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View Full Version : Cheap parts =easy warranty void


lavajunkie
September 22nd, 2003, 10:03 PM
Aloha-
I thought I'd alert S2 users or prospective users that Fuji, at least in the US, considers tarnished/corroded exterior screws as well as other cheap parts as signs of "liquid damage" which voids the warranty.
I bought my first S2 in Dec. '02 and sent it in for repair last month as the play button began to function intermittently, the function button ceased to function, and I was getting occasional ERR messages when I grasped the camera by the thumbgrip to change position while it was writing files.
Fuji USA cited corrosion to the exterior screws and the hinge pin on the compact flash door as evidence of "liquid damage", voided the warranty, and offered a replacement for a measly $1818 US.
I bought a backup to the first S2 in late May this year, and it is already showing similar signs of corrosion to the exterior screws and the hinge pin on the CF door. I live in Hawai'i, which is of course near the ocean and often humid, but neither camera has been exposed to "liquid" unless you count sweaty hands, and both are stored in a dehumidified environment when they are not in use in the field.
It seems to me that instead of using stainless screws and hingepin, Fuji is using cheaper parts that are more susceptible to environmental degradation as an easy out to their warranty obligations.
Any other S2 users in humid &/or coastal locations have similar problems?
Aloha-
David

Swampy
September 22nd, 2003, 10:16 PM
I'm often at the beach, but don't live there (about 7 miles out as the bird flies). I treat my camera like crap when it comes to storing it. Right now, it's in a backpack on the floor next to me. Last night, it was in my garage on the tripod exposed all night/day before. Night before last, it sat on top of the backpack on the floor. My camera usually sees about 8-10 hours a week at the beach though. I've also had some occasional ocean spray hit the camera as well.

1 screw, right at the top right side of the camera, has "corrosion" on it. Didn't appear to be dirt. The rest of the screws look good. If they void my warranty because of that, I think it may be time for me to move on to another manufacturer since that screw is right at the top part of the palm of my hand. Plenty of sweat there on a hot day outing.

Swampy
September 22nd, 2003, 10:17 PM
BTW, no need to double post. If you could, please go to the "Problems" section and remove that post by hitting edit, checking the check mark at the top left, then hitting the delete button at the top right.

Thanks!