.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

My name is Desiree and I am the Customer Relations Supervisor for Mack Camera. Please feel free to send me a private message if you have any specific questions regarding our warranties. Thank you for your interest in Mack Camera extended warranties.

[Mackcam]

Up until late last year, even BH Photo offered Mack Warranties before going to a more expensive/extensive warranty firm. Henry Posner of BHP once opined that they don't offer items that don't have a value...

Cameta Camera is one of the better firms out there and their refurb cameras usually come with a 1-year Mack. The Mack Diamond is an upgrade from the standard OEM-defects version that includes a bit more coverage...http://www.mackcam.com/DiamondService.htm

As to their history, yes, there is that. I have Mack warranties on my gear and have had to use it once on my D50 - Took ~5-weeks and got a new PCB board when it failed after 2-1/2 years. They've seemingly have stepped up their service in the last year or so as evidence by their improved/improving ratings...
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Mack_Camera_Video_Service_The_Mack_Camera_Store

If the peace of mind is desired, it's a low cost alternative to gutting it out...


On behalf of mack Camera, I would like to thank you for writing about your positive experience. It is our intention and obligation to provide customers with quality repair service in a timely manner. We look forward to working with you in the future and thank you for choosing Mack Camera as your extended warranty provider.

[James DeRuvo DHQ]

As a recovering cameraman, I'm in agreement here. Unless you're getting an external warranty from the manufacturer. Third party warranties are essentially worthless and are cash cows for salemen and camera stores. And if it fails, like Beowulff says, it'll fail within the first year.


In my opinion, all camera warranties are a waste of your money.

They're usually pushed by salesmen upselling "add-ons", to get a separate commission from the insurer (or their employer).

These days, if a camera is gonna present any major dramas, it'll be withing the 12-month statutory warranty period anyway. If it lasts a year, it'll last 5 years.

Cheers :)